How to type numbers and symbols

Numbers and symbols are where many otherwise fluent typists still look down. They sit far from the resting position and turn up less often than letters, so they stay unfamiliar. The fix is the same as for letters, applied later and in smaller steps.

Learn the letters first

There is little point drilling the number row while the letter rows still need thought. Once you can type plain sentences without looking, add punctuation, then digits. The lessons at learn to touch type follow that order: capitals, then punctuation, then numbers.

Everyday punctuation

Start with the marks you use in ordinary writing.

• Full stop and comma sit on the bottom row under the right ring and middle fingers.
• Apostrophe and semicolon are a short reach for the right little finger.
• Hyphen is on the number row, far right, also the little finger.
• Question mark and exclamation mark need Shift.

Practise them inside real sentences, not on their own. Punctuation is mostly about timing with the word before and the space after.

The number row

Each digit belongs to the finger that owns the column beneath it. Split the row in two.

1. 1 to 5 with the left hand, little finger to index.
2. 6 to 0 with the right hand, index to little finger.

Reach up, press, and bring the finger straight back home. The return matters more than the reach, because a hand left on the number row loses its place for the next letter. Exact finger assignments are on the finger placement chart.

Shifted symbols

Symbols above the digits use the same finger as the digit, with Shift held by the other hand. Hold Shift first, press the key, release both. Using the opposite hand for Shift avoids twisting one hand to do two jobs.

Practice that works

• Small groups. Learn two or three keys, then mix them with ones you already know.
• Realistic text. Prices, dates, times and addresses are better practice than random strings.
• Slow and clean. The long reach makes neighbouring keys easy to hit by mistake, so accuracy comes first.
• Regular exposure. A typing test with punctuation and numbers once a day keeps the reaches fresh.

A note on layouts

Symbol positions vary more between layouts than letters do. UK and US keyboards swap a few, and on AZERTY the digits themselves need Shift. Scoring on whytyping follows the character you produce, so any layout works. See keyboard layouts compared for the differences.

When to move on

You are done when you can type a date, a time and a short sum without your eyes leaving the screen. Until then, expect lower speeds on mixed text. That is normal and closes with practice.