Typing speed is an essential skill in today’s digital age, especially for professionals, students, and anyone who spends considerable time working on a computer. Whether you’re a student trying to complete assignments quickly, a professional handling large volumes of emails or reports, or someone interested in increasing your productivity, being able to type at 90 words per minute (WPM) or faster can make a significant difference. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore effective strategies, techniques, and tools to help you achieve the goal of typing over 90 WPM.
Understanding Typing Speed
Before diving into tips and techniques, let’s understand what typing speed means and why it’s important.
WPM (Words Per Minute) refers to the number of words you can type in one minute, based on a standardized test. A “word” in this context is considered to be five characters long, including spaces and punctuation. For instance, if you type 450 characters in one minute, that would be counted as 90 WPM.
Typing speed is not only about how fast your fingers move across the keyboard but also about accuracy, rhythm, and muscle memory. To type at over 90 WPM, you need to develop a balance of speed and precision.
Why Is Typing at 90 WPM Important?
Achieving over 90 WPM can have several advantages:
- Increased Productivity: Typing quickly and efficiently allows you to get more done in less time, making you more productive.
- Time Efficiency: You can complete tasks like writing emails, typing documents, and coding faster, saving you hours each week.
- Career Advancement: Many jobs, especially in fields like data entry, transcription, journalism, or customer service, require fast typing speeds. Employers often seek candidates who can type at a high rate of speed.
- Academic Success: For students, being able to type quickly allows them to complete assignments, research papers, and notes faster.
Steps to Reach Over 90 WPM
Achieving a typing speed of over 90 WPM might seem like a daunting task, but with consistent practice, dedication, and the right techniques, it is entirely possible. Here are some effective steps to help you reach this goal.
1. Assess Your Current Speed
Before you can improve, it’s important to know where you stand. Take a typing test to assess your current WPM. There are various online typing test tools available that can help you measure your typing speed accurately. Some popular platforms include:
- TypingClub
- 10FastFingers
- Key Hero
- Ratatype
These platforms also track your accuracy, so you’ll be able to identify the areas where you need to improve. Regular assessments will help you monitor your progress and stay motivated.
2. Learn Proper Finger Placement
One of the most crucial aspects of typing quickly and accurately is using the correct finger placement. Touch typing, which involves typing without looking at the keyboard, is essential for reaching high typing speeds. To master this skill:
- Home Row Position: Place your fingers on the home row keys, which are A, S, D, F, J, K, L, and ; (semicolon). Your fingers should rest lightly on these keys, and you should use your index fingers to press the F and J keys, which often have small bumps to help you locate them without looking.
- Proper Hand Movements: Keep your fingers in a relaxed position and move them only as necessary. Avoid unnecessary movement, as this can slow you down. Practice pressing the correct keys with the appropriate fingers.
- Don’t Look at the Keyboard: To improve your touch typing skills, avoid looking at the keyboard while typing. This forces you to rely on your muscle memory, which helps you increase speed over time.
3. Practice Regularly
To get over 90 WPM, regular practice is essential. Typing speed doesn’t improve overnight. Consistent daily practice will help develop muscle memory and improve your speed over time. Even if you only practice for 15–30 minutes a day, you will see progress. Make sure to:
- Start Slow: Focus on accuracy first. Typing at a fast pace with errors is counterproductive. It’s better to type slowly and accurately than quickly with mistakes. Once you achieve consistent accuracy, gradually increase your speed.
- Use Online Typing Lessons: Websites like TypingClub, Key Hero, and Typing.com offer structured lessons that guide you through the process of improving both speed and accuracy. These lessons are designed to teach you proper finger placement, rhythm, and typing techniques.
4. Focus on Accuracy First
Many people make the mistake of focusing too much on speed at the expense of accuracy. Typing quickly with lots of mistakes won’t improve your WPM in the long run. Instead, prioritize accuracy and correct finger placement. As you become more accurate, your speed will naturally increase.
Here are some tips to improve your accuracy:
- Slow Down: When you first start practicing, don’t worry about speed. Take your time to ensure each key is pressed correctly.
- Correct Mistakes Immediately: If you make a mistake while typing, don’t let it linger. Correct it right away to avoid developing bad habits.
- Focus on Difficult Keys: If you find certain keys or combinations challenging, spend extra time practicing those until they become second nature.
5. Develop a Rhythm
Typing is not just about speed; it’s also about finding a rhythm. If you’re constantly speeding up and slowing down, your typing will become erratic, and your WPM will suffer. A steady rhythm is essential for maintaining a consistent typing speed.
- Breathing and Relaxing: Tension in your hands and fingers can slow you down. Take deep breaths and try to stay relaxed as you type. A relaxed posture and hand position will improve your efficiency.
- Focus on Flow: Don’t stop to think about each key you press. Instead, develop a natural flow where your fingers move without hesitation.
6. Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Learning and using keyboard shortcuts can help you save time and avoid unnecessary hand movement. For example:
- Ctrl + C to copy
- Ctrl + V to paste
- Ctrl + Z to undo
- Alt + Tab to switch between open applications
These shortcuts allow you to stay focused on your typing rather than wasting time moving the mouse.
7. Increase Your Vocabulary
A larger vocabulary can help you type faster. If you’re typing common words, your brain can anticipate what comes next, allowing you to type more fluidly. To build your vocabulary, read regularly and practice typing text from different sources, such as books, articles, or news stories.
Additionally, practicing typing challenging words, especially those with multiple syllables or uncommon letter combinations, can help improve your overall typing speed.
8. Use Typing Games and Challenges
To make your practice more enjoyable and challenging, consider using typing games and challenges. Many online platforms offer games designed to improve your typing speed in a fun and engaging way. These games often involve typing out words or sentences as quickly as possible, with the added pressure of a timer.
Some popular typing games include:
- TypeRacer
- NitroType
- TypingRace
These games not only improve your WPM but also make learning how to type fast more enjoyable.
9. Ergonomics Matter
Your typing speed can be affected by how comfortable your setup is. If you’re not comfortable, you may be distracted, and your fingers may move more slowly. Here are some ergonomic tips:
- Proper Posture: Sit with your feet flat on the floor, your back straight, and your elbows at a 90-degree angle.
- Keyboard Height: Your keyboard should be at a height where your forearms are parallel to the floor. If the keyboard is too high or too low, your hands may feel strained, which can slow you down.
- Mouse Placement: Keep your mouse close to the keyboard to avoid unnecessary stretching and to maintain a steady typing rhythm.
10. Track Your Progress
Lastly, tracking your progress will help you stay motivated. Use typing tests regularly to see how much your speed has improved over time. Celebrate milestones, such as hitting 60, 70, or 80 WPM, and keep challenging yourself to reach 90 WPM and beyond.
Conclusion
Getting over 90 WPM is a challenging but achievable goal. By focusing on proper finger placement, consistent practice, accuracy, and developing a steady rhythm, you can significantly improve your typing speed. Don’t be discouraged if progress seems slow at first. With regular practice and dedication, you will see noticeable improvements in your typing speed and accuracy. Remember, typing is a skill that improves over time, and with persistence, you will be typing faster than ever before!
