Top Row Typing
About Top Row
The top row sits directly above the home row and holds many of the most common letters in English — including E, T, R, I, O and U. Because each finger only has to reach up one row and come straight back, the top row is the natural next step after the home keys, and learning it unlocks a huge share of everyday words.
You will learn the top row in six short steps, working from the middle and index fingers outward to the ring fingers and pinkies: E and I, then R and U, then T and Y, then W and O, then Q and P, and finally real words that mix the top and home rows together. Keep every finger anchored on its home key and reach only when it is that finger’s turn.
How to type the top row
- Reach straight up from the home row, not diagonally. Each finger has one key directly above its home key — for example the left middle finger moves from D up to E, and the right index finger moves from J up to U.
- After pressing a top-row key, bring the finger straight back down to its home key. Your other fingers stay resting on the home row the whole time so you never lose your place.
- Let the index fingers do the extra work. The left index covers R and T, the right index covers U and Y — these are the longest reaches on the top row.
- Keep your eyes on the screen and glance at the finger colours, not the keyboard. The reach becomes automatic far faster when you are not looking down.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Moving your whole hand up to the top row. Only one finger should reach; the rest stay anchored on home so your hand keeps its position.
- Using the index finger for E or I. E belongs to the middle finger and I to the right middle finger — using the correct finger is what keeps long words smooth.
- Rushing the T and Y stretch. These inner reaches feel awkward at first, so slow down and they will settle into muscle memory within a few sessions.
Practice words
Once the keys feel familiar, drill these top row words — each one uses only the keys you have learned so far:
Frequently asked questions
Which fingers type the top row keys?
Left hand: Q with the pinky, W with the ring finger, E with the middle finger, R and T with the index finger. Right hand: Y and U with the index finger, I with the middle finger, O with the ring finger, and P with the pinky. Each finger reaches up from its own home key.
Which finger should I use to type the letter E?
The left middle finger. It rests on D and reaches straight up to E, then returns to D. E is the most common letter in English, so getting this reach right early makes a big difference to your speed.
Why are the T and Y keys harder to reach?
T and Y sit in the middle of the top row, so the index fingers have to stretch inward and up to reach them — the left index for T and the right index for Y. It feels awkward at first but becomes natural with a little practice.
Do I need to learn the home row before the top row?
Yes. The top row is taught as a reach up from the home keys, so your fingers need a reliable home position first. If you are new to touch typing, start with the Home Row stage and then come back here.
How do I stop looking at the keyboard for the top row?
Trust the reaches. Every top-row key is one row up from a home key you already know, so use the on-screen keyboard and finger colours as your guide and resist glancing down. Focus on accuracy and speed will follow.