How to Type Faster: Hand Position and Daily Practice

Start by measuring

Before you change anything, take the 1-minute typing test and note two numbers: your words per minute (WPM) and your accuracy. The test uses the international standard, where every 5 correct characters, including spaces, count as one word, so you can compare your results with other tests.

Retake the test once a week, using the same time limit each time, to track your progress.

Hand position

Typing quickly means giving each finger its own keys, so your hands don’t have to search for them. The starting position is the home row:

• Left hand: pinky on A, ring finger on S, middle finger on D, index finger on F.
• Right hand: index finger on J, middle finger on K, ring finger on L, pinky on semicolon.
• Thumbs over the space bar.

The F and J keys have small bumps to help you find the home row without looking. Each finger covers the keys in the column above and below its home key. For example, the left index finger reaches R, F, V, and also T, G, and B; the right index finger reaches U, J, M, and also Y, H, and N. The pinkies handle the keys at the edges, such as Shift and Enter.

After pressing a key, bring your finger back to the home row. Returning to this position is what lets you type without looking.

4-week practice plan

Short daily practice sessions work better than one long session a week. Set aside 15 to 20 minutes a day:

1. Week 1 — position and accuracy. Type slowly without looking at the keyboard (cover your hands with a cloth if needed). Your speed will drop at first; that’s normal. Goal: accuracy above 95%.
2. Week 2 — common words. Practice with simple texts and frequently used English words. Keep a steady pace without long pauses between keystrokes.
3. Week 3 — punctuation and capitalization. Practice with texts that include commas and capital letters. Use the Shift key on the opposite hand from the letter you’re typing (right Shift for left-hand letters, and vice versa).
4. Week 4 — speed. Do 1-minute rounds and try to beat your personal best without letting your accuracy drop below 95%. If it does, slow down.

A common mistake is looking back at the keyboard when you feel rushed. Resist the urge: a temporary drop in speed is the price of lasting improvement.

Accuracy comes before speed

The test counts only correctly typed words toward your WPM, and in everyday typing, every mistake costs time to delete and retype. Someone typing at 60 WPM with lots of errors may get less done than someone typing at 45 WPM with clean text. So:

• When you make a mistake, finish the word and keep going; review and correct it after your practice session so you don’t break your rhythm.
• Note which keys you miss most often and practice with words that use them.
• Choose a keyboard with solid keys and standard spacing; shallow laptop keyboards may take some getting used to.

Ergonomics: type faster without pain

Typing faster isn’t worth it if it causes pain in your wrists or shoulders. Here are some basic guidelines, in line with OSHA — Ergonomics (U.S. Department of Labor):

• Elbows close to your body, bent at about 90 degrees, with the keyboard at elbow height.
• Wrists straight, not bent upward or pressed hard against the edge of the desk while typing.
• Screen at eye level and about an arm’s length away.
• Breaks every hour to stretch your hands, wrists, and shoulders.

Our post on ergonomics when working from home covers how to set up your desk and chair. If you have persistent numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands, talk to a doctor.

Sources: OSHA — Ergonomics (U.S. Department of Labor). Updated October 2026.

Frequently asked questions