Speeding up your typing speed accomplishes way more than you might think. We all strive for a better balance between our work and personal lives; if you can do more, faster, then you have extra time to spend away from work projects. If people on your team aren’t waiting for you, you’re also improving the quality of their work-life balance.
In this article, we offer 10 proven strategies to increase your typing speed and accuracy.
1. Learn how to type (again)
This might seem obvious, but it’s surprising to see how many people don’t know how to touch type. Typing classes are often not taught in schools these days because it’s assumed that students are already proficient at using keyboards. MIT Technology Review says, “Most children start typing on cell phones and computers.” While this behavior enables kids to develop a form of typing, it’s a far cry from the touch typing education that traditional typing or keyboarding classes provide.
All that said, if you never learned to touch type, it’s probably not your fault. Our educational system is always changing. In the same way that schools no longer teach cursive writing, typing classes on an IBM Selectric typewriter are a thing of the past.
Paradoxically, the rise of technology that led to the removal of typing classes has also made typing classes more widely available. A quick search for touch typing shows thousands of results for free, online typing courses. So if you never learned to type, start there. No matter how fast your methods might be, it’s likely that learning to touch type will give you a dramatic increase in speed.
Some resources to help you learn touch typing or brush up your current skills:
2. Breaking bad… typing habits
This applies to those who learned to touch type, and to those who taught themselves typing through other methods. Almost every person picks up habits we should leave behind. Some of them spawn from changing times, while others are more indicative of changing environments.
For example, do you still use two spaces after a period? Chances are, if you do, you learned to type on a typewriter. This rule came into existence in the early twentieth century, adding an extra space in the name of readability. But with computers and font kerning, the need for the extra space disappeared and now only exists as something that slows down your typing speed.
If you never learned to touch type, there’s a good chance that you have some bad habits to break too. It’s common to see self-taught typists only use two or three fingers on each hand, for example. While learning the home row and touch typing is no simple task, increasing your typing speed is a natural byproduct. The more fingers you use, the faster you can hit the keys.
And that’s before we even start talking about looking at your keyboard…
3. Practice for precision typing
One of the biggest mistakes people make when learning to type is aiming for speed first. This is especially common for computer users because the backspace key makes it simple to correct a mistake.
It’s arguable that people who learned on a typewriter had an advantage. Resetting the typing head, using correction fluid or tape, and then re-typing your letters was tedious. So those people who learned to type on typewriters tended toward precision before working on speed.
“But I wanted to know how to speed up my typing, and you said that backspacing was simple!” While corrections using the backspace or arrow keys are simple, they still take time. Not adding characters to the document slows your typing speed every moment. So even if things are easier today than they were in the past, practicing for precision is still an ideal way of ensuring your typing speed is as fast as possible.
Remember when we mentioned looking at your keyboard? As much as you might think that helps your accuracy, you’re hurting yourself. Increasing your typing speed relies on being able to spot your mistakes when they happen. If you’re moving your eyes back and forth between your keyboard and your screen, there’s a good chance you’ll miss a mistake when it happens.
4. Focus on accuracy before speed
To further hammer this point home: When it comes to improving your typing skills, accuracy should always take precedence over speed. It might be tempting to push yourself to type faster, but rushing often leads to mistakes, which can slow you down in the long run. Focusing on accuracy first creates a solid foundation that will naturally lead to increased speed over time.
Start by typing at a comfortable pace, making sure each keystroke is correct. Pay close attention to common errors and work on reducing them. As you become more accurate, your fingers will develop muscle memory, allowing you to type faster without sacrificing precision.
Remember, correcting errors takes time and interrupts your flow. By prioritizing accuracy, you’ll minimize these interruptions, ultimately leading to a smoother and faster typing experience. So, slow down, focus on hitting the right keys, and let speed come naturally as your accuracy improves.
5. Use tools and technology
We would be remiss if we didn’t spend at least some time talking about technology and how it can help you speed up your typing. Spend some time looking at what you type daily. Find the words, phrases, and paragraphs that you repeat. Now open up TextExpander and leverage the power of automation.
I haven’t typed a coworker’s full name in ages. I have saved each of them as a TextExpander Snippet so that I only need to type ;bm and TextExpander turns that into “Brad McCarty.” Likewise, I haven’t typed “Denver, Colorado” since moving here. ;dco does that for me. ;add is my home address, ;wem is my work email, ;pem is my personal email address, and so on.
If you happen to work in customer service or some other field where you chat with people frequently, text expansion is a game changer. While touch typing and decreasing mistakes can save you some time, people are saving literal hours each month using TextExpander. Instead of typing out the same paragraphs of text, or copy-pasting them from a document time and again, you can expand them with just a few keystrokes.
This goes back to an earlier point where we talked about something as simple as your typing speed increasing your quality of life at work. Think about how much more productive you and your team could be if you could eliminate needless mouse movement and keystrokes.
6. Optimize your typing environment
Your work environment can significantly influence your typing speed and accuracy. A well-organized, comfortable space allows you to focus better and type more efficiently, while a cluttered or uncomfortable setup can slow you down and lead to errors.
Start by ensuring your workspace is clean and free of distractions. Keep only the essentials on your desk to maintain a clear, focused area. Position your monitor at eye level to prevent neck strain, and adjust your chair so that your feet are flat on the floor, with your elbows bent at about a 90-degree angle when typing.
Good lighting is also crucial. Straining to see your keyboard or screen can slow down your typing and cause fatigue. Natural light is ideal, but if that’s not possible, make sure you have adequate artificial lighting that doesn’t cause glare on your screen.
Finally, consider your keyboard and mouse placement. They should be within easy reach and at a height that doesn’t cause you to hunch or stretch. A comfortable setup promotes better posture, reduces strain, and ultimately leads to more efficient typing. By optimizing your typing environment, you create a space that supports both speed and accuracy, allowing you to work more effectively.
7. Fine-tune your ergonomics
If your wrists have ever ached after a long workday, you’ve learned an important lesson: Ergonomics matter. The touch typing method relies on minimal hand movement. Minimal hand movement relies on you sitting in a proper position. If you’ve never practiced good ergonomics before, it may not feel comfortable for you. But after a while, it will not only make you feel more comfortable, but it will also help increase your typing speed.
Here are ten tips to improve your typing ergonomics today:
- Maintain proper posture: Sit up straight with your back supported by the chair, feet flat on the floor, and knees at a 90-degree angle.
- Position your keyboard correctly: Keep your keyboard at elbow height, with your wrists straight and your forearms parallel to the floor to reduce strain.
- Use a light touch: Avoid pounding the keys. Use a gentle, quick keystroke to minimize stress on your fingers and wrists.
- Keep your wrists neutral: Your wrists should hover slightly above the keyboard, not resting on the desk. Use a wrist rest if necessary, but only during breaks in typing.
- Take regular breaks: Pause every 20-30 minutes to stretch your hands, arms, and shoulders. This reduces muscle fatigue and prevents repetitive strain injuries.
- Adjust your monitor height: Position your monitor so that the top of the screen is at or just below eye level. This helps prevent neck strain.
- Use an ergonomic keyboard: Consider using a split or curved ergonomic keyboard that allows for a more natural hand and wrist position.
- Practice proper hand placement: Keep your fingers relaxed and use the home row as a reference. Avoid overreaching by using the correct fingers for each key.
- Optimize your mouse usage: Keep your mouse close to your keyboard and use your whole arm, not just your wrist, to move it. Consider using a mouse that fits your hand size. A vertical mouse can help prevent forearm pain.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water helps maintain muscle flexibility and reduces the likelihood of cramping during long typing sessions.
While we’re on the subject, this is an ideal time to talk about keyboards too. You don’t have to use an ergonomic keyboard to make yourself type faster, but it might help. That’s especially true if you happen to have wrist, arm, or shoulder pain from using a traditional keyboard. But what you should look for is a quality keyboard that provides some tactile feedback.
For many users, mechanical keyboards are a good choice, and they don’t have to be noisy (though we’ll admit that we’re suckers for a good clicky-clack!). We’re big fans of Unicomp’s buckling-spring keyboards. They’re not the prettiest and they’re very loud, but the keys are so comfortable and satisfying, and they’re made right in Kentucky.
8. Master keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are a powerful way to boost your typing efficiency and streamline your workflow. By mastering these shortcuts, you can perform common tasks quickly without taking your hands off the keyboard, saving time and reducing the need for repetitive mouse movements.
Start by learning the most commonly used shortcuts, like Ctrl + C for copying, Ctrl + V for pasting, and Ctrl + Z for undoing an action (press Command instead of Ctrl if you’re using a Mac). These basic commands are universally supported across most software, making them invaluable for everyday tasks.
As you grow more comfortable with basic shortcuts, expand your knowledge to include those specific to the programs you use most often. For example, in word processors like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, shortcuts like Ctrl + B for bold text, Ctrl + K to insert a hyperlink, or Ctrl + F to find specific text can dramatically speed up your document editing.
In addition to the productivity boost, using keyboard shortcuts also reduces the physical strain associated with constant switching between the keyboard and mouse. Over time, this practice can lead to a more ergonomic workflow, helping you avoid repetitive strain injuries.
To get the most out of keyboard shortcuts, practice using them regularly until they become second nature. Even software tools and browser extensions can help you learn and remember new shortcuts, ensuring that you’re always working as efficiently as possible.
9. Set typing goals and track your progress
Setting specific typing goals and tracking your progress is a great way to stay motivated and improve your skills over time. Whether you want to increase your words per minute (WPM) or reduce your error rate, having clear objectives gives you something to work towards and a way to measure your success.
Start by establishing realistic goals based on your current typing abilities. For instance, if you type 40 WPM with 95% accuracy, you might aim to reach 50 WPM while maintaining or improving your accuracy. Breaking down larger goals into smaller milestones can make them more achievable and less overwhelming.
Once your goals are set, use typing tests and practice tools to monitor your progress. Many online platforms provide detailed feedback on your speed and accuracy, helping you identify areas for improvement. Regularly reviewing this data allows you to adjust your practice routine and stay on track toward reaching your goals.
Consistency is key to improvement, so make it a habit to practice regularly. Even short, daily sessions can lead to significant progress over time. Celebrate your achievements along the way to stay motivated, whether it’s reaching a new WPM milestone or significantly reducing your error rate.
By setting clear typing goals and tracking your progress, you’ll improve your typing skills and build confidence in your ability to type faster and more accurately.
10. Have fun with typing
I learned to type in 1992, using an electric typewriter. I was never very good at using the number row, but I did pretty well at typing words. After graduating high school, I rarely used my typing skills again until I started playing online games sometime in the late ’90s. These games were text-based, which meant that I needed to hone my typing skills to keep up with conversations and combat. Sometime later, I took an online typing test and found that I averaged 110 words per minute with 99 percent accuracy.
When did that happen??
I never practiced typing on purpose. I got better as a matter of necessity. I found that if I could speed up my typing I could have more fun in the games that I was playing, and I could get more done in the time that I had to play.
Fast-forward about thirty years, and I used a similar method to teach my own kids to touch type. We would play video games together where they needed to read and then type to use commands. Though they knew where the letters were on the keyboard because they were both born into a digital generation, they didn’t have touch typing skills until video games.
I get questions about my typing speed pretty often, and I’m quick to answer that video games were the key. There are still text-based games on the market, and typing games can be a fun way to speed up your keying skills too. Just remember to keep accuracy at the forefront, and to never sacrifice it in the name of speed.
What tips and tricks do you have for speeding up your typing? What’s your own story on how you got faster? If you have some unique TextExpander uses, we’d love to hear about those too. Drop a line in the comments and let us know.
Common questions about typing
How long does it take to improve typing speed and accuracy?
Most people can see a noticeable improvement in typing speed and accuracy within a month of consistent practice. Significant gains, like doubling your speed, typically require several months of dedicated effort. However, with the right approach and regular practice, even advanced typists can continue to refine their skills over time.
How fast is 40 WPM typing speed?
40 WPM is an average typing speed that meets most basic requirements but leaves room for improvement, especially if your work or studies demand faster typing. The average typing speed for most people is between 38-40 WPM, so if you type at 40 WPM, you’re right in line with the average typist.
On average, a single-spaced page contains about 500 words. At 40 WPM, it would take you about 12.5 minutes to type one page. This pace is sufficient for most casual writing but may feel slow in situations where faster typing is required, such as during timed exams or transcription work. At 40 WPM, you might struggle to keep up with spoken conversations or lectures if you are trying to type verbatim.
How can I improve my typing speed and accuracy fast?
Improving your typing speed and accuracy quickly requires a combination of focused practice, proper technique, and the use of helpful tools. Here are some strategies to help you see fast results:
1. Focus on accuracy first
Slowing down to focus on typing accurately is key to building speed. Correct typing habits reduce the need for backspacing and corrections, which can slow you down. Prioritize hitting the correct keys, then gradually increase your speed as accuracy improves.
2. Learn touch typing
If you haven’t already, learn touch typing—the practice of typing without looking at the keyboard. This skill allows you to type faster by relying on muscle memory, enabling you to keep your eyes on the screen and your thoughts focused.
3. Practice regularly
Consistent, daily practice is essential for rapid improvement. Even just 10-15 minutes of focused typing practice each day can make a significant difference. Use online typing tests and games to make practice more engaging and track your progress.
4. Master keyboard shortcuts
Learning and using keyboard shortcuts for common tasks can speed up your workflow. This reduces the need for constant mouse usage, allowing you to stay in the typing zone and maintain your speed.
5. Use typing tools and apps
There are many typing tools and apps designed to help you improve quickly. Programs like TypingClub, Keybr, and 10FastFingers offer structured lessons and tests that target both speed and accuracy. Some of these tools even provide feedback to help you identify and correct mistakes.
6. Set specific goals
Setting clear, measurable goals for both speed and accuracy can keep you motivated and focused. Aim to gradually increase your words per minute (WPM) while maintaining a high level of accuracy. Track your progress to see how quickly you’re improving.
7. Optimize your typing environment
Ensure your workspace is set up for efficient typing. This includes having a comfortable chair, positioning your keyboard and monitor correctly, and minimizing distractions. A well-organized and ergonomic setup allows you to type more comfortably and efficiently.
8. Correct bad habits
Identify and break any bad typing habits, such as looking at the keyboard, improper hand placement, or typing with just a few fingers. Correcting these habits early can lead to significant improvements in both speed and accuracy.
