How to Improve Your Typing Speed and Accuracy

By HSP · Published October 3, 2026 · 2 min read · Productivity & Skills

Typing faster saves time every day, whether you write emails, code or school assignments. The average person types around 40 words per minute (WPM). Professional typists reach 65 to 80, and enthusiasts exceed 100. The path to speed is mostly about accuracy and technique, not frantic effort.

How WPM is measured

A “word” in typing tests is five characters, including spaces. If you type 300 characters in one minute, that is 60 gross WPM. Net WPM subtracts errors, so accuracy counts. You can measure yours with the typing speed test, which reports speed and accuracy.

Fix your setup first

• Sit upright with your feet flat and wrists in a neutral position.
• Keep elbows near a right angle and the screen at eye level.
• Use a keyboard that feels comfortable. Mechanical is not required.

Learn touch typing

Place your fingers on the home row: A S D F for the left hand and J K L ; for the right. The small bumps on F and J help you find the position without looking. Each finger is responsible for specific keys. Looking at the keyboard may feel faster at first, but it caps your speed. Cover the keys if you must.

Accuracy first, then speed

Type slowly enough to make very few errors, ideally above 95% accuracy. Speed comes naturally as your muscle memory strengthens. Rushing creates errors, and fixing each one costs more time than typing carefully.

A simple practice plan

1. Practice 10 to 15 minutes daily; short, regular sessions beat one long weekly session.
2. Start with common words and short passages, then move to longer text.
3. Look ahead a few words while typing so your rhythm stays smooth.
4. Review the letters you miss most often and drill them.
5. Test once a week and record your WPM to see progress.

Common mistakes

• Hitting backspace for every tiny slip while reading, which breaks your flow
• Using only two or three fingers
• Tensing shoulders and hands, which causes fatigue and strain

Check your writing too

When you write for work or school, pair practice with the word counter to keep track of length and reading time. Take breaks every 30 minutes to protect your hands and wrists.