10 Tips to Improve Your Typing Speed

1. Master Proper Hand Placement

The foundation of fast typing starts with correct hand positioning. Place your fingers on the home row keys — A, S, D, F for your left hand and J, K, L, ; for your right. Your index fingers should rest on F and J, which have small raised bumps for tactile reference. Learn more about proper technique in our touch typing guide.

2. Don't Look at the Keyboard

Touch typing means keeping your eyes on the screen, not the keys. It feels slow at first, but resisting the urge to peek will train your muscle memory and dramatically increase speed over time. The science behind muscle memory explains why this works so well.

3. Practice Daily

Consistency beats intensity. Even 15 minutes of focused practice each day is more effective than occasional hour-long sessions. Use the typing test on our homepage to track your WPM and accuracy over time.

4. Focus on Accuracy First

Speed follows accuracy. If you're making lots of mistakes at 60 WPM, slow down to 40 WPM and type correctly. Once accuracy is consistently above 95%, gradually push for higher speeds. According to research from Aalto University, the average typing speed is around 52 WPM, so don't be discouraged.

5. Use All Ten Fingers

Many self-taught typists use only a few fingers. Transitioning to all ten fingers takes effort but unlocks significantly faster speeds and reduces fatigue during long sessions.

6. Learn Common Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcuts like Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, Ctrl+Z, and Ctrl+S save time and keep your flow uninterrupted. The less you reach for the mouse, the more productive you become. Check out our productivity tips for professionals for more shortcuts.

7. Maintain Good Posture

Sit upright with feet flat on the floor. Your wrists should float above the keyboard, not rest on the desk. Good posture prevents strain and lets you type longer without discomfort. For keyboard recommendations, see our ergonomic keyboards guide.

8. Break Down Difficult Words

When you encounter words that slow you down, practice them in isolation. Our lessons page lets you focus on specific areas that need improvement.

9. Set Realistic Goals

Track your progress weekly. If you're at 40 WPM, aim for 50 first — not 100. If you're ready for a bigger challenge, read our guide to reaching 100 WPM.

10. Make It Fun

Turn practice into a game. Compete on leaderboards, challenge friends, or try survival mode on TypingTest.one. Engagement is the secret ingredient to lasting improvement.

Related reading: building strong typing skills.