Maths, coding, AI & parents
How to learn touch typing (a free 4-week plan)
Learn touch typing with a simple 4-week plan: home row, finger placement, posture, accuracy before speed, and free typing lessons, a speed test and games to practise.
Touch typing means typing without looking at the keys, using all ten fingers. It saves time at school and work, and it is a basic skill for coding. Most people can learn it in about four weeks with ten to fifteen minutes of practice a day.
Before you start
- Sit upright with feet flat, elbows near 90 degrees and wrists relaxed.
- Look at the screen, not your hands.
- Check your speed with the free typing speed test so you can see your progress.
Week 1: the home row
Rest your fingers on A S D F (left hand) and J K L ; (right hand). Feel the small bumps on F and J. Return to these keys after every letter. Do the first lessons in Touch Typing Lessons, which show which finger to use for each key.
Week 2: the top and bottom rows
Add the top row (Q W E R T Y U I O P) and bottom row (Z X C V B N M). Go slowly. Accuracy matters more than speed.
Week 3: capitals, numbers and punctuation
Use the Shift key with the opposite hand. Practise the number row and common punctuation.
Week 4: build speed
Practise whole sentences and then real text. Play Falling Words and Typing Race to make it fun. If you want to code, try Code Typing.
Tips for faster progress
- Accuracy first. Speed comes from fewer mistakes, not rushing.
- Do not look at the keys. Cover them if needed.
- Keep a steady rhythm.
- Short daily sessions beat long ones.
- Take breaks to rest your hands.
What is a good typing speed?
Typing speed is measured in words per minute (WPM). Under 20 is a beginner, 40 is average, 60 is comfortable for office work, and 80 or more is fast.
Common questions
How long does it take to learn touch typing?
About four to six weeks of daily practice for most people.
At what age can children learn to touch type?
From about age 7 or 8, once their hands are big enough to reach the keys comfortably.
Is typing speed or accuracy more important?
Accuracy. A fast typist who makes many mistakes loses time fixing them.
Are the typing lessons free?
Yes, free with no sign-up.
This guide is general information. For exams, follow your school, teacher and official exam board, and use your own judgement about what suits your child.