Have you ever watched someone type super fast without looking at the keyboard? That's because they use all 10 fingers to touch type! Learning to use all your fingers when typing can help you become faster and make fewer mistakes. Let's learn how to do it!
Why Learn to Type with 10 Fingers?
When you use all 10 fingers to type, you can:
- Type 3 times faster than using just two fingers
- Look at the screen instead of the keyboard
- Make fewer typing errors
- Finish your homework or projects more quickly
- Avoid hurting your hands and wrists
The Home Row Position
The secret to fast typing starts with the "home row" on your keyboard. This is where your fingers should rest when not typing other keys. Place your fingers like this:
- Left pinky on 'A'
- Left ring finger on 'S'
- Left middle finger on 'D'
- Left index finger on 'F'
- Right index finger on 'J'
- Right middle finger on 'K'
- Right ring finger on 'L'
- Right pinky on ';'
- Both thumbs on the space bar
Feel the small bumps on the 'F' and 'J' keys? They help you find the home row without looking!
Which Finger Types Which Key?
Each finger is responsible for certain keys:
Left Hand:
- Pinky: Q, A, Z, and left shift
- Ring finger: W, S, X
- Middle finger: E, D, C
- Index finger: R, F, V, T, G, B
Right Hand:
- Index finger: Y, H, N, U, J, M
- Middle finger: I, K, ,
- Ring finger: O, L, .
- Pinky: P, ;, /, right shift
Your thumbs are only for pressing the space bar.
5 Easy Steps to Learn
- Start by placing your fingers on the home row.
- Practice typing words that only use home row keys, like "dad," "flask," or "salad."
- Slowly add other keys, always returning to the home row.
- Use a typing tutor program or game (like our alphabet typer game tool!) to practice.
- Don't look at your hands while typing – this is very important!
Practice Makes Perfect
Did you know that practicing just 15 minutes every day can help you become a fast typist in about 8 weeks? That's right! You don't need to practice for hours. Try these fun ways to practice:
- Type the lyrics to your favorite songs
- Write stories about things you like
- Play typing games that show your speed and accuracy
- Challenge your friends to typing races
Remember These Tips
- Sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor
- Keep your elbows bent at a 90-degree angle
- Look at the screen, not your hands
- Take short breaks to rest your eyes and hands
- Don't rush – accuracy is more important than speed at first
Learning to type with all 10 fingers might feel slow and strange at first. Your brain needs time to create new habits. But if you practice a little bit every day, soon your fingers will know where to go without you having to think about it!
