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Advanced Lesson 109

Numeric Keypad Technique

Learn the keypad hand position, then practise the same digits on the number row.

Instructions

If your keyboard has a numeric keypad, rest your right index finger on 4, middle on 5 and ring on 6; 5 has a raised bump. The keypad is far faster than the number row for pure numeric entry. This drill works either way - use the keypad if you have one.

Finger position: Keypad home position is 4, 5, 6 with the thumb on zero. Otherwise use the number row.

Numeric Keypad Technique

Target: 30 WPM at 97% accuracy

0 Net WPM
0 Raw WPM
100% Accuracy
0:00 Elapsed
0 Correct
0 Incorrect
0 Errors left
0% Progress
Click here or start typing to begin

The timer starts on your first keystroke. Press Escape to pause where pausing is allowed. Pasting is disabled.

  • abc Correct
  • abc Incorrect (wavy underline)
  • abc Corrected (dotted underline)
  • abc Missed (struck through)

Underlined keys are the home row. Use the opposite hand for Shift where you can. QWERTY layout.

You can practise on a phone or tablet, but a physical keyboard gives a far more accurate WPM measurement. On-screen keyboards add their own delay.

Tips for this lesson

  • Keep your wrists relaxed and floating rather than resting hard on the desk.
  • Return every finger to the home row after each keystroke so your hands never drift.
  • Use the opposite hand for Shift wherever you can - it keeps both hands balanced.
  • Read one word ahead of the cursor so your hands always know what is coming.
  • Aim for the accuracy target first. Speed follows once the movement is reliable.

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