How to Increase Typing Speed from 40 WPM to 80 WPM

Typing is the primary way we communicate with computers. For most professionals, writers, and developers, typing speed is the main bottleneck in their work. If you type at 40 words per minute (WPM), you are spending twice as much time writing emails, code, or documentation as someone typing at 80 WPM. Doubling your speed from 40 WPM to 80 WPM can save you hours of work each week.

Going from 40 WPM to 80 WPM is a realistic goal. 40 WPM is the average typing speed for most people, but it usually relies on some hunt-and-peck habits. 80 WPM is the professional standard, where typing becomes automatic and effortless. In this article, we'll explain how to break through your plateaus and double your typing speed.

The 40 WPM Plateau: Why You're Stuck

Most typists get stuck around 40 WPM because they have hit the limits of their typing habits. Hunt-and-peck typists look down at the keyboard, locate the key visually, press it with one or two fingers, and then look back up at the screen. This process is too slow to ever reach 80 WPM.

To break past 40 WPM, you must transition to touch typing. Touch typing means typing without looking at the keys, relying entirely on muscle memory. It can feel frustrating at first because you have to unlearn old habits, but it is the only way to reach higher speeds.

"If you want to type faster, you have to stop looking at the keys. Your eyes are simply too slow compared to your fingers' muscle memory."

Step 1: Anchor Your Hands on the Home Row

Touch typing relies on anchoring your hands on the home row keys. Rest your fingers on A-S-D-F for the left hand and J-K-L-; for the right. Your thumbs should rest over the Spacebar. The small ridges on the 'F' and 'J' keys help you find the correct alignment by feel.

Every key on the keyboard is assigned to a specific finger. When you press a key, your finger should reach out to it and then return immediately to the home row. This ensures your hands remain aligned and ready for the next keystroke.

Step 2: Prioritize Accuracy Over Speed

When trying to type faster, it is easy to make the mistake of rushing, which leads to errors. Hitting the Backspace key to fix mistakes is the ultimate speed killer. Fixing a single error requires three keystrokes (Backspace, Correct Key, Next Key) plus the time it takes to notice the error and realign your focus. A single typo can drop your typing speed from 90 WPM to 30 WPM during that sequence.

Aim for a consistent accuracy rate of 97% or higher. If you make mistakes, slow down until your fingers move accurately, then let speed build naturally.

Step 3: Develop a Steady Typing Rhythm

Many typists type simple words quickly and freeze on difficult ones. This choppy rhythm increases fatigue and leads to errors. Try to maintain a steady, metronome-like beat. Slow down slightly on difficult letter transitions so you can maintain a steady flow.

Step 4: Use an Adaptive Typing Trainer

Traditional typing lessons ask you to type the same paragraphs repeatedly. This is an inefficient way to learn. Effective practice requires targeting your weak spots. If you struggle with transitions involving the letter 'P' or 'Q', you should practice exercises that target those keys.

TypeForge AI uses real-time telemetry to track your finger movements. If our system detects that you struggle with a specific key transition, it automatically creates custom exercises to help you master that movement, saving you time and effort.