Frequently asked questions
How do I start learning to type?
Start with lesson 1 of the free Touch Typing course: it teaches the whole home row (A S D F G H J K L ;) with hands that show which finger presses each key. Not sure of your level? The starting-point check runs a 30-second test and tells you where to begin.
What are the home row keys?
A S D F for the left hand and J K L ; for the right, with G and H reached by the index fingers. Your fingers rest there and return there after every key; the small bumps on F and J let you find them without looking.
Is TypingStreak free?
Yes. Every lesson, test and game is free and works without an account. An account only adds saving across devices, races and leaderboards.
How is typing speed (WPM) measured?
Words per minute counts every five typed characters as one word. Gross WPM is all characters divided by five, per minute; net WPM subtracts one word per minute for every word left wrong. The clock starts on your first keystroke.
How long does it take to learn touch typing?
Most people learn every letter key in two to four weeks of 15–20 minutes a day. Speed keeps growing for months after that with regular practice.
Can I use TypingStreak with Dvorak, Colemak, AZERTY or QWERTZ?
Yes. Pick your layout (or let TypingStreak detect it) and the on-screen keyboard, the key hints and the hands follow your own keyboard.
Does it work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. Tap the text and your phone's on-screen keyboard opens in lessons, games and the speed test. For real touch typing a Bluetooth or USB keyboard works best, and TypingStreak can be installed as an app that works offline.
Do I need an account?
No. Lessons, tests and games all work without one and save your progress in your browser. A free account keeps your progress across devices and lets you race, join classes and earn a typing certificate.
How does the typing certificate work?
Sign in and pass a 5 or 10-minute typing exam at its pass mark. Your certificate shows your net speed and accuracy and has its own web address, so anyone can check it is real.
Which languages can I practise?
Lessons and the speed test can use practice words in many languages, and the on-screen keyboard shows your own layout, including Hindi, Arabic, Russian, Greek, Hebrew, Thai and other scripts.
Does TypingStreak work offline?
Yes. Once the site has loaded it keeps working without an internet connection, and it can be installed as an app on Windows, Mac, Android and Chromebook. Races and syncing need a connection.
Is TypingStreak safe for children?
Yes. Children can practise without an account, there is no chat, and races only show usernames. The pages for children and schools never show ads.
Can teachers use TypingStreak with a class?
Yes. A teacher creates a class and shares a six-character code; students join and the teacher sees each student's practice time, speed, accuracy, weak keys and lesson progress, with a CSV download.