Free articles on touch typing, improving your WPM, and typing for work.
Proven techniques to increase your WPM — from fixing posture and learning touch typing to targeted key drills and daily practice routines that produce measurable gains within weeks.
Everything you need to start touch typing from scratch: home row finger placement, the full finger-to-key map, how long it takes to learn, common mistakes to avoid, and a step-by-step 8-stage learning plan.
What WPM does your job actually require? Benchmarks for data entry, admin, customer support, transcription, court reporting, software development, and more — plus how employers actually test typing speed.
WPM stands for words per minute — but the number on your screen is more nuanced than it looks. Learn the difference between gross and net WPM, how scores are calculated, and what counts as fast.
Every trip from keyboard to mouse costs a second. This guide covers the shortcuts that eliminate the most mouse trips — universal shortcuts, browser shortcuts, text editing navigation, and platform-specific power keys.
Repetitive strain injury affects one in ten keyboard workers. This guide covers the correct seated position, keyboard angle, wrist posture, break schedules, and stretches that protect your hands over years of heavy typing.
Linear, tactile, or clicky — the keyboard you type on affects speed, accuracy, and fatigue. An honest comparison of switch types, what the evidence says about speed gains, and practical buying recommendations.
Should you spend months relearning a new layout? An honest look at what the evidence says about alternative keyboard layouts, who actually benefits from switching, and whether the investment is worth it.
Slow typing costs students hours every semester in essays, exams, and note-taking. Learn how much time you can recover by improving your WPM, and a realistic practice plan that fits a busy student schedule.
Remote work is almost entirely written communication. What WPM do customer support, data entry, VA, and writing roles require — and how do you pass the typing tests employers use in hiring?
The average developer types 55–70 WPM — but typing speed is rarely the bottleneck in coding. Learn when WPM actually matters for programming, how to type symbols faster, and the real driver of developer productivity.
Standard drills are easy to abandon. Game-based typing practice builds the same skills with enough engagement to keep you coming back. Learn which formats build real speed vs just feeling productive.
The number row is the weakest area for most typists. Learn the correct finger-to-key assignments, when to use the numpad vs number row, and a targeted 2-week drill plan to stop fumbling every time numbers appear.
Take a free typing speed test and get your WPM, accuracy, keyboard heatmap, and personalised improvement tips in under 2 minutes.
Take the Free Test →The TypingTests.ca blog covers practical typing skills — from beginner fundamentals through career-specific speed requirements and ergonomics. Every article is written to give you specific, actionable information rather than generic advice. Where we reference benchmarks or research, we cite the source or describe the methodology so you can judge the evidence yourself.
Topics covered include: how WPM is calculated and what your score actually means; the most effective way to learn touch typing from scratch; typing speed requirements for specific jobs and careers; ergonomics and injury prevention for heavy keyboard users; keyboard hardware and layout comparisons; and targeted techniques for improving weak areas like the number row or symbol keys.
All articles are free to read with no registration, and the typing test and trainer on the main site are free to use without any account or subscription.
If you are new to deliberate typing practice, start by taking a baseline test on the TypingTests.ca homepage to establish your current WPM and identify your weak keys. Then read What Is WPM? to understand what your score means and how it is calculated.
If you currently use hunt-and-peck typing (looking at the keyboard), the highest-leverage improvement you can make is learning touch typing. Touch Typing: The Complete Beginner's Guide and the built-in Trainer on the main site both cover this systematically.
If you are already a touch typist looking to push past a plateau, How to Improve Your Typing Speed covers targeted drilling, accuracy discipline, and the most efficient practice structures.