How to Improve Your Typing Speed: 10 Proven Tips
Why typing speed matters
Whether you're preparing for a data entry job, writing reports, or simply want to work faster, improving your typing speed pays off. A higher words-per-minute (WPM) rate means less time on routine typing and more time on thinking and creating. The good news: with consistent practice and the right techniques, most people can reach 60–80 WPM or higher.
This guide covers ten proven ways to improve your typing speed. We focus on methods that work for adults and older students, and we recommend using a free typing test like TypingMonk to measure progress without sign-up or cost.
Practice regularly (but not for hours)
Short, daily sessions beat rare marathons. Aim for 10–20 minutes of focused typing practice most days. Use a 1-minute or 3-minute typing test for quick sessions, and a 5-minute test when you have more time. Consistency builds muscle memory and keeps your skills sharp.
Prioritize accuracy over speed
Speed will increase naturally once your accuracy is solid. Aim for 95%+ accuracy before pushing for higher WPM. Fixing mistakes as you go—or using "Final Only" error counting—helps you build clean habits instead of reinforcing errors.
Learn touch typing and home row
Touch typing means typing without looking at the keyboard, using a consistent finger-to-key mapping. Start with the home row (ASDF and JKL;) and assign each finger to specific keys. Keep fingers curved and use the correct finger for each key. Our typing tutorial walks you through this step by step.
Use the right test length and difficulty
Match test length to your goal: 1-minute for a quick check, 5-minute for a standard benchmark, longer for endurance. Choose a difficulty (easy to very hard) that challenges you without overwhelming you. Our WPM chart shows typical ranges so you can set realistic targets.
Take breaks and avoid strain
Fatigue hurts both speed and accuracy. If your hands feel tense or your accuracy drops, take a short break. Track consistency over time with a dashboard rather than forcing long, exhausting sessions.
Summary
Improving your typing speed comes down to regular practice, accuracy first, proper technique, and sensible test settings. Use a free online typing test to measure your WPM and accuracy, and revisit our typing tips and tutorial whenever you need a refresher.