How to Increase Typing Speed from 40 to 60 WPM: 8 Proven Steps

If you currently type at 40 words per minute (WPM) and want to reach 60 WPM, you have a clear and achievable training goal. Improving your typing speed by 20 WPM takes consistent practice, better finger technique, and a focus on accuracy rather than simply pressing keys faster.

Many people struggle to improve because they repeat the same exercises without identifying their mistakes. A structured routine can help you build better habits, reduce hesitation, and develop a more consistent typing rhythm.

In this guide, you will learn eight practical ways to increase your typing speed from 40 to 60 WPM, how to measure your progress, and how to prepare for typing assessments.

Why Aim for 60 WPM?

A typing speed of 60 WPM can be useful for office work, document preparation, data entry, and other tasks involving frequent keyboard use. It can help you complete written work more efficiently, particularly when you maintain good accuracy.

However, there is no single typing-speed requirement for every job. Some employers and recruitment examinations specify minimum speeds, while others assess different skills. Always check the official requirements for your target position.

If you currently type at 40 WPM, start by measuring your speed and accuracy using the free online typing test on TypingTestSkill. Record your results so you can compare them with future attempts.

Common Reasons You Are Stuck at 40 WPM

Before trying to type faster, identify the habits that may be limiting your progress.

1. Looking at the Keyboard Too Often

Looking down repeatedly interrupts your typing rhythm and makes it harder to develop familiarity with key positions. Learning touch typing can help you locate keys without constantly relying on visual guidance.

2. Using Only a Few Fingers

Typing with two or three fingers often requires more movement between keys. Learning to use the appropriate fingers can distribute the work more effectively and reduce unnecessary travel.

3. Prioritizing Speed Over Accuracy

Rushing through a passage can increase errors and force you to spend time correcting them. Practise at a controlled pace and build speed after your accuracy becomes more consistent.

4. Practising Without a Plan

Taking random typing tests may help you stay familiar with the keyboard, but it may not address your weaknesses. A structured routine should include timed tests, focused exercises, and progress reviews.

How to Increase Typing Speed from 40 to 60 WPM

Follow these eight steps to improve your typing technique and build a consistent practice routine.

Step 1: Learn Touch Typing

Touch typing means typing without constantly looking at the keyboard. Each finger is responsible for particular keys, allowing you to move more efficiently as you become familiar with their positions.

Begin with the home row on a standard QWERTY keyboard:

Left-hand fingers: A, S, D, and F.
Right-hand fingers: J, K, L, and the semicolon key.
Thumbs: Use them comfortably for the spacebar.

The small bumps on F and J help you find the correct starting position by touch.

Practise the home row first, then gradually include the top and bottom rows. Focus on correct finger movements rather than speed during the early stages.

Step 2: Focus on Accuracy Before Speed

Accuracy provides the foundation for reliable typing. If you type quickly but make frequent mistakes, your effective performance may suffer.

Start by aiming for at least 95% accuracy, then work toward a higher and more consistent result. This is a useful practice target, not a universal requirement for every examination.

When you notice repeated errors, slow down and practise the troublesome keys or words separately. Once you can type them comfortably, return to timed tests.

Step 3: Practise for 20–30 Minutes a Day

Regular practice helps reinforce keyboard familiarity and consistent finger movements. A focused 20–30-minute session can include a warm-up, accuracy drills, timed typing, and a review of your results.

Try this routine:

5 minutes: Warm up with familiar words and sentences.
5 minutes: Practise keys or combinations that cause errors.
10 minutes: Complete one or two timed typing tests.
5–10 minutes: Review your WPM, accuracy, and recurring mistakes.

Adjust the duration to suit your schedule and avoid continuing when fatigue makes it difficult to maintain good technique.

You can practise using these TypingTestSkill sessions:

The 3-minute and 5-minute tests are convenient for regular practice. Longer tests can help you develop concentration and endurance.

Step 4: Slow Down to Build Better Technique

Typing more slowly during focused exercises may seem counterproductive, but it can help you correct inefficient movements.

Choose a comfortable pace at which you can type accurately. Pay attention to finger placement, key transitions, and punctuation. Once the movements become more consistent, gradually increase your speed.

Avoid practising so slowly that you lose a natural rhythm. The goal is controlled, accurate typing that can become faster over time.

Step 5: Track Your Progress

Recording your results helps you identify whether your practice routine is working.

After each session, note:

Your WPM.
Your accuracy percentage.
The duration of the test.
The errors you made most often.
The exercises you completed.

Compare results from similar test durations and conditions. One unusually high or low score does not necessarily represent your overall ability.

Use the TypingTestSkill online typing test to assess your current performance. If you use a dashboard or history feature, review the records available to your account.

Step 6: Practise Your Weakest Keys

Some keys and letter combinations may cause more hesitation than others. Identify your personal trouble spots rather than assuming that every typist struggles with the same keys.

For example, you might find it difficult to type Q, Z, or X, or common combinations such as “th,” “wh,” and “qu.”

Create short exercises using the letters and combinations that cause errors. Repeat them carefully, then practise complete words and sentences containing those patterns.

Targeted exercises can make practice more efficient because they focus on the specific movements you need to improve.

Step 7: Maintain a Comfortable Typing Posture

Good posture can help you stay comfortable during practice sessions.

Sit with your back supported, shoulders relaxed, and feet comfortably positioned. Keep your wrists in a neutral position and avoid pressing the keys with excessive force.

Position your keyboard so that you can type without unnecessary reaching. Take short breaks during longer sessions, particularly if your hands or wrists feel uncomfortable.

A comfortable setup supports consistent practice, although posture alone will not determine your typing speed.

Step 8: Practise with Different Types of Text

Typing the same passage repeatedly can make you familiar with that particular text without necessarily improving your ability to handle new material.

Use a variety of passages, including everyday sentences, office-related text, numbers, punctuation, and unfamiliar paragraphs. This helps you practise different combinations of letters and develop more flexible typing skills.

When preparing for a specific job or examination, practise the language and text format required by its official instructions.

How Long Does It Take to Go from 40 to 60 WPM?

The time needed to improve from 40 to 60 WPM varies. It depends on your current technique, accuracy, practice consistency, keyboard familiarity, and the difficulty of the text.

With regular focused practice, some people may make noticeable progress within several weeks, while others need longer. A four-to-eight-week period can be used as a tentative training plan, not a guarantee.

Here is one way to organize your practice:

Weeks 1–2: Improve technique. Focus on finger placement, touch typing, and reducing repeated errors. Your speed may temporarily decrease if you change an established typing method.

Weeks 3–4: Build consistency. Continue accuracy drills and use 3-minute and 5-minute tests to measure your performance.

Weeks 5–6: Increase speed gradually. Once your accuracy is stable, work on smoother transitions and a slightly faster pace.

Weeks 7–8: Assess your progress. Repeat tests under similar conditions and identify which areas still need attention.

Your results may not follow this exact schedule. Focus on consistent improvement rather than reaching a particular WPM by a fixed date.

Typing Speed Tips for Job and Exam Preparation

If you are preparing for a recruitment test or a job that requires keyboard skills, practise in conditions similar to the actual assessment.

Practise Under Timed Conditions

Use a timer to become comfortable typing within a fixed period. Include longer sessions if the official test requires sustained typing, and practise the expected language and passage format.

For preparation, you can use the 5-minute typing test and the 10-minute typing test.

These are practice durations, not confirmation that a particular PPSC, FPSC, or NTS assessment uses the same format. Check the official advertisement and instructions for your target vacancy.

Do Not Memorize Practice Passages

Repeatedly memorizing a passage may make you faster at typing that specific text, but it does not necessarily prepare you for unfamiliar material.

Use fresh passages regularly so you can practise recognizing and typing new words, punctuation, and sentence structures.

Check Certificate Requirements Before Applying

An online typing certificate may show your recorded performance, depending on the platform's features. However, do not assume that a certificate from a practice website is officially verified or accepted by an employer or recruitment authority.

If a job advertisement requires a particular certificate, check the issuing authority and accepted documentation before relying on an online result.

Best Habits to Maintain After Reaching 60 WPM

Once you reach your target, continue practising often enough to maintain your skills.

Take typing tests a few times each week.
Monitor accuracy as well as speed.
Practise unfamiliar passages instead of relying on memorized text.
Use longer tests when you need to maintain typing endurance.
Set a new goal, such as improving accuracy or gradually working toward 70 WPM.

You do not need to chase a higher score every day. Maintaining consistent performance with good accuracy is also a worthwhile goal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to increase typing speed from 40 to 60 WPM?

It varies by person. Several weeks of consistent, focused practice may be enough for some learners, while others need longer. Your starting accuracy and typing technique will influence your progress.

Can I improve my typing speed without spending money?

Yes. You can use free online typing tests and keyboard exercises to practise. Start with the TypingTestSkill typing test and track your results over time.

Is 60 WPM enough for a government job?

It depends on the position and its official requirements. Some vacancies specify a minimum typing speed, while others assess different criteria. Always consult the relevant job advertisement.

Should I focus on speed or accuracy first?

Focus on accurate, controlled typing first. Once you can type consistently with fewer mistakes, gradually increase your pace.

Why does my typing speed sometimes decrease?

Your score can change because of fatigue, stress, unfamiliar text, mistakes, keyboard differences, or the length of the test. Compare results from similar conditions before deciding that your performance has declined.

What is the best typing test duration for practice?

A 3-minute or 5-minute test is a practical starting point for regular practice. Use longer sessions when you need to develop concentration and endurance or prepare for a longer assessment.

Conclusion

Improving your typing speed from 40 to 60 WPM requires consistent practice, accurate finger movements, and a clear plan. Learn touch typing, work on your weakest keys, use varied passages, and track your progress with timed tests.

Start with the free TypingTestSkill online typing test, practise regularly, and increase your speed gradually as your accuracy improves. With a structured routine and realistic expectations, you can work toward 60 WPM while developing typing skills that are useful for study, office work, and recruitment assessments.