To increase your typing speed to 40 WPM, keep your accuracy above 95%, practise the right way for 20 to 30 minutes daily, type in a steady rhythm rather than in bursts, and measure your WPM every week. The most common mistake is chasing speed while making errors, which actually makes you slower. Speed is a by-product of accurate, consistent practice. Reach 95% accuracy first, and 40 WPM follows.
What WPM means
WPM stands for words per minute. In typing tests, one "word" is counted as five characters, spaces included. So 40 WPM means 200 characters a minute. Most beginners start around 15–25 WPM; 40 WPM is a comfortable working speed and the target for many government typing tests.
Why accuracy comes first
Every mistake costs you time twice: once to make it, once to fix it. A person typing at 50 WPM with lots of errors is often slower in real terms than someone at 40 WPM who barely makes any. So the goal is not "type faster", it's "type cleanly, then let it get fast."
Step by step: the plan to 40 WPM
- Fix your technique. Use touch typing from the home row, correct finger for each key. Speed on bad technique hits a ceiling fast.
- Practise accuracy drills. Type slowly enough to stay above 95% correct. Repeat common words and letter combinations.
- Build rhythm. Type at an even pace, like a steady drumbeat. Bursts and pauses waste time. A smooth rhythm is faster overall.
- Increase gradually. Once accuracy is solid at your current speed, push a little faster. If accuracy drops below 95%, slow back down.
- Test weekly. Take a one-minute test each week and record WPM and accuracy so you can see progress.
A daily routine (25 minutes)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5 min | Warm-up: home row and common words |
| 10 min | Accuracy drills at a comfortable speed |
| 5 min | Sentences and paragraphs for rhythm |
| 5 min | One-minute timed test, note the score |
Daily and short beats one long session a week. Muscle memory needs regular repetition.
Worked example (a 4-week path)
- Week 1: technique + accuracy, speed around 20–25 WPM, accuracy 90%+.
- Week 2: accuracy to 95%, speed 25–30 WPM.
- Week 3: rhythm work, speed 30–35 WPM.
- Week 4: push speed while holding accuracy, reach ~40 WPM.
This is a realistic pace with daily practice. Some reach it faster, some slower; consistency decides.
Pro tips
- Don't look at the keyboard. Looking down caps your speed permanently.
- Learn the words you type most (your name, common terms) until they're automatic.
- Warm up for a minute before a test; cold hands type slower.
Common mistakes
- Chasing speed over accuracy. Errors cost more time than they save. Stay above 95%.
- Practising in long, rare sessions. Twenty minutes daily beats two hours on Sunday.
- Typing in bursts. A steady rhythm is faster than sprint-and-pause.
- Ignoring technique. Wrong fingers and peeking put a hard ceiling on your speed.
Key takeaways
- WPM = words per minute; one word = five characters.
- Keep accuracy above 95% before pushing speed.
- Type in a steady rhythm, not bursts.
- Practise 20–30 minutes daily and test WPM weekly.
Practice task
Take a one-minute typing test today and write down your WPM and accuracy. Practise 25 minutes a day for one week using the routine above, then retest. Compare the two scores.
Reach exam speed faster with structured drills at the Professional Typing Course at HCI.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I increase my typing speed?
Use correct touch-typing technique, keep accuracy above 95%, type in a steady rhythm, practise 20–30 minutes daily, and test your WPM weekly. Speed follows accuracy.
What does 40 WPM mean?
40 WPM means typing 40 words per minute, where each word counts as five characters. It's a comfortable working speed and a common exam target.
How long does it take to reach 40 WPM?
With daily practice, many beginners reach around 40 WPM in about four weeks. Consistency matters more than long sessions.
Should I type fast or accurately?
Accurately first. Errors cost time to fix, so keeping accuracy above 95% actually makes you faster overall.
How is typing speed measured?
Typing tests count characters typed correctly in a minute and divide by five to get words per minute (WPM), then show accuracy as a percentage.