Touch typing lesson 19: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0

Keys and finger movements

Keyboard layout: English US.

Consecutive digits sometimes use the same finger. Move directly between those keys; you do not need a separate stop at the home row after every digit. Keep the other fingers near their starting positions. Where your layout requires Shift for digits, hold it through the number rather than pressing it anew for every digit.

• Left index finger: Move from F to 6, then return to F.
• Right index finger: Move from J to 7, then return to J.
• Left index finger: Move from F to 5, then return to F.
• Right index finger: Move from J to 8, then return to J.
• Left middle finger: Move from D to 4, then return to D.
• Right middle finger: Move from K to 9, then return to K.
• Left ring finger: Move from S to 3, then return to S.
• Right ring finger: Move from L to 0, then return to L.
• Left little finger: Move from A to 1, then return to A.
• Left little finger: Move from A to 2, then return to A.

Typing with number keys

Number keys in the row above the letter keys are useful for studying, browsing, accounting, data entry, coding and gaming. Full-sized keyboards often also have a dedicated numeric pad on the right, which can be convenient when entering many numbers. With the touch typing method, reaching the number row requires moving your fingers farther from the home row than when typing most letters.

This takes practice, particularly if you are used to looking at the keys. A programmer entering numbers in code and an accountant entering figures both benefit from knowing where these keys are.

Although letters may take up more of your everyday typing, numbers are part of many tasks, too. Practicing the number keys extends your touch typing skills beyond letters and helps you learn their positions. Aim to enter the numbers you need accurately without looking at the keyboard, rather than rushing to type them faster.

Reaching the number row can draw your hands away from their usual position. If the next letter lands on the wrong key, check where your hands ended up after the number. The raised marks under the index fingers can help you find the home position by touch. Avoid bending your wrists upward to stretch farther; allow the hands to move comfortably with the reach.