How Long Does It Take to Learn Touch Typing? Realistic Timeline
The Short Answer
Basic touch typing: 2-4 weeks Comfortable touch typing: 1-2 months Fast touch typing (60+ WPM): 3-6 months
These timelines assume 20-30 minutes of daily practice.
What "Learning Touch Typing" Means
There are stages to touch typing mastery:
Stage 1: Knowing Key Positions (1-2 weeks)
- You know where keys are without looking
- Typing is slow and requires concentration
- Speed: 15-25 WPM
Stage 2: Basic Proficiency (2-4 weeks)
- You can type without looking at keyboard
- Still thinking about finger movements
- Speed: 25-35 WPM
Stage 3: Comfortable Typing (1-2 months)
- Typing feels more natural
- Less mental effort required
- Speed: 35-50 WPM
Stage 4: Automatic Typing (3-6 months)
- Fingers move without conscious thought
- Focus is on content, not typing
- Speed: 50-70+ WPM
Week-by-Week Timeline
Week 1: Home Row Foundation
Focus: A S D F and J K L ; keys only Goal: Type home row letters without looking Daily practice: 20-30 minutes Expected speed: 10-15 WPM (on home row only)
Week 2: Adding Top Row
Focus: Q W E R T Y U I O P Goal: Reach from home row to top row smoothly Daily practice: 20-30 minutes Expected speed: 15-20 WPM
Week 3: Adding Bottom Row
Focus: Z X C V B N M Goal: All letter keys without looking Daily practice: 20-30 minutes Expected speed: 20-30 WPM
Week 4: Full Keyboard
Focus: Numbers, shift, punctuation Goal: Type complete sentences Daily practice: 20-30 minutes Expected speed: 25-35 WPM
Weeks 5-8: Building Speed
Focus: Speed and accuracy together Goal: Comfortable, consistent typing Daily practice: 20-30 minutes Expected speed: 35-50 WPM
Months 3-6: Mastery
Focus: Pushing speed limits Goal: Fast, effortless typing Daily practice: 15-30 minutes Expected speed: 50-70+ WPM
Factors That Affect Learning Time
Makes It Faster:
- Previous typing experience
- Consistent daily practice
- Younger age (but adults can still learn!)
- Using proper technique from start
- Focused practice (not just casual typing)
Makes It Slower:
- Ingrained hunt-and-peck habits
- Skipping practice days
- Practicing with bad technique
- Giving up when it feels slow
- Only practicing sporadically
The "Worse Before Better" Phase
Important: When switching to touch typing, you'll temporarily get slower. This is normal!
Many people quit during this phase. Don't.
Week 1-2: Slower than hunt-and-peck (frustrating) Week 3-4: Matching your old speed Week 5+: Faster than you ever were
Push through the slow phase — it's worth it.
How to Learn Faster
1. Practice Every Day
20 minutes daily beats 2 hours twice a week. Muscle memory needs consistency.
2. Never Look at the Keyboard
Cover it with a cloth if needed. Looking reinforces bad habits.
3. Start with Accuracy
Speed comes naturally. Errors slow learning.
4. Use Structured Lessons
Random typing doesn't build skills systematically. Use progressive drills:
5. Take Typing Tests
Regular typing tests track progress and keep you motivated.
Common Questions
Can I learn in 1 week?
You can learn key positions in 1 week, but comfortable typing takes longer.
Am I too old to learn?
No. Adults learn touch typing every day. It might take slightly longer than children, but the result is the same.
Should I practice longer sessions?
Quality beats quantity. 30 focused minutes is better than 2 hours of distracted practice.
What if I already type 40 WPM with 2 fingers?
Learning touch typing will temporarily slow you down, but you'll eventually reach 60+ WPM — faster than 2-finger typing can achieve.
Your Learning Plan
Week 1-2:
- Learn home row position
- Practice only home row keys
- Take our beginner test
Week 3-4:
- Add top and bottom rows
- Practice full alphabet
- No looking at keyboard!
Month 2:
- Type real text and sentences
- Build speed gradually
- Take 1-minute tests daily
Month 3+:
- Push for speed
- Target weak keys
- Enjoy your new skill!
Start Today
Begin with our touch typing guide, then start practicing with our typing test. In a few weeks, you'll be typing without looking — a skill that lasts a lifetime.