FastFingers / Guides / Increase typing speed
How to increase your typing speed
You get faster by making fewer mistakes, using all ten fingers without looking, and practising a little every day on the keys that slow you down. Here is a plan you can start today.
1. Measure where you are
Take a 30-second typing test three times and note your average speed in words per minute (wpm) and your accuracy. One word is counted as 5 characters, so the number is comparable between sites and texts.
2. Fix accuracy before speed
Every mistake costs a backspace and a retype, and it breaks your rhythm. Aim for 96% accuracy or better. If you are below that, slow down on purpose until your mistakes drop; speed follows.
3. Learn touch typing
Keep your fingers on the home row (A S D F and J K L ;) and let each finger own its keys. Looking at the keyboard caps most people around 40 wpm. Our touch typing guide shows the finger map and a two-week plan.
4. Practise 10 to 15 minutes a day
Short daily sessions beat one long session a week, because muscle memory forms over repeated days. Set a daily goal and keep a streak going.
5. Drill your slowest keys and letter pairs
Most people lose time on a handful of keys and pairs (often b, y, numbers, and pairs like br or ce). After each test on FastFingers, open Where I was weak to see your slowest keys and pairs, then run a weak-key drill.
6. Type real text, not just word lists
Word lists are good for speed bursts, but real sentences add capitals, punctuation and rhythm. Typing a book chapter by chapter keeps practice interesting.
7. Keep a steady rhythm
Typing evenly is faster than bursts followed by pauses. Watch your consistency score and the rhythm chart on each test, and read one word ahead while you type the current one.
8. Relax your hands and sit well
Keep wrists level, shoulders loose and the screen at eye height. Tension slows you down and tires you out.
9. Break plateaus with harder material
If you are stuck, add punctuation and numbers, try 60-second tests, or type code. Then go back to plain words; your speed usually jumps.
10. Track progress weekly, not test by test
Single tests go up and down. Look at your weekly average speed and accuracy instead.
Questions
How long does it take to type faster?
With 10 to 15 minutes of focused practice a day, many people see a clear gain within two to four weeks. Switching to touch typing can cause a short dip before you get faster.
What is a good typing speed?
Around 40 wpm is a commonly cited average. 60 to 80 wpm is strong for everyday work, and 100 wpm or more is fast. See what is a good typing speed.
Is accuracy or speed more important?
Accuracy. Mistakes cost more time than they save, and practising errors builds the wrong habits. Get to 96% or better, then push speed.
Can I practise typing for free?
Yes. FastFingers is free: typing tests, stories, drills on your weak keys, daily challenges and leaderboards.