7 best typing exercises

Random typing improves you slowly; structured exercises improve you fast. These seven drills target the specific skills that make up fast, accurate typing. Rotate through them and you will feel the difference within weeks.

1. Home-row drills

The foundation. Repeatedly type the home row (asdf jkl;) and simple home-row words until your fingers rest and return without thought. Everything else builds on this. See our home row guide.

2. Common-word repetition

A small set of words makes up a huge share of everything you type — "the", "and", "for", "that", "with". Drilling these as whole units trains your fingers to fire them instantly, which speeds up ordinary writing more than anything else. Try the words mode in focused practice.

3. Weak-key targeting

Everyone has slow keys, usually reached by the ring and little fingers. Identify yours on the statistics page, then drill just those letters. Fixing your weakest keys raises your whole average.

4. Timed speed tests

Short timed tests push you to type at the edge of your ability, which is where speed grows. They also make progress visible and motivating. Use our typing test at 30 or 60 seconds a few times per session.

5. Full-sentence practice

Real writing has punctuation, capitals and rhythm. Practising complete sentences bridges the gap between drills and everyday typing. The sentence and custom-text modes in practice are ideal.

6. Accuracy-focused slow drills

Deliberately type slower than your maximum with a goal of zero mistakes. This reinforces correct movements and cleans up sloppy habits. Speed then returns higher than before.

7. Number and symbol drills

Numbers, punctuation and symbols are often neglected, then slow you down in real work and code. Spend a little time each week on the numbers and symbols modes so no part of the keyboard trips you up.

A simple 15-minute routine

1. 2 min — home-row / warm-up
2. 4 min — common words
3. 3 min — weak-key drill
4. 4 min — two timed 60-second tests
5. 2 min — a round of a typing game to finish on fun

Do this most days and your speed and accuracy will climb steadily. Consistency is the secret ingredient.

Frequently asked questions