How to increase your typing speed

1. Setup a proper workplace for your self

The first thing you'll need before you sit and start typing is spacious and a comfortable workplace. Also you'll be better off working or typing on a table than your lap.

2. Believe it or not, the right body posture matters

Try and sit straight and keep your wrists at level with the keyboard, so that your fingers can properly arch over the keys. Try not to slouch too much and sit at a comfortable height.

3. Get your hand position right

Wrong hand position is the first and most common mistake people make while typing. To type better, place you hand and fingers over the keys in the 'home row' and return to that position while at rest. The home row keys are as follows:

• Left index finger on the letter F.
• Left middle finger on the letter D.
• Left ring finger on the letter S.
• Left pinkie on the letter A.
• Right index finger on the letter J.
• Right middle finger on the letter K.
• Right ring finger on the letter L.
• Right pinkie finger on the colon/semicolon (; and :) key.
• Left and right thumbs should rest on the space bar.

4. Try and practice some simple typing exercises like:

• Start with the home keys: asdfjkl;
• Type the home keys in capital letters, using the shift key: ASDFJKL;
• Now come to the bottom letters and type the bottom row: zxcvbnm,.
• Next, skip over to the top row: qwertyuiop
• Without looking at the keyboard try writing the complete alphabet.

5. Learn touch typing (typing without looking at the keyboard)

It's a difficult skill to execute at first but touch typing is generally the fastest way to type once you've mastered it. So start slowly and try to type without looking at the keyboard. Build up your speed gradually and try to stick with it even if you find it difficult initially.

6. Practice, practice and practice

Well, there are no shortcuts to practice and the more you perform the better and faster you'll get.