Ways to Improve Typing Speed

Typing is a skill that is used in many professions, so improving your typing speed will be a necessity if you want to improve your efficiency at work. Increasing typing speed is something you can learn on your own or take a coaching class. However, whichever method you decide to use, you need to be determined to practice every day if you really want to improve your typing skills.

Table of Contents

Master basic typing skills

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/a8/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed- Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a8/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Find a keyboard that you are most comfortable with. Keyboards come in many shapes, including ergonomic models designed to make typing comfortable. If the keyboard you’re using isn’t working, you can try a number of ergonomic keyboards to find out which makes working most comfortable for you. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Note the size of the keys. The larger the key, the easier it is to type. This means that you need to find a keyboard that has frequently used keys (such as letters and numbers) that are larger than the others. ^{[2] X Research Source}
A keyboard with recessed keys that match the shape of your fingertips is a good choice if you’re looking to eliminate typographical errors when trying to increase speed.
Ideally, you should choose a keyboard with keys that respond to the touch well, that is, keys that generate enough resistance to tell you that your typing has been recorded. This force also prevents you from accidentally hitting keys while typing, so you can type faster.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/be/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed- Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/be/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Get familiar with the keyboard. Most keyboards have a standard layout, but some have different characteristics or arrangements. You should read the instructions that came with the keyboard carefully to know the function of all the keys and the useful shortcuts. Once you understand the function of the keys, visualize the layout of the keyboard in your head so that you can recall it as you type. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Many keyboards are equipped with time-saving keys, i.e. shortcuts to common commands or keystrokes. Study keyboard shortcuts to speed up your typing.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/db/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed- Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/db/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Place the fingers in the correct position. The most important step to improving typing speed is to make sure your fingers are in the right place on the keyboard. Place the index finger of the left hand on the “F” key and the index finger of the right hand on the “J” key. These two keys often have raised edges, so you can feel them without looking at the keyboard. The remaining three fingers of the left hand will rest on the “A,” “S,” and “D” keys, while the remaining three fingers of the right hand will rest on the “K,” “L,” and “;”. Two thumbs on the spacebar. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Key row “A,” “S,” “D,” “F,” “J,” “K,” “L,” and “;” called the “home keys”, because that’s always where your fingers come from and back as you type.
Curl your fingers slightly when placed on the keyboard, but still relax your hand.
Make sure to place the keyboard straight in front of you.

READ More: How to Bake Onions

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/5d/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed- Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/5d/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use the correct fingers to type other keys. When you type, you will type all the keys on the keyboard from the original position. This means that certain fingers are responsible for typing certain keys for optimal performance. In most cases, you’ll use the same fingers from the “home” row to type the keys on the top and bottom rows. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Type the “1,” “2,” “Q,” “Z” and “A” keys with the little finger of your left hand.
Type the “3,” “W,” “X” and “S” keys with the ring finger of your left hand.
Type the “4,” “E,” “C” and “D” keys with the middle finger of your left hand.
Type the “5,” “6,” “R,” “T,” “G,” “V,” “B” and “F” keys with the index finger of your left hand.
Type the “7,” “Y,” “U,” “H,” “N,” “M” and “J” keys with the index finger of your right hand.
Type the “8,” “I,” “,” and “J” keys with the middle finger of your right hand.
Type “9,” “O,” “.” And the “L” key with the ring finger of the right hand.
Type “0,” “-,” “=,” “P,” “[,” “],” “’,” “/” key and “;” key. with the little finger of the right hand.
Press the “Shift” key with the little finger of the hand opposite to the hand you are using to type another key.
Type the spacebar with whichever thumb you find more comfortable.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/28/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed- Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/28/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Regular practice. As with most skills, the only way to improve typing speed is to practice regularly. The more you practice, the more you will master the layout of the keyboard and the correct placement of the fingers. You’ll also develop muscle memory when typing common letter combinations, so you’ll type faster and more accurately. ^{[6] X Research Source}

One of the best practices is to type over and over again a piece of sample text. You can find many pieces of text on the internet that improve typing speed and accuracy.
When training, focus on accuracy first. Make sure all letters, spaces, and punctuation are typed correctly. When you feel you have typed correctly, you can practice increasing the speed.
Practice isn’t just about taking online typing tests. Writing emails to family and friends, and posting comments on online forums can also help you sharpen your skills and speed up your typing.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/1a/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed- Step-6-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/1a/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-6-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Take time off to rest. While practice is key to improving typing speed, taking time off is also essential. If you push yourself too much, you run the risk of burnout, or worse, injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. When you start to feel discomfort in your hands and wrists, you need to stop typing for a while and give yourself time to rest. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

To avoid overwork, you should set a practice schedule by setting aside a certain amount of time each day for practice. Don’t forget to include breaks in your schedule. For example, you might decide to type for 30 minutes a day, with every 10 minute break.

Speed improvement

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/2b/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-7.jpg/v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-7. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/2b/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-7.jpg/v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed-Step- 7.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Look up at the screen. Your natural instinct is usually to look down at the keyboard while typing. However, looking down at the keyboard actually reduces speed and increases the likelihood of mistakes. When typing, you should look up at the screen to use a technique called touch typing. While it might be a little more confusing at first, you’ll quickly learn the keyboard layout and key placement, a factor that improves typing speed. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

When learning how to type without looking at the keyboard, you might consider using a piece of cloth, paper, or cardboard to cover your hand so you won’t be able to see the keys even if you “glance” down at the keyboard. .
While it’s a good idea to look at the screen as much as possible, you can still “cheat” from time to time and glance down at the keyboard to be sure of where the keys are.

Improve posture and position

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/5d/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-11.jpg/v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-11. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/5d/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-11.jpg/v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed-Step- 11.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Make sure there is a backrest. When typing, it is important that you choose a chair that supports your back. The best type of chair is one with a slightly curved back to maintain the natural curvature of the spine. A chair with a cushion in the lower back that provides lumbar support is also useful. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Maybe you like to lean back slightly in a chair to relieve pressure on your back. However, you should keep in mind that typing in a reclined position can cause strain on your shoulders and neck. Placing the chair a little closer to the table can help relieve this pressure.
If the chair doesn’t have a lumbar cushion, you can place a small pillow on the seat behind your back for extra support.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/30/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-12.jpg/v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-12. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/30/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-12.jpg/v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed-Step- 12.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Relax your neck and shoulders. When typing, you need to remember to relax your shoulders and neck. Usually you can do this by sitting against the back of a chair. This pose helps support your neck and shoulders, so you don’t have to put pressure on them to keep them straight. ^{[12] X Research Source}

If you’re not sure if your shoulders are relaxed, inhale and exhale slowly. The natural position of your shoulders as you exhale is usually in a relaxed state.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/0e/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-13.jpg/v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-13. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0e/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-13.jpg/v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed-Step- 13.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Keep your elbows close to your sides. Once you’re comfortable in the chair, check to see if your elbows are close to your sides. You can use a recliner with adjustable armrests to keep your elbows close to your sides comfortably. ^{[13] X Research Source}

You don’t need to use a chair with armrests if you don’t like it. Just remember to keep your elbows close to your sides even when there’s no support.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/19/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-14.jpg/v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-14. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/19/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-14.jpg/v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed-Step- 14.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Place your feet close to the floor. When sitting in a chair, you should sit upright, feet flat on the floor so that the lower part of the body is supported. Crossing your legs or bending one leg underneath will make it difficult to maintain correct posture. If the chair you’re sitting in has an adjustment, adjust the height so that your feet can comfortably touch the floor. ^{[14] X Research Source}

If the chair doesn’t have an adjuster, you may need to purchase an ergonomic footrest to make it easier for you to position your feet in the correct position.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/83/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-15.jpg/v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-15. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/83/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-15.jpg/v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed-Step- 15.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Keep wrists and palms away from the desk. When typing, you’ll be able to work faster and more accurately if you don’t rest your wrists or palms on the table or on a flat keyboard surface. Raise your hand, but do not fold it up or down, as this will cause discomfort. Instead, you need to put your wrist in a neutral position, your thumb in line with your forearm, and your wrist slightly bent back so that it is level with the keyboard. ^{[15] X Research Source}

Some keyboards and keyboard trays are equipped with a wrist pad, but it doesn’t help when you’re typing, it’s just a palm rest when taking a break. If you need to rest your hands on the mattress, rest your palms instead of your wrists.
If your chair has an adjustable armrest, adjust it so that the armrest is parallel to the floor and the wrists are in a mid position.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/b4/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-16.jpg/v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-16. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b4/Improve-Typing-Speed-Step-16.jpg/v4-728px-Improve-Typing-Speed-Step- 16.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Make sure to place the keyboard at the proper height. To type most effectively, the keyboard should be placed at a height directly above your lap, which is lower than the height at which most people place the keyboard. The benefit of placing the keyboard at this height is that it allows you to bend your arms down, from where the elbows can open to a 90-degree angle. ^{[16] X Research Source}

You may need to invest in an adjustable keyboard and mouse tray that can be attached to your desk or work surface. That way you can place the keyboard at the most comfortable height.
If you don’t have a keyboard tray, try adjusting the height of the seat for a more comfortable position.

Advice

If you decide to use chat sites, email and forums, you need to make sure you don’t get lost in abbreviations, as this will sabotage the purpose of improving your typing skills. Speed means nothing without accuracy.

Steps

Master basic typing skills

Speed improvement

Improve posture and position

Advice

Related Posts