Do you want to increase your productivity? You must improve your typing speed to 65 – 70 wpm (words per minute). The average typing speed is 40 wpm, and you can improve this number with practice and the right typing technique. Remember, typing skill is necessary for several career paths; therefore, it is necessary to become proficient in your job.
Proper training and practice are necessary to improve your typing speed. Several people resort to looking down at the keyboard or hunt-and-peck typing at the keyboard to choose the right keys. Smartphones and tablets have increased the reliance on particular hunt-and-peck strategies. In the professional world, touch-type means typing without looking at keys.
Touch typing is an efficient method, and the average typing speed is 40 words per minute. A person with touch-type method can type over 75 words per minute. As a result, they can complete their work quickly with limited errors. To learn touch typing, you must practice regularly so your fingers can learn their exact location on the keyboard via muscle memory.
What does wpm mean?
Words per minute (WPM) is commonly used to calculate the number of total words processed in a minute. It is commonly denoted as reading or typing speed. Each word should be standardized to five keystrokes long or five characters with white space to measure typing speed. Thus, the phrase “I see” is five keystrokes long, and it is a word.
It is an important skill for professionals because typing is essential to your job. A professional typist uses an alphanumeric keyboard to type almost 50 to 80 words per minute. Moreover, “rhinoceros” has ten letters; therefore, it is counted as two words. Remember, stereotype keyboards permit 225 WPM for trained and professional users compared to alphanumeric keyboards.
Tips to Increase Your Typing Speed
Do you want to test the efficiency of your typing? You can use different online typing tests and see your WPM. These programs are efficient in improving your typing speed. In several cases, you must type a particular passage, and the website will give you time to determine your accuracy and words per minute speed. Here are some tricks to increase your typing speed.
Games and Software for Touch Typing
You can type quickly by feeling the keys instead of viewing them on the keyboard. Fortunately, touch typing software tools can help you refine your typing efficiency so you can work quickly. They typically include fun games and helpful exercises that can increase your touch typing speed and make it enjoyable.
You will find several options to improve your typing game. Numerous touch typing free software allows you to practice, such as Touch Typing Tutor, TypeRacer, etc. Remember, fun games can make typing enjoyable and improve your speed.
Online Typing Classes
If you are unable to see improvement in your typing speed, you can join keyboarding or typing classes. Instructors will ensure that you follow proper posture and figure positioning to type accurately and quickly. Some schools offer typing courses. You can see available typing programs in your area.
Some online programs may prove helpful in improving your typing speed. You may not get in-person assistance, but instructions prove helpful in increasing your wpm.
Set Eyes on the Computer Screen
Initially, you try to look down at the keys while typing. However, looking at keys can slow down your typing and increase the probability of errors. For better speed, keep an eye on the screen because it is a quick way to understand the position of keys and the keyboard’s layout.
If you want to learn how to type without looking at the keys, cover your hands with paper, cloth or cardboard. In this way, you cannot see the keys. However, you can occasionally cheat to ensure you are pressing the right keys. Try to fix your gaze on a computer screen.
Choose the Right Back Support
Before typing, selecting a comfortable chair that provides appropriate back support is essential. The best chair features a marginally curved backrest to maintain normal spine curvature. Indeed, use a chair with a built-in cushion near the base of your backrest. It will give proper support to the lower back.
You may recline your chair slightly to remove excessive pressure from your back. Although, typing in a reclined posture may increase your shoulder and neck strain. To alleviate stress, you can move your chair nearer to your desk. If your chair lacks an integrated lower back cush, you can put small pillows between your chair and back for extra support.
Relax Your Shoulders
After sitting in your chair, you must keep your neck and shoulder relaxed. Try to sit against the backrest of your chair. It is beneficial to support your shoulders and neck instead of putting stress on your shoulders and neck. If you do not know about the relaxed position of your shoulders, slowly breathe in and out. Now, notice the position of your shoulders as you breathe out because it is your relaxed position.
Keep Both Elbows Close to Sides
Once you are comfortable in your chair, notice the position of your elbows. These should be tucked on both sides. Feel free to use a chair with adjustable armrests to comfortably keep elbows at the sides. If you are not interested in using the armrests of a chair, you can keep your elbows nearby your sides without any extra support.
Keep Feet Flat over Ground
After settling in a chair, you must sit up straight with your feet flat on the ground. It is important to support your lower body. Crossing your folding or legs underneath may make it difficult to manage appropriate posture. If your chair has an adjustable seat, adjust its height to comfortably keep your feet on the ground.
You should not worry if your chair lacks an adjustable seat because you can buy an appropriate footrest. It will help you to keep your feet securely in a flat posture.
Do Not Forget the Position of Your Palms and Wrists
A supported body position will help a beginner achieve an average typing speed more quickly. Avoid resting your palms or wrists on the surface of the keyboard or desk to type more accurately and quickly. You have to put them in an elevated position without bending them down and up because it can be uncomfortable.
Try to keep your palms and wrists in a neutral posture with thumbs in line with your forearm and a slight bent wrist to keep them level with your keyboard. Some keyboard trays come with specific wrist pads, but they are not designed to rest your wrists. You can use them during brief breaks when you are not typing.
If you have to rest your hands on a wrist pad, you can put your palm over it. If you have adjustable armrests on your chair, set them to keep forearms parallel to the floor and keep your wrists in a neutral posture.
Ensure the Right Height of the Keyboard
For efficient and effective typing, your keyboard must be above your lap level. Most people set them lower, which can impact their typing efficiency. Adjusting your keyboard height lets you tilt both arms down and keep your elbows at a 90-degree angle.
You can invest in a flexible mouse tray and keyboard that you may attach to your work surface or desk. It will help you to position your keyboard at a comfortable height. Without a keyboard tray, you can adjust the height of your chair to make yourself comfortable.
Find a Friendly Keyboard to Type Comfortably
Keyboards are available in different shapes and sizes; therefore, choose an ergonomic model to type with comfort. If you are unhappy with your current keyboard, you can buy a new one that offers extra comfort.
A keyboard should have all important keys, such as numbers and letters. Buy a keyboard with large keys because it will make typing easy for you. Try to buy a keyboard with concave keys that match the shape of your finger. In this way, you can decrease errors and increase your typing speed.
Understand Your Keyboard
Understand your keyboard’s layout, shortcuts and time-saving keys for common keystrokes or commands. Make sure to read shortcuts on the keyboard to increase speed. Arrange your fingers properly on the keyboard for typing. You can practice the right position of fingers through online tutorials.
Practice your typing skills regularly to improve your speed. When you type common letter combinations, your typing becomes accurate and faster. With practice, you will become comfortable with the keyboard’s layout and the right positioning of fingers. Moreover, practice is necessary to develop your muscle memory.
Final Verdict
Now it is clear what does wpm mean and why it is important in the professional world. You can improve your typing speed with practice, practice and practice. However, take regular breaks when typing because you may wear out by pushing yourself too hard without breaks.
Moreover, consistent typing can increase the chances of carpal tunnel syndrome. If you are feeling discomfort in your wrists or hands, stop typing for a few minutes and give yourself some time to rest. For instance, you can take a break of 10 minutes after typing for 30 minutes. After following these tricks, you can achieve an average typing speed.
