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How to Properly Place Your Hands on a Keyboard

Last Updated: October 23, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD . Megaera Lorenz is an Egyptologist and Writer with over 20 years of experience in public education. In 2017, she graduated with her PhD in Egyptology from The University of Chicago, where she served for several years as a content advisor and program facilitator for the Oriental Institute Museum’s Public Education office. She has also developed and taught Egyptology courses at The University of Chicago and Loyola University Chicago. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 169,394 times. Learn more...

Have you ever wondered if you are placing your hands correctly on your computer keyboard? Well, read on if you are curious about keyboards and how to use them! In this article, we’ll teach you about the base position on a standard QWERTY keyboard and explain which fingers to use for each key.

How to Position Your Hands on a Keyboard: The Basics

• Place your index fingers on the F and J keys and line up the rest of your fingers next to them on the home row.
• Keep both thumbs on the space bar .
• From your base position in the home row, you can reach all the other essential keys on the keyboard!

• Most keyboards have a little bump or ridge on each of these keys to help you find them easily without looking.
• The row of keys with F and J is called the “home row.”

• On your left hand, your middle finger should be on D , your ring finger on S , and your pinkie on A .
• On your right hand, make sure your middle finger is on K , your ring finger is on L , and your pinkie is on ; .

• The best option is to use a keyboard that’s slanted slightly downward from front to back, since this will help keep your wrists in a neutral position.
• If possible, keep the keyboard slightly below elbow level so your arms are slightly extended (not at a sharp 90º angle). This promotes better blood flow to your forearms and hands. It’s also best to sit in a chair that supports your lower back and allows you to lean back very slightly while keeping your spine straight.

• Use your pinkie finger to hit the following keys: ` , Tab , Caps Lock , Shift , Ctrl , 1 , Q , A , Z , and Alt (or Option ).
• Use your ring finger to hit 2 , W , S , X , and Command (on a Mac keyboard).
• Use your middle finger for 3 , E , D , and C .
• Use your index finger for 4 , 5 , R , T , F , G , V , and B .
• Use your pinkie for 0 , - , + , Delete (or Backspace ), P , [ , ] , \ , ; , ‘ , Enter (or Return ), / , Shift , Alt (or Option ), and Ctrl (if your keyboard has one on the right side).
• Use your ring finger for 9 , O , L , and . There is also a Command key in this zone on a Mac keyboard.
• Use your middle finger for 8 , I , K , and , .
• Use your index finger for 6 , 7 , Y , U , H , J , N , and M .
• Use either thumb for the space bar .

• The number pad and arrow keys are typically on the right side of the keyboard, while the F keys are at the top. Esc is usually at the top left.
• Some keyboards may have additional special keys like Print Screen , Insert , Scroll Lock , and so on. These keys are often located at the upper right side of the keyboard, near the number pad.

• Websites like https://www.typing.com/ offer free lessons, games, and typing tests to help you improve your typing skills at your own pace.

Community Q&A

Things You'll Need

• a program to practice typing

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://ergo.human.cornell.edu/AHTutorials/typingposture.html
• ↑ https://opentextbc.ca/computerstudies/chapter/the-base-position/

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Where should fingers be placed on the keyboard?

The information below shows you where to position your hands and how to place your fingers to efficiently type letters , numbers , and special characters .

On a US keyboard, your left-hand fingers should be placed over the A, S, D, and F keys, and the right-hand fingers should be placed over the J, K, L, and ; keys. These keys are considered the home row keys . Your thumbs should either be in the air or lightly touching the spacebar key.

What fingers press each key on the keyboard?

Below are the home row keys, the finger used, and the keys the thumb (spacebar) presses.

The left pinky (little) finger is placed over the "A" key and is also responsible for the second most keys on the keyboard, including the following keys.

• "`" ( back quote ) and when pressing Shift, the "~" ( tilde )
• 1 and when pressing Shift, the "!" ( exclamation mark )

The left ring finger is placed over the "S" key and is also responsible for the following keys.

• 2 and when pressing Shift , the "@" ( at sign )

The left middle finger is placed over the "D" key and is also responsible for the following keys.

• 3 and when pressing Shift , the "#" ( hash )

The left index finger is placed over the "F" key and is also responsible for the following keys.

• 4 and when pressing Shift , the "$" ( dollar sign )
• 5 and when pressing Shift, the "%" ( percent )

The right index finger is placed over the "J" key and is also responsible for the following keys.

• 6 and when pressing Shift , the "^" ( caret )
• 7 and when pressing Shift, the "&" ( ampersand )

The right ring middle finger is placed over the "K" key and is also responsible for the following keys.

• 8 and when pressing Shift , the "*" ( asterisk )
• , ( comma ) and when pressing Shift, the "<" ( less than )

The right ring finger is placed over the "L" key and is also responsible for the following keys.

• 9 and when pressing Shift , the "(" (left or open parenthesis )
• "." ( period ) and when pressing Shift, the ">" ( greater than )

; (semicolon) key

The right pinky (little) finger is placed over the ";" key and is also responsible for most keys on the keyboard, including the following keys.

• 0 and when pressing Shift , the ")" (right or close parenthesis )
• ";" ( semicolon ) and when pressing Shift, the ":" ( colon )
• "/" ( forward slash ) and when pressing the Shift, the "?" ( question mark )
• "-" ( hyphen ) and when pressing Shift, the "_" ( underscore )
• [ (left or open bracket ) and when pressing Shift, the "{" (left or open curly bracket )
• ' ( single quote ) and when pressing Shift, the " ( quote )
• Right Shift
• "=" ( equals sign ) and when pressing Shift, the "+" ( plus sign )
• "]" (right or close bracket ) and when pressing Shift, the "}" (right or close curly bracket )
• backspace or Delete
• "\" ( backslash ) and when pressing Shift, the "|" ( pipe )
• Enter ( Return )

Both thumbs are placed over the spacebar and may also be used for the following keys.

Most people find it awkward to not lift their hands away from the home row to press these keys.

• Windows key

The remaining keyboard keys not listed above are not necessarily assigned to a specific finger for pressing them. Instead, you can use whichever finger is easiest or most comfortable to reach and press those keys.

How many fingers should be on the home row?

With the four fingers of both hands on the home row , eight fingers should be positioned over the home row.

Most don't consider the thumbs "fingers." However, both thumbs should also be hovering over the spacebar.

Should my palms be resting, or should they be raised?

When typing, your palms should be raised and not resting on any surface, including a wrist pad , and held at a 10 to 30-degree angle. Raising or lowering your wrists too much in either direction or resting them while typing can cause stress and lead to carpal tunnel syndrome .

Other keyboard safety tips

Keep your palms raised while typing and follow the below tips to help prevent carpal tunnel and pain while you type. Keep the following suggestions in mind every time you type.

• Keep your keyboard home row height as close to elbow level as possible.
• Center the spacebar with your body.
• Do not angle or bend your wrists. While typing, keep your wrists elevated and as straight as possible.
• Avoid hunt-and-peck typing as it causes strain on the neck from having to look down at the keyboard often.
• Don't use more force than necessary to press the keys; you don't want to hit the keys so hard it damages the keyboard.
• When you're not typing, you can rest your arms and hands. However, never rest your arms, hands, or wrists on a sharp edge.
• Take a break from typing every 20 to 30 minutes. If you have difficulty remembering when to take a break, set a timer or drink water, which will force you to go to the bathroom more often.

What fingers are used for the function keys?

The function keys (F1 through F12) at the top of the keyboard are not assigned a hand or finger because they cannot be comfortably reached. Most users remove their dominant hand (e.g., right) from the keyboard and use their index finger to press the function key when needed.

Related information

• How to improve your typing.
• Why are there bumps on the F and J keyboard keys?
• See our keyboard definition for further information and related links.
• Keyboard help and support.

Proper Keyboard Finger Positioning (Keyboard Typing Chart)

If you’re a keyboard enthusiast who loves to learn more about keyboards, learning about proper finger positioning on a keyboard would definitely make you super-excited because it will make your keyboarding experience all the more productive once you learn it.

You might be wondering, what is the Proper Keyboard Finger Positioning technique, and how do I use it? Well, that’s what I’m here to tell you.

In this article, I’m going to talk to you about Proper Keyboard Finger Positioning, why it is important, problems you can face if you don’t use it, standard techniques people use, and how you can master the proper keyboard finger positioning technique yourself to become a better keyboard user. So, without wasting any time whatsoever, let’s get started.

Table of Contents

What is Proper Keyboard Finger Positioning?

Like every device, a keyboard also has a proper technique that allows the user to use it the best way, offering the most productivity and causing the least amount of strain. This particular way or technique of using a keyboard is known as proper keyboard finger positioning.

Many people worldwide are unfamiliar with this concept, and they believe that any stress or strain that they get from a keyboard is natural. However, that’s not the case. If a proper finger position were to be adopted, there would be no strain on the muscles or wrists of the user.

If more keyboard users adopt the proper keyboard finger position, device-induced problems wouldn’t exist. So, you need to remember that you need to try this position out and see the differences. You’ll surely be stunned by them.

What Finger Positioning Do People Usually Use?

You must be wondering, what position is considered standard and which one is commonly used by keyboard users who do not know how to place their fingers on a keyboard properly? Well, there’s no one common way of using the keyboard if you’re not aware of exactly how to place your fingers.

Many people end up keeping their fingers away from the keyboard when they’re using it. Some keep their left hand on the WASD keys while their right hand is on the arrow keys , and some people can’t type without looking at each character which can make typing very uncomfortable and a job that you’d look for an out of.

All these methods have some problems associated with them. But ultimately, they’re all uncomfortable and can lead to problems that you might not see coming yet. For example, if you want to test out your way of typing, you can close your eyes and try to type sentences blindly. If you’re unable to do so or don’t even get a single word right, your typing position is incorrect. And the sooner you fix it, the better for your keyboarding experience.

The 10-Finger Keyboard Positioning Technique

The best finger positioning technique for placing your fingers on the keyboard is the 10-finger keyboard positioning technique. In this technique, what you’re going to do is you’re going to place each of your 10 fingers on a key on the keyboard.

The fingers will be placed on the A, S, D, F, and J, K, L keys along with the spacebar key. If you’re concerned about how the placement of the fingers would go, let’s take a look at it.

Left-hand Placement

• The pinky finger of the left hand would go on the A key.
• The ring finger would go on the S key.
• The middle finger would be placed on the D key.
• The index finger will be on the F key.
• The thumb would be placed on the left side of the spacebar.

Right-hand Placement

• The index finger will be placed on the J key.
• The middle finger would go on the K key.
• You’ll place the ring finger on the L key.
• The pinky will go on the; key.
• And finally, you’re going to place the thumb on the right side of the spacebar.

The way this finger positioning helps your keyboarding experience out is that each of the fingers placed on the fixed keys will get to that particular commonly used key efficiently and get to the neighboring keys very quickly, essentially making your computer usage quite effective.

What Other Keys Can You Press With the 10-Finger Position?

If you’re wondering what other keys you can easily press using the 10-finger keyboard position and how exactly it benefits you over the standard position you go for, you’re lucky because I’ve made a list of the additional keys you can press with this technique. So let’s take a look at it right now.

Keys Left Pinky Finger Can Press in Addition to A

A lot of the important function keys on the left side are in control of the left pinky. In addition to the A key, it is also responsible for pressing the following keys:

Z, Q, Left Ctrl, Left Shift, Caps Lock, 1, Tab, ~, And Even Esc at times

Keys Left Ring Finger can Press in Addition to S

The ring finger on the left-hand controls the letter keys, which are needed for important typing. Here are the additional keys it presses:

W, X, 2, Left Alt.

Keys Left Middle Finger can Press in Addition to D

With the middle finger, the frequency of keys is similar to the ring finger, but the importance of the keys is much more. So let’s take a look at them.

E, C, 3, 4.

Keys Left Pointer Finger can Press in Addition to F

The index finger, which is placed on the F key, has many workloads, but it can manage well due to its free position. Here are the keys you’ll press with this finger:

R, V, 5, 6, T, G, B.

Keys You can Press in Addition to Spacebar with Left thumb.

The left thumb is responsible for pressing the spacebar and not many other keys. If you’re on windows, it will be used to press the Windows key at times.

Keys Right Pointer Finge can Press in Addition to J

If we talk about the ring finger,r which is on the J key, as the ring finger of the left hand, there are a lot of additional keys that can be reached easily. Here they are:

H, Y, B, U, N, 7, 8.

Keys Right Middle Finger can Press in Addition to K

So, you’re holding the K key with your middle finger; Here are the additional keys you’ll hold with it.

I, M, 8, 9.

Keys Right Ring Finger can Press in Addition to L

Placing the ring finger on the L key is pretty beneficial. Here are the keys you’ll be able to reach with it:

O, <, Right Alt, 0.

Keys Right Pinky Finger can Press in Addition to ;

With the pinky finger of the right hand, you’re going to be able to get to a bunch of keys. Let’s take a look at them.

P, >, Right Ctrl, Right Shift, +, -, Backspace, Delete, Enter, and even the arrow keys .

Keys You can Press in Addition to Spacebar with the Right Thumb

The right thumb is usually used to hold the right side of the spacebar and no other keys, but you can use it to divide the keys of the right pinky to reduce the workload.

Typing Tips for Beginners Using the 10-Finger Positioning Technique

If you’re thinking of starting utilizing the 10-finger positioning technique for using your keyboard, it is high time for you to adopt a few other healthy changes and tips for your computer experience as well. So let’s take a look at some of the important typing tips and tricks you should follow.

• Better Posture – First of all, making sure that you keep your posture upright, shoulders calm, and sit on a chair with your arms at a good distance from the keyboard is important. These practices will help you type better as well.
• Ergonomic Keyboard – Next, using an ergonomic keyboard that supports the 10-finger placement technique is also a great trick to help you get used to the technique quickly and easily.
• Wrist Positioning – Last but not least, you need to make sure your wrist position isn’t bent and is completely straight as you’re using the keyboard. All these tricks will make your keyboarding experience much better.

Why is Proper Positioning Important?

A lot of you may be wondering, “We’re already cool with our finger positioning style on our keyboards; why do we need to go for your so-called proper positioning technique?”. Well, it’s a fair question. So let me explain it to you using a proper example. In today’s digital age, the world revolves around the internet, global networks, and virtual communication. In this digital age, approximately 15 of your 24 hours end up being consumed by electronics and especially computers.

In fact, if you’re a gamer or someone who communicates with their friends over the internet, too, then make this span of time even larger. So simply what I want to say is that a huge chunk of our daily lives gets spent in front of the computer typing away at the keyboard.

If during this span we end up choosing to use a keyboard in its proper manner, placing our fingers at the right spots that increase our overall productivity, reduces our span of time in front of a screen, and also saves us from potential health problems in the future, then why shouldn’t we?

That’s why using a proper finger positioning technique is crucial if you want to become a better and more efficient keyboard user who knows what they’re doing. It is more of a matter of personal choice though, you can still choose to use your own technique, but over time, you may come to regret it.

Problems You Can face If You Don’t Adopt Proper Keyboard Positioning.

Since we’re on the topic of what could happen if you don’t use a proper keyboard positioning technique, it would be good to learn about the possible problems you might face. Let’s take a look at some issues bad finger positioning can cause in users.

• Reduced Productivity – The thing about most people is that they consider themselves very productive without any practice or knowledge of the concept. A person is only as productive as much as they’re willing to adapt to changes around them. That includes keyboard finger positioning. If you don’t use the right positioning, you will get less work done in a long time.
• Inability to do long-term work – When you’re using the wrong finger positioning technique and using your keyboard, you won’t be able to sit for long periods of time in front of the computer and type because of how exhausting, and unnatural your typing position is will be. It might even cause you pain to work like that.
• Future health concerns – Many people don’t know this, but the wrong techniques of using keyboards can even lead to long-term health concerns. The muscles and joints of keyboard users and professionals who spend a lot of time on their computer desk can wear out over time and get diseases like bone damage, carpal tunnel syndrome, weak joints, etc.
• Stressed Mind – If you’re constantly in a struggle with yourself and you can’t realize what is actually causing you the discomfort and pain you’re suffering, your mind won’t be able to focus and will just end up being stressed out about your condition. This is how the wrong keyboard finger position can stress your mind more than it is comfortable with.

Many people ask why proper finger positioning is important in typing. With the help of proper keyboard finger positioning, you can make your keyboarding experience quite productive and efficient. Moreover, you can also reduce the risks of potential injuries. So, make sure you adopt the 10-finger keyboard positioning technique and use it to help yourself get better at keyboarding. May you have a great day and life ahead of you!

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Master Correct Hand Posture for Keyboard Beginners: Tips & Techniques

by Harlan Kilstein | Mar 25, 2024 | Learning Methods

Stepping into the world of typing can feel like unlocking a new superpower, but it's not just about how fast you can go. The key to harnessing this power lies in mastering the correct hand posture. For beginners, this might seem like a minor detail, but it's the cornerstone of efficient and pain-free typing.

Imagine typing smoothly, with your fingers gliding over the keys like dancers on a stage. It's not just a dream—it's entirely possible with the right hand posture. Whether you're typing up an email, working on a novel, or coding the next big app, how you position your hands can make all the difference. Let's dive into the essentials of proper hand posture for keyboard beginners.

Importance of Correct Hand Posture for Keyboard Beginners

Mastering the correct hand posture isn't just about looking professional at the keyboard; it's a critical aspect that beginners often overlook. For many, the journey into the digital world starts with typing – a fundamental skill in today’s tech-driven environment. Whether it’s for crafting emails, writing documents, or diving into the coding universe, the significance of adopting the right hand posture from the get-go cannot be overstated.

Correct hand posture ensures that fingers are ideally positioned over the keyboard, enabling smooth, swift, and accurate typing. It's not merely about speed; accuracy plays a pivotal role in effective communication and work efficiency. Faulty posture, on the other hand, not only slows down typing speed but also increases the risk of errors, disrupting workflow and diminishing productivity.

Moreover, the benefits of correct hand posture extend beyond efficiency and accuracy. Ergonomics is a key factor in preventing strain and injury. Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), such as carpal tunnel syndrome, are notorious among individuals spending extensive periods typing without proper hand alignment. Beginners who start with and maintain correct hand posture significantly reduce their risk of developing such ailments, ensuring a pain-free typing experience in the long run.

Practicing proper hand posture involves:

• Keeping wrists straight and not resting on the keyboard or desk.
• Positioning fingers lightly on the home row keys (A, S, D, F for the left hand and J, K, L, ; for the right hand).
• Using the correct finger to press each key.
• Ensuring thumbs are used for the space bar.

Adopting these habits from the start instills muscle memory, making correct posture second nature and typing an almost effortless task. Contrastingly, correcting bad habits once they’re ingrained requires much more time and effort.

The digital age demands proficiency in typing, making it an indispensable skill. For beginners, the journey toward typing mastery starts with understanding the importance of correct hand posture . This foundation not only enhances typing skills but also promotes a healthier, more sustainable practice.

Ergonomic Keyboard Setup

Achieving correct hand posture is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to typing comfortably and efficiently. An Ergonomic Keyboard Setup plays a crucial role in ensuring that beginners can maintain the right posture without straining. Both the placement of the keyboard and the type of keyboard used are important factors to consider.

Firstly, the keyboard should be positioned directly in front of the user to prevent any unnecessary twisting of the torso or reaching which can lead to discomfort or injury over time. The height of the keyboard is also pivotal; it should align in such a way that the user's forearms are parallel to the floor, with wrists straight and relaxed.

For those spending significant amounts of time typing, investing in an ergonomic keyboard might be worthwhile. These keyboards are designed to fit the natural placement of hands and reduce strain. Some features to look for include:

• Split keyboard design: Divides the keyboard into two halves, allowing for a more natural hand and wrist position.
• Tent and slope adjustments: These features allow the user to angle the keyboard in a way that decreases pressure on the wrists.
• Cushioned wrist rests: Located at the base of the keyboard, these supports help keep the wrists in a neutral position, reducing the risk of strain.

Making Adjustments

Adjusting to a new ergonomic setup may take some time. Beginners should allow themselves to slowly adapt to the changes rather than forcing it all at once. Small, incremental adjustments can make a big difference over time, improving both comfort and typing speed.

Moreover, paying attention to the distance from the screen is also critical. The monitor should be positioned about an arm's length away, with the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level. This helps in reducing neck and eye strain, complementing the ergonomic benefits gained from proper hand positioning on the keyboard.

Practice and Patience

As beginners start to integrate these ergonomic principles into their typing habits, they'll likely notice an improvement not only in their typing comfort but also in their accuracy and efficiency. However, it's important to remember that developing muscle memory and adjusting to a new typing posture takes practice and patience. They shouldn't be discouraged by initial awkwardness or slower typing speeds; these are common and will improve over time.

Positioning of Fingers and Wrists

Achieving the right finger positioning is a cornerstone in learning to type effectively and comfortably. Beginners might not realize it, but the placement of each finger on the keyboard can drastically affect typing speed, accuracy, and the risk of strain. The home row, where the fingers rest when not typing, is the starting point. It consists of the keys A , S , D , F for the left hand and J , K , L , ; for the right hand. Each finger is responsible for reaching out to specific keys, reducing the need for hand movement and increasing typing efficiency.

When it comes to wrist positioning, the goal is to maintain a neutral, straight alignment. This prevents undue stress on the wrists, potentially warding off conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. To achieve this, typists should ensure their wrists are not bending upwards, downwards, or to the sides while typing. One way to maintain this posture is by floating the hands slightly above the keyboard, using the arms to move the fingers to the desired keys. It might take some practice to get used to, but it's crucial for preventing strain.

Ergonomic aids, such as wrist rests or adjustable chairs and desks, can further support proper wrist and finger positioning. These tools are designed to keep the wrists in a natural position and at an optimal height relative to the keyboard. However, it's important for beginners to remember that these aids are just that—supportive tools. The foundation of good typing begins with correct finger and wrist placement, which these ergonomic solutions can complement but not replace.

In addition, tactile feedback from the keyboard can play a significant role in improving typing technique. Keyboards that provide a physical response or sound when a key is pressed can help beginners learn the correct force needed for typing, avoiding the habit of pressing keys too hard, which can also lead to strain. This form of sensory feedback is beneficial in reinforcing the muscle memory needed for efficient typing.

Lastly, beginners should take frequent short breaks to stretch their fingers and wrists. This not only helps in reducing the risk of strain but also in reinforcing the muscle memory associated with correct positioning. Stretching exercises focused on the fingers, wrists, and arms can provide the necessary relief and relaxation between typing sessions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to perfecting hand posture for keyboard beginners, there are a few common pitfalls that can derail progress, lead to discomfort, and potentially cause long-term strain. Identifying and correcting these mistakes early on can significantly enhance the typing experience.

Overextension of Fingers : One of the most frequent errors involves stretching fingers too far to reach keys. This not only slows down typing speed but also increases the risk of strain. Instead of overreaching, they should learn to utilize the correct finger for each key, based on standard typing techniques.

Ignoring Home Row : The home row keys are foundational to efficient typing, yet beginners often overlook their importance. Neglecting to anchor their hands on the home row leads to erratic hand movements and reduces typing accuracy. Regular practice in returning fingers to these keys can greatly improve typing proficiency.

• Home Row Keys for the Left Hand : A, S, D, F
• Home Row Keys for the Right Hand : J, K, L, ;

Improper Wrist Position : Another common mistake is either drooping the wrists down or elevating them too high. Both positions force the wrists into unnatural angles, increasing the risk of discomfort and injury. Maintaining a neutral wrist position is paramount. If necessary, they might consider using ergonomic aids such as a wrist rest or an adjustable keyboard stand.

Neglecting Posture : While hand positioning is crucial, overall posture plays a significant role in typing efficiency and health. Slouching or leaning too far forward can not only affect hand placement but also lead to back and neck pain. They should aim to sit back in their chair with feet flat on the ground and the screen at eye level to maintain a balanced posture.

Skipping Breaks : In the zeal to improve, beginners often skip necessary breaks, thinking it might slow their progress. However, regular pauses are essential for rest and recovery. Short breaks to stretch and relax the hands can prevent fatigue, reinforce muscle memory, and contribute to long-term improvement.

Practice Techniques to Improve Hand Posture

Improving hand posture for keyboard beginners is not just about avoiding mistakes; it's also about actively engaging in practice techniques that promote better habits. These methods are designed to be straightforward and effective, catering to beginners who are keen on enhancing their typing experience.

One of the first steps in improving hand posture is to consciously remind oneself to return the fingers to the home row after pressing a key. This simple act reinforces muscle memory, making it second nature to start and end in the correct position. Beginners should practice typing letters and gradually move on to words, ensuring they're always starting from the home row. This technique not only improves finger placement but also boosts typing speed over time.

Incorporating regular stretches into one's routine is another vital technique. Stretching helps in preventing cramps and stiffness, making it easier to maintain the correct hand posture. Beginners should aim to stretch before starting their typing practice and during breaks. Simple stretches, such as extending the fingers and rotating the wrists, can have a significant impact on flexibility and posture.

The use of typing software specially designed for posture improvement can be incredibly beneficial. These programs offer exercises that focus on correct finger placement, timing, and maintaining the right wrist and hand position. Through repetitive practice, beginners can improve their hand posture, speed, and accuracy. The key is to choose software that offers real-time feedback, allowing for immediate corrections.

Engaging in touch typing drills is another effective practice technique. Touch typing encourages typists to rely on their tactile memory to find keys, rather than sight. This method requires the typist to keep their eyes on the screen, not the keyboard, which promotes better hand posture by ensuring the hands remain in a neutral position. As beginners become more comfortable with touch typing, their reliance on looking down at the keyboard diminishes, further reinforcing proper hand posture.

Here's a quick look at some statistics highlighting the benefits of proper typing techniques:

Mastering the art of correct hand posture isn't just about avoiding discomfort; it's about unlocking a more efficient, accurate, and enjoyable typing experience. By returning to the home row, stretching regularly, and leveraging the right tools and drills, keyboard beginners can set themselves on a path to significant improvement. The journey to better typing habits is both a commitment and an investment in one’s digital proficiency. With the right approach, the rewards in speed, accuracy, and reduced strain are well within reach. So, let's embrace these practices and type our way to success.

Harlan Kilstein

Harlan Kilstein began playing piano during covid with no piano background at all. He taught himself how to play learning what to do and what not to do. Today he's an advanced intermediate player and can help you grow in your skills because he learned all this on his own.

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Finger placement for typing

If you are considering learning how to touch-type , then you’re probably aware there is a certain base position in which to rest your fingers so they can reach all of the keys on the keyboard. But becoming a pro at typing requires more than just knowing which finger sits on which key.

First you will need to learn how to reach the keys with the correct fingers and then you’ll have to practice, practice and practice some more. Typing quickly and accurately with correct finger placement involves building up some muscle memory in your hands , so they feel comfortable reaching for keys in sequence and the movements become automatic.

An online typing course can teach basic finger positioning

There are courses designed specifically to teach you typing. They show you where to position your hands on the keyboard and walk you through the right keys to hit with each finger. Some programs, such as Touch-type Read and Spell, use a multi-sensory technique to reinforce what you learn.

To help you practice each key, the corresponding letter appears on the screen and is read out loud. This strengthens memory, along with repetition and dictation exercises, and gives you plenty of opportunities to practice new material.

There are a lot of reasons to practice touch vs. two-finger typing

The good thing is when you learn touch-typing you open up new career opportunities and can even improve your academic performance. Students who learn to type the TTRS way typically improve their reading and spelling skills as well.

Typing can be a great boost for children with self-esteem issues and specific learning difficulties. It has also been successfully used to assist individuals with dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism spectrum disorder and visual impairments in reaching their full potential when it comes to developing strong literacy skills.

Fingers in position, hands ready

The position of the hands is much the same as it was when the method was developed back in the 1880s for use with a typewriter. In fact, the modern day keyboard layout, commonly known as QWERTY, hasn’t changed much over the years. Perhaps the most relevant difference for typists was the addition of the delete key with the advent of the computer!

Start with the home row

At rest, the fingers sit on the home row keys. If you’re not sure which ones these are, look two lines up from the spacebar on your keyboard and you’ll see them starting with ASDF on the left. The fingers of each hand should sit on four keys each. The left hand pinky finger starts things off on the “A” key, the ring finger sits on the “S” key, the middle finger takes the “D” and the index the “F.”

Thumbs don’t have a row and typically hover over the spacebar which can be hit with either hand, depending on the typist’s preference. When it comes to the right hand, the index starts off on the “J” key and the fingers fall in line across the “K,” “L” and “;” to complete the row.

Learn more about the home row keys .

Run your fingers along the F and J keys

This is how you position your fingers when you’re ready to begin. Keyboard makers have made it easy for you to get back here by placing a slightly raised line on the “F” and “J” keys. This ensures your index fingers can guide the rest of your hands back to the home row at each pause in typing without looking.  

Each finger is responsible for a group of keys

The rest of the keyboard has been divided up so each finger is responsible for a certain group of keys (the letters in its vicinity).

Every finger is used to reach the keys diagonally above and below it . For example, the middle, finger of the right hand sits on “K” when at rest but reaches up for “I” and down for “,” key.

The ring finger of the left hand sits on “S” but moves up for “W” and down for the “Z” key.

However, the fingers on the ends of rows have slightly more work to do as they are also involved in functions other than letter choice, such as indenting, moving to a paragraph and making a letter uppercase.

Each index or pointer finger is responsible for two rows of keys. The right hand pointer takes the “U” and “M” column, as well as the “Y,” “H” and “N” keys. The left hand index finger is at rest on “F” and moves up for “R,” down for “V” and over for “T,” “G” and “B”.

It can take time to get used to the new finger positions

The reaching involved here can feel quite awkward in the beginning and you’ll likely need plenty of practice typing these letters before you master them. Your little fingers will also have to do some stretching as they are required for everything on the ends that isn’t covered by another finger.

Typing tips

• Position your hands. When you position your fingers on the keyboard, it can help to curve them slightly and place your hands down lightly, so they are ready to move. It may feel awkward initially but will become more comfortable the more you practice.  
• Don’t look down. Try imagining the keyboard and then feeling your way through it. Whatever you do, it’s best not to look down, even if you are completely unsure of the key you’re about to type. TOP TIP: When you struggle to learn the position of a particular key, place some blue tack on it to make the surface more recognizable by your fingertips. Next, do some typing drills of words that force you to use that key.   

• Use all of your senses. Listen out for the rhythm of your typing and keep your eyes on the screen ahead. If you’re using an online typing course, make sure it is one where the letters and words you are practicing are read out loud as you type them. Let your sense of touch do the work.  
• Learn keyboard shortcuts. Certain keyboard shortcuts can be advantageous to learn once you’ve mastered the basics of typing text. You may need to use your thumbs to reach the Ctrl or Apple Command buttons that shortcuts require.  

• Check your keyboard. If you are really struggling, it may be that the keyboard you are using doesn’t fit your hands. Some adults with large hands may find they hit more than one key at once, while children with smaller hands tend to struggle more when reaching for keys. It can also be the keys are overly sensitive and register from a light touch. On the other hand you may need to pound them on an older keyboard. Keep in mind there are plenty of keyboard options out there so you can always find one that will be more comfortable and make typing easier. Learn more about different kinds of keyboards .  
• Start typing lessons early. Children are generally thought to be ready for typing lessons at the age of 6-7, when their hands are big enough for the keyboard. Teaching typing to children at this age coincides with reading, writing and spelling lessons at school and can give them a boost across the board when it comes to literacy skills.  
• Ask for help. If you struggle with fine motor skills, such as is the case for both young children and stroke survivors who are learning typing, it’s important to have someone work through an online typing course with you. When you can’t find a particular key, ask your assistant to gently stroke the correct finger to enhance the sensory input for that combination. It will make it easier for you to find the right position next time.

  Why you should learn typing

When you learn touch-typing you’re giving yourself an advantage over individuals who “hunt-and-peck” because you will be faster in every activity that involves using a computer—from emails, to Google queries and even academic essays; you’ll be saving a ton of time!

Typing can also improve the quality of your work, as thoughts flow freely through the fingertips and onto the screen, without the interruption of searching the keyboard for the right keys.

How long does it take?

Basic finger positioning is fairly straightforward to master, but it can take some time to get used to reaching all of the keys.

How long does it take to learn? It all depends on the individual. Don’t be worried if the going is slow initially.

It’s important to learn each key properly before moving on to cover more material. Following the TTRS method of teaching this skill, the average person who has no learning differences or difficulties can expect to cover the fingering on the keyboard in about three to five hours. After that, it’s a question of building up speed and accuracy through practice.  

The touch-typing method vs two finger typing

It’s easier to learn to touch-type at an early age so you don’t have to unlearn the “bad habits” that come from hunt-and-peck. Older hunt-and-peckers might feel frustrated in the very short term when slowed down by finding the right key without looking. However, persistence is well worth it. Touch-typing is a skill that sets you up for life.

Discover a literacy-based typing program!

A good typing program will ensure there are multiple levels corresponding to each set of keys, so you can practice with the ones you know before moving on to exercises that use more of the keyboard. Completing one level at a time and receiving plenty of positive feedback from your online scores will keep you motivated and help you reach your goal at the pace that is right for you.

Because I’m a single parent, I really like the flexibility of working from home. Right now, I do mainly home crafting - but it doesn’t bring in enough income. Touch-type Read and Spell has been useful for me because it’s helping me with my touch-typing and my dyslexia. In the beginning, I was really slow at typing, but after a few weeks of Touch-type Read and Spell, I went up from 25 to 45-50 words per minute.

Charlotte, Interested in transcription work

For anyone looking to learn touch-typing

Touch-type Read and Spell (TTRS) has a course that can help, especially if you’ve tried other typing programs and not been successful.

Meredith Cicerchia

• Read more about Meredith Cicerchia

Chris Freeman

• Read more about Chris Freeman

Download this FREE typing resource from TTRS

Testimonials and reviews.

Maria, Adult learner

Maria used to type with two-fingers, slowly and often inaccurately. Now she types faster, with fewer errors, more competently and professionally. This has boosted her confidence in the workplace tremendously. She now recognises individual sounds in words much better, due to the auditory aspect of the multi-sensory approach in TTRS. Her vocabulary has noticeably improved and she has found she can explain things and express herself more clearly in English after completing the course.

Read more of Maria’s story

Bolton College, Adult Education Program

At Bolton College we offer the TTRS course to self-study adult learners who have returned to education to improve their spelling, increase their familiarity with technology, and use word processors. We find that for many adult learners in our program, the conventional ‘look-cover-spell-check’ approach they were taught at school had a detrimental effect on their learning. In contrast, Touch-type Read and Spell provides a rewarding and positive experience for them when it comes to spelling.

Read more of Bolton College’s story

TTRS has a solution for you

An award-winning, multi-sensory course that teaches typing, reading and spelling

How does TTRS work?

Developed in line with language and education research

Teaches typing using a multi-sensory approach

The course is modular in design and easy to navigate

Includes school and personal interest subjects

Positive feedback and positive reinforcement

Reporting features help you monitor usage and progress

More related articles from Read and Spell:

Teach yourself to type

Most adult learning programs and libraries offer basic skills computer courses , but is it possible to learn how to touch type on your own? Of course. If you have access to a computer, there are plenty of self-study programs that can help you get started. 

One of the first things you need to learn is the home-row position on the keyboard – also known as the home keys.

TTRS typing - how is it different from other typing programs?

TTRS stands for Touch-type Read and Spell and is different from traditional typing programs in a few ways. For one, the words in TTRS lessons are whole words instead of nonsense key combinations. In this way, you can learn to spell as you learn to type.

More importantly, the words on the screen are accompanied by audio. This teaches you to connect letters to sounds and is important for learning to read, as well as to spell. TTRS follows a carefully structured curriculum of English phonics, so typing drills build automaticity in reading as you progress through the course.

Typing spelling words

There are many ways to practice a list of spelling words, from making flash cards, to using oral recitation, or just plain writing the words out by hand. Yet one of the most effective and easiest approaches is using a computer or tablet and wireless keyboard. Not only is typing convenient, but it's also a multi-sensory activity that involves kinetic elements which can support learning and retention of letter patterns. That's because typing a word allows muscle memory to encode the spelling as a series of key strokes .

Typing is also a highly accessible solution for students who struggle with fine-motor skills and find it painful to write by hand. It's the preferred approach when dysgraphia is present . Some learners with  autism  find it effective and it's a great solution for students who struggle with language-based learning difficulties like dyslexia. 

How to practice typing

Typing is one of those skills that takes practice to learn. There’s never been an individual, the world’s fastest typists included, who sat down at a keyboard and immediately began typing.

The reason for this is the muscles in your hands and fingers need time to adjust to new movement patterns. That’s why it’s important to introduce a handful of keys at a time, and move on only once you’ve mastered them.

Depending on the program you use, you might start with the home row keys or focus on vowels and then consonants following a curriculum of English phonics. Some courses may have drills made up of nonsense letter combinations, and others, like Touch-type Read and Spell, might take a whole word approach, making the course easier to follow for people with learning differences.

The benefit of typing real words from the beginning is that once the movement patterns have been acquired, they are stored in muscle memory and become procedural knowledge. Procedural knowledge is something you know how to do automatically and don’t have to think about, like driving or riding a bike. Turning spelling into procedural knowledge can help individuals who have dyslexia because the letters and letter sequences are saved in memory as a pattern of key-strokes that the fingers type out automatically.

The touch typing method vs. two-finger typing

One of the main differences between the touch typing method of keyboarding and two-fingered typing is in how you allocate your attention while you work at the computer. When you type with two or more fingers, also known as the “hunt and peck” approach, your attention is split between visually scanning for keys, looking at the screen and/or looking at any additional materials you are reading or copying from.

Computer basics for adults

For adults who lack familiarity with computers, life in the modern age can be a challenge. That’s because technology is involved in almost every aspect of our lives: we need it for work, school, keeping in touch, day-to-day task management, remote education and even online shopping.

You need an email address to sign up for new services, make online purchases, apply for jobs and education programs, and communicate with friends and family. Even something as simple as locating a suitable local tradesman is more efficient when done through an online search vs. looking in the yellow pages.

And while tablets and smartphones account for a large portion of our daily technology use, computers are still an important tool. Being able to use word processors is practically a requirement for students and working professionals because most formal assignments and written reports must be typed. 

This is one reason why some adults decide to take a typing course to improve their keyboarding skills and make it easier and faster to write on the computer.

You can learn more about the benefits of learning how to type and review our top 10 tips for beginner typists in these articles. 

Check out our most popular articles:

Learn to type. strengthen reading and spelling skills. boost confidence..

Discover multi-sensory typing with TTRS.

Keyboard Finger Position Guide: Master Efficient Typing

Efficient typing is vital in the digital era, and mastering proper finger position on the keyboard is the key to success. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the fundamentals of correct keyboard finger placement and provide practical tips to help you become a proficient typist.

1. The Basic Finger Placement on The Keyboard

• Position your fingers on the home row keys.
• Left hand: pinky on ‘A’, ring finger on ‘S’, middle finger on ‘D’, index finger on ‘F’.
• Right hand: pinky on the semicolon key (‘;’), ring finger on ‘L’, middle finger on ‘K’, index finger on ‘J’.
• Rest your thumbs on the space bar.

2. Finger Placement on Other Keys of The Keyboard

Once you’re comfortable with the home row, expand your reach by mastering key groupings.

• Left index finger covers ‘R’, ‘T’, ‘G’, ‘V’.
• Right index finger manages ‘U’, ‘I’, ‘H’, ‘N’.

These groupings enable seamless transitions and a smoother typing flow.

3. The Importance of Touch Typing

Touch typing , typing without looking at the keyboard, is a fundamental skill for efficient typing.

• Develop muscle memory by practicing regularly.
• Improve typing speed and accuracy as your fingers naturally find the right keys.

4. Typing with Shift and Caps Lock

Using ‘Shift’ for capital letters and knowing when to activate ‘Caps Lock’ is crucial.

• To type capital letters, use the opposite hand to hold ‘Shift’.
• Example: Right pinky holds ‘Shift’ while the left middle finger types ‘G’.
• Use ‘Caps Lock’ only for typing multiple consecutive capital letters.

5. Handling Special Characters and Numbers

Navigating the number row and special character section efficiently is essential.

• Use the appropriate finger for each number.
• Example: Left index finger for ‘1’ and ‘4’, right index finger for ‘6’ and ‘9’.
• Keep your hands on the home row for special characters.

6. Maintain a Relaxed Posture

Practice healthy computing habits . Avoid strain and discomfort while typing by maintaining a relaxed posture.

• Sit up straight with your feet flat on the ground.
• Ensure your arms form a 90-degree angle at the elbows.
• Keep your wrists elevated and avoid resting them on the edge of the desk.

Keyboard Finger Position: Conclusion

Mastering the correct finger position for typing on a keyboard is a fundamental skill that improves typing speed, accuracy, and overall productivity. By practicing regularly and following the tips provided in this guide, you’ll become a proficient typist in no time. Remember to maintain a relaxed posture and take breaks to keep typing enjoyable and comfortable.

About The Author

Founder of Computer How-To Guide. A fun loving person and tech enthusiast, he has been writing about computers and technology for over 10 years. He also enjoys sports, food and playing with his cat. Follow Peter on: X (Twitter) | LinkedIn

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Keyboard - Proper Finger Placement

Use this handy printable graphic to teach the correct finger placement on a standard keyboard. Remind students that the pointer finger of the right hand starts on the "J" key, and the pointer finger of the left hand starts on the "F" key. On physical keyboards, the "J" and "F" keys are made easier to find with a small upraised bump only on those keys. Once the pointer fingers are in place, the other fingers line up on the the same row (the HOME ROW) next to each other. Thumbs should rest lightly on the spacebar.

Download Printable: proper-finger-placement-on-the-keyboard.pdf

The left-hand fingers should be placed on the A, S, D, and F keys and the right-hand fingers should be placed on the J, K, L, and ; keys. These keys are called "the home row" keys.