Decoding Speed Typing: What is a Fast WPM and How to Achieve It

In today’s fast-paced digital world, the ability to type quickly and accurately is a valuable skill. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply an avid internet user, knowing your typing speed (measured in words per minute or WPM) and understanding what constitutes a ‘fast’ WPM can be beneficial. But what exactly is a fast WPM, and how can you improve your own typing speed? This comprehensive guide will delve into those questions and equip you with the knowledge and techniques to boost your typing prowess.

Understanding Words Per Minute (WPM)

Before we dive into what a fast WPM is, let’s first understand the concept of WPM. Words per minute is the standard measurement of typing speed. It counts the number of words you can type correctly in one minute. A ‘word’ is generally defined as five characters, including spaces. So, if you type ‘hello there’ in 10 seconds and do this consistently, then, you would have typed 2 words in 10 seconds, 12 words per minute, which would be your WPM.

When assessing WPM, both speed and accuracy are crucial. A high WPM with many errors isn’t very helpful. Therefore, most typing speed tests also calculate accuracy, usually represented as a percentage. A typing speed test may measure both raw WPM, also referred to as gross WPM, which includes both mistakes and correctly typed characters, and also Net WPM, which is the more reliable speed, because it takes accuracy into account and penalizes mistakes.

What’s Considered a Slow, Average, and Fast WPM?

Typing speed varies greatly from person to person based on age, experience, and dedication to practice. However, here’s a general guideline to help you understand where you stand:

• Slow WPM (Below 30 WPM): This range is generally considered slow for most adults. Typing speeds in this range might cause frustrations when engaging in activities that require a lot of writing or when it is important to communicate rapidly.
• Average WPM (30-50 WPM): This is considered the average typing speed for many adults who use computers regularly for daily activities. While it’s functional, there’s definitely room for improvement. Most students, or people who have jobs where computer skills are needed are able to reach these typing speeds.
• Good WPM (50-70 WPM): Typing speeds in this range are considered good and allow for efficient communication and productivity. This allows people to not be held back by their typing speed, and can make a big difference when in a time sensitive situation.
• Fast WPM (70-90 WPM): This is where you start to see genuinely fast typists. This speed makes typing a very fluid experience, and allows for people to efficiently complete all sorts of typing related tasks.
• Very Fast WPM (90+ WPM): Reaching this range puts you in the realm of professional typists and transcribers. People with these typing speeds are very efficient, and have the ability to type large amounts of text quickly.

Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines. Your typing speed will likely vary depending on what you’re typing, your keyboard, and your overall level of concentration.

Factors Affecting Typing Speed

Several factors can impact your typing speed. Understanding these can help you identify areas for improvement:

• Typing Technique: Using the proper hand placement and the correct fingers to type each letter on the keyboard (touch typing) is the most important factor in developing a high typing speed. The ability to touch type means that you do not need to look at the keyboard to type.
• Familiarity with the Keyboard: Knowing the keyboard layout by heart allows you to type more fluidly. The less you need to think about where the keys are, the faster you will type.
• Practice and Consistency: Consistent, targeted practice is key to improving your typing speed and accuracy. Regular practice can help build muscle memory.
• Mental Focus: A distracted mind can lead to errors and a slower typing pace. Concentration is key to typing efficiently.
• Keyboard Quality: A responsive, comfortable keyboard can make a significant difference. A good quality mechanical keyboard can make typing much more enjoyable and efficient.
• Text Complexity: Typing familiar words and sentences will generally be faster than typing complex, unfamiliar text. This means that typing something in a language that you are not fluent in can lead to a large drop in your typing speed.
• Posture and Ergonomics: Having a bad sitting posture, and using the keyboard in an uncomfortable manner can lead to slower typing speeds and the development of physical ailments such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

How to Improve Your Typing Speed: A Step-by-Step Guide

Improving your typing speed is a journey that requires patience, practice, and the right techniques. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you on your way:

Step 1: Assess Your Current Typing Speed and Accuracy

Before you begin, you need to know where you’re starting from. There are numerous free online typing test websites available. These sites will assess your WPM and accuracy, giving you a baseline. Some popular options are typingtest.com, keybr.com, or 10fastfingers.com. Take the test a few times to get a realistic average.

When taking the test, pay attention to the number of mistakes you are making. The goal should be to improve your net WPM, and not just your gross WPM. If you find yourself having a lot of mistakes, then it may be worth it to focus on accuracy before trying to build up your typing speed. In most cases, your typing speed will naturally improve as your accuracy increases.

Step 2: Learn Proper Touch Typing Technique

Touch typing is the foundation of fast and efficient typing. It involves learning the correct hand and finger placement on the keyboard and typing without looking at your hands. Here’s how to get started:

1. Home Row Position: Place your fingers on the home row keys. The home row is the row of keys where your fingers rest when you’re not actively typing. This is usually ASDF for your left hand and JKL; for your right hand. Your index fingers will rest on the F and J keys, which typically have small bumps to help you feel their location without looking.
2. Finger Assignments: Each finger is assigned to specific keys. Learn these assignments thoroughly. The pinky fingers are in charge of the shift keys and enter keys, as well as other special characters. The ring fingers are responsible for the keys immediately to the left or right of the middle finger, and the index fingers are responsible for the keys on the outside of the home row. Your thumbs will typically be in charge of the spacebar.
3. Practice Exercises: There are many free online typing tutorials and games designed to help you practice touch typing. Focus on accuracy over speed initially. Some websites and applications with good exercises for touch typing include typingclub.com, and ratatype.com.

Step 3: Practice Regularly and Consistently

Consistent practice is crucial for improvement. Schedule time each day to practice your typing skills. Even 15-30 minutes of daily practice can lead to significant progress over time.

Here are some tips for effective practice:

• Vary your practice: Don’t just practice the same drills all the time. Try different exercises to challenge yourself. Practice with different word lists, practice transcribing something you are listening to, and play typing games.
• Focus on your weaknesses: Identify the keys or words you struggle with and spend extra time practicing them. If you notice that you frequently mistype certain characters or keys, then spend extra time drilling with these difficult keys.
• Don’t rush: Focus on accuracy first and let speed develop naturally over time. Speed will come naturally as you gain more experience, and accuracy will greatly boost your typing speeds, because you will not have to delete and retype the same words multiple times.
• Be patient: Improving typing speed takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Stay consistent, and you will improve over time.

Step 4: Use Online Typing Games and Resources

Make practice fun by incorporating typing games and other online resources. Many websites offer interactive games that can help you improve your speed and accuracy. Here are some popular options:

• TypingClub.com: A popular choice that guides you through the process of learning touch typing. This website has good exercises that help develop muscle memory of keyboard layouts.
• Keybr.com: This website uses an algorithm to analyze your typing and identify the keys that you struggle with most, allowing it to create custom exercises to improve on those keys.
• NitroType.com: This is a racing game where you can compete with other typists online in real time. It can be an engaging way to improve your typing speed, and offers a competitive element that can help keep you motivated.
• 10fastfingers.com: Offers a variety of typing tests and practice exercises with many different word lists. It allows users to compete on leaderboards, which can add a fun competitive element to practice.
• ZType.io: This is a typing game with a space invader theme, where you type the words that appear in front of you before they destroy your ship.

Step 5: Adjust Your Keyboard and Workspace

A comfortable workspace and keyboard can improve your typing experience. Here are some tips:

• Keyboard Placement: Position your keyboard directly in front of you, with your elbows bent at about a 90-degree angle. Adjust your chair or desk height until you are comfortable, and able to keep your wrists straight while typing.
• Wrist Support: Use a wrist rest or a keyboard with an integrated wrist rest to help support your wrists and prevent strain.
• Keyboard Type: Consider using a mechanical keyboard, which can offer a more comfortable typing experience and allow for more consistent key presses.
• Monitor Position: Position your monitor so that the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level. This can help prevent neck strain.
• Proper Lighting: Ensure your workspace is well lit to prevent eye strain.

Step 6: Practice with Real-World Text

While drills are important, it’s also beneficial to practice typing real-world text. Try typing articles, emails, or documents you’re working on. This will help you adapt your typing skills to different contexts and improve your overall fluency.

• Transcribe Audio: Practice transcribing audio or video content. This is a good way to practice and improve your typing speed in a real world context.
• Write Drafts: Compose your own writing and practice getting your thoughts down onto the screen.
• Participate in Online Forums: Participate in online forums or discussions that require a lot of typing to practice your skills in a fun and engaging way.

Step 7: Track Your Progress

Regularly monitor your progress to stay motivated and identify areas where you still need to improve. Take regular typing tests and note your WPM and accuracy. You should see consistent progress over time if you practice consistently.

Most typing test websites and software keep track of your performance history so you can see how you’ve improved over time. Some websites offer ways to see the individual keys that you have struggled with, which can help you find areas that need further improvement.

Key Takeaways

• A ‘fast’ WPM is generally considered to be 70+, with a speed of 90+ being very fast.
• Typing speed is not just about speed, but also about accuracy.
• Consistent practice of touch typing and keyboard familiarity will help you get faster.
• Use online resources, games, and exercises to help improve your typing speed.
• Ensure you have an ergonomic setup and a comfortable keyboard.
• Practice with real-world text to help improve your overall typing fluency.
• Be patient and consistent, your typing speed will naturally improve over time.

Conclusion

Improving your typing speed is a worthwhile endeavor that can enhance your productivity and efficiency in many aspects of life. By understanding the factors that affect typing speed, learning the proper techniques, practicing consistently, and utilizing the available resources, you can gradually increase your WPM and become a faster and more confident typist. Remember that patience and consistency are key to success. So, start practicing today, and watch your typing skills soar!