10-key practice: number typing lessons
Numpad practice in five short lessons. Start on the home row and add keys one row at a time. When you finish a run, the keys you missed most are shaded red on the keypad, so you know what to drill next.
Key this number, then press Enter
Only number keys, ., − and Enter count as keystrokes. Backspace doesn't count, but the keys you deleted still count toward gross speed. How we score
Levels
- Home row: 4 5 6. Uses only 4 5 6.
- Add the top row: 7 8 9. Uses only 4 5 6 7 8 9.
- Add the bottom row: 1 2 3. Uses only 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9.
- Add 0. Uses only 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9.
- Amounts with a decimal point. Dollar-and-cent amounts, so the decimal point becomes part of the rhythm.
Move up when you can finish a 3-minute run without looking at the keypad. Speed follows accuracy, not the other way round: a wrong key costs the key plus the fix.
Number typing practice: quick answers
In what order should I take the 10 key typing lessons? Top to bottom as listed. Each level adds one row to the keys you already know, so you never learn two new reaches at once. That order is our suggestion, not a rule from any employer.
How long should a numpad practice run be? The drill offers 1, 3 or 5 minutes. Short runs are for a new level; the 3-minute run is the check before moving up.
When am I ready for the test? When the real-world format drills (pick them in the Drill menu) feel as steady as the levels. Then take the 10 key typing test and compare your net KPH with the employer rules listed there.
Real-world formats
| Drill | Looks like |
|---|---|
| Invoice amounts | 1482.07 |
| ZIP codes | 60614 |
| Dates (MMDDYYYY) | 03142025 |
| Inventory numbers | 4410392 |
| Quantity, then unit price (alternating) | 3.49 |
Every number in these drills is randomly generated. None of them is a real invoice, address or account.