Want to type faster without making more mistakes? The good news is that typing speed is a skill, not a talent. With the right technique and a few minutes of practice each day, most people can add 10–20 words per minute (WPM) within a few weeks.
Before you start, take a free typing test to record your current speed and accuracy. That way you’ll be able to see your progress.
1. Learn Touch Typing
Touch typing means typing without looking at the keyboard, using all ten fingers. It’s the single biggest step toward typing fast. People who “hunt and peck” with two fingers usually stay below 30 WPM, while touch typists commonly reach 50–80 WPM.
2. Keep Your Fingers on the Home Row
Place your left fingers on A, S, D, F and your right fingers on J, K, L, ;. Your thumbs rest on the space bar. Most keyboards have small bumps on F and J so you can find the home row without looking. Every keystroke should start from and return to this position.
3. Use the Correct Finger for Each Key
Each finger is responsible for its own column of keys. Your left index finger covers R, T, F, G, V and B, for example, while your right index finger covers Y, U, H, J, N and M. Using the right finger every time may feel slow at first, but it builds the muscle memory that makes fast typing possible.
4. Stop Looking at the Keyboard
Looking down breaks your rhythm and slows you down. Keep your eyes on the screen. If you can’t resist peeking, try covering your hands with a light cloth while you practice. It’s frustrating for a few days, but it works.
5. Focus on Accuracy Before Speed
It’s tempting to type as fast as you can, but every mistake costs time to fix. Aim for 95% accuracy or higher first. Once accurate typing feels natural, your speed will rise on its own. Read our guide on what a good typing speed is to see why accuracy matters so much.
6. Find a Steady Rhythm
Fast typists don’t type in bursts. They type at an even, steady pace. Try to press keys at a consistent tempo, like a metronome. Slowing down on difficult words and keeping the rhythm steady is faster overall than rushing and stopping.
7. Practice 10–15 Minutes Every Day
Short daily practice beats long occasional sessions. Your brain builds muscle memory through repetition, so 15 minutes a day for a month will improve your speed far more than a few long sessions.
8. Sit with Good Posture
- Sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor.
- Keep your elbows bent at about 90 degrees.
- Keep your wrists straight and relaxed. Don’t rest them heavily on the desk while typing.
- Position the screen at eye level, about an arm’s length away.
Good posture reduces fatigue, so you can type faster for longer.
9. Practice Difficult Letters and Common Words
Notice which keys slow you down. For many people it’s numbers, punctuation, or letters like Q, Z and X. Practice those specifically. Also practice the most common English words (the, and, that, have, for, with) until you can type them without thinking.
10. Measure Your Progress Every Week
Take a typing speed test once a week and write down your WPM and accuracy. Seeing your numbers improve is great motivation, and it shows you whether your practice is working.
How Long Does It Take to Type Faster?
| Starting Point | With 15 Minutes Daily Practice |
|---|---|
| Hunt-and-peck (under 25 WPM) | Touch typing at 30–40 WPM in about 4–8 weeks |
| Average (35–45 WPM) | 50–60 WPM in about 1–3 months |
| Good (50–60 WPM) | 70+ WPM in about 3–6 months |
Everyone learns at a different pace, so treat these as rough guides rather than promises.
Common Mistakes That Slow You Down
- Looking at the keyboard instead of the screen.
- Using only a few fingers instead of all ten.
- Rushing and making errors that take longer to fix.
- Tense hands and shoulders, which cause fatigue.
- Practicing irregularly instead of a little every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I increase my typing speed quickly?
Learn touch typing, keep your eyes on the screen, focus on accuracy, and practice 10–15 minutes every day. Most people see results within two to four weeks.
Is it too late to learn touch typing as an adult?
No. Adults can learn touch typing at any age. It usually takes a few weeks of daily practice to get comfortable, after which speed improves steadily.
Does a better keyboard help you type faster?
A comfortable keyboard can help a little, but technique and practice matter far more. A good typist is fast on almost any keyboard.
Can I improve typing speed on my phone?
Phone typing is a different skill. Practice helps, but for jobs and typing exams, practice on a physical keyboard.
Start Practicing Now
The best way to type faster is to start practicing today. Take the free typing test, note your score, and come back next week to see how much you’ve improved.
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