Learn to touch-type Persian (Farsi) for free: 16 step-by-step lessons on the standard ISIRI 9147 keyboard, with a visual keyboard that shows the next key and the finger to use, plus a 30, 60 or 120-second Farsi typing test that measures your WPM and accuracy.
All lessons
Accuracy per key (all lessons and tests in this browser; green ≥ 97%, yellow ≥ 92%, orange ≥ 85%, red below):
Personal bests
How to use the Persian typing tutor
- Rest your fingers on the home row. Left hand: ش س ی ب (A S D F). Right hand: ت ن م ک (J K L ;). The small bumps on F and J let you find them without looking.
- Type the highlighted letter. The green key and the coloured finger show where it is; Shift letters also light up the Shift key for the other hand.
- A wrong key turns the letter red and counts as an error. Type the right key to go on. Reach 90% accuracy to unlock the next lesson (95% earns two stars, 98% three).
- When you know the keys, open Typing test and type as many common Persian words as you can in 30, 60 or 120 seconds.
You do not need a Persian keyboard installed. If your computer uses an English (or any Latin) layout, the tutor turns each physical key into the Persian letter at the same place on the standard layout, so f h v types بار. If you already have a Persian keyboard switched on, just type: the tutor accepts the Persian characters as they are. On a phone, tap the on-screen keys. Shortcuts: Esc restarts, Enter goes to the next lesson, Shift+Space types the half-space.
Which finger types which Persian letter?
| Finger | Top row | Home row | Bottom row |
|---|---|---|---|
| Left little | ض | ش | ظ |
| Left ring | ص | س | ط |
| Left middle | ث | ی | ز |
| Left index | ق ف | ب ل | ر ذ |
| Right index | غ ع | ا ت | د پ |
| Right middle | ه | ن | و |
| Right ring | خ | م | . (period) |
| Right little | ح ج چ | ک گ | / and ؟ (Shift) |
| Thumbs | Space; Shift+Space = half-space (ZWNJ) | ||
The Persian digits ۱ ۲ ۳ ۴ ۵ ۶ ۷ ۸ ۹ ۰ (1 to 0) sit on the number row, and آ is Shift+H, ژ is Shift+C. The half-space matters in correct spelling: it keeps می apart from the verb in میخواهم (mikhâham, “I want”) and the plural ending apart in کتابها (ketâbhâ, “books”) without adding a full space.
Persian ی and ک vs Arabic ي and ك
Persian uses the Arabic script, but two everyday letters have their own Persian versions. Persian ye ی has no dots when it stands alone or ends a word, while Arabic yâ ي has two dots below. Persian kâf ک has a long top stroke, while Arabic ك has a small mark inside. In the middle of a word they can look the same, but to a computer they are different characters, so كتاب typed with the Arabic letter will not match کتاب in a search, a dictionary or a spell checker.
| Letter | Persian (use this) | Arabic |
|---|---|---|
| ye / yâ | ی U+06CC | ي U+064A |
| kâf | ک U+06A9 | ك U+0643 |
| digits 4, 5, 6 | ۴ ۵ ۶ | ٤ ٥ ٦ |
Arabic keyboard layouts and some older Persian layouts type the Arabic forms. This tutor accepts them so you are not blocked, but it shows a warning: switch to a standard Persian layout and your texts will use the correct letters.
How to add the Persian keyboard to your computer or phone
- Windows 10 and 11: Settings > Time & language > Language (& region) > Add a language > Persian. Then open the language options and make sure the keyboard Persian (Standard) is added: it is the ISIRI 9147 layout taught here. Switch languages with Windows+Space.
- Mac: System Settings > Keyboard > Text Input > Edit > + > Persian, and choose the ISIRI 9147 version. Switch with the globe key or Ctrl+Space.
- Android (Gboard): open the keyboard, tap the gear icon > Languages > Add keyboard > Persian (فارسی). Switch with the globe key or by long-pressing the space bar.
- iPhone and iPad: Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard > Persian. Tap the globe key to switch.
Phone keyboards use their own arrangement, so touch-typing practice is most useful on a computer. On a phone, use the Persian keyboard’s half-space key where it has one.
What is a good Persian typing speed?
Speed is measured in words per minute (WPM), where one “word” is 5 characters, spaces included, so results can be compared across languages. In the test only correctly typed words count. In a new script most people start at around 5 to 15 WPM. Around 25 to 35 WPM with 95% accuracy is comfortable for chatting and email, and experienced Persian typists go well beyond that. To get there:
- Put accuracy first. Every mistake costs more time than typing a little slower.
- Keep your eyes on the text, not your hands. Use the on-screen keyboard instead of looking down.
- Practise 10 to 15 minutes a day. Short, regular sessions build muscle memory faster than one long one.
- Check Progress to see your weakest keys, then repeat the lesson that teaches them.
Typing is easier when you can read every letter at a glance. Read and Write Persian Language in 7 Days teaches the Persian alphabet, letter shapes and handwriting step by step, with exercises.
See the workbookRelated tools and lessons
- Persian keyboard online
- Persian alphabet game
- Persian dictation practice
- Finglish to Persian converter
- Persian number converter
- Persian alphabet: all 32 letters
- Farsi alphabet lessons
- Persian numbers 1 to 1,000
- Most common Persian words
- All free Persian tools
FAQ
Do I need a Persian keyboard to use this typing tutor?
No. With an English or other Latin keyboard, each key you press is mapped to the Persian letter at the same place on the standard layout, and the on-screen keyboard shows what each key types. If a Persian keyboard is already active on your device, the tutor accepts its characters directly.
Which Persian keyboard layout does it teach?
The national standard ISIRI 9147, called “Persian (Standard)” on Windows and “Persian – ISIRI 9147” on Mac. What you learn here works on any computer set to that layout.
How do I type the half-space (ZWNJ) in Persian?
Press Shift+Space on a computer, or tap the ½ space key on the on-screen keyboard. It separates parts of a word without a full space, as in میروم (miravam, “I go”) and خانهها (khânehâ, “houses”).
How are WPM and accuracy calculated?
WPM is the number of correct characters divided by 5, per minute. Accuracy is the share of your key presses that were correct. In lessons you must fix each mistake before moving on; in the typing test only fully correct words count toward WPM.
Is my progress saved?
Yes, in this browser only (local storage): unlocked lessons, stars, per-key accuracy and personal bests. There is no account and nothing is sent anywhere. Clearing your browser data or using a private window starts you from lesson 1.
Can I practise Persian typing on my phone?
Yes. Choose “On-screen keys” and tap the letters on the keyboard in the page, which follows the computer layout. You can also choose “My keyboard” to use your phone’s own Persian keyboard.
Free Persian Starter Pack: Alphabet + 100 Core Words
Get the 14-page printable Starter Pack (all 32 letters, a 7-day reading plan, 100 core words and 20 survival phrases) and a short 5-email course. Free.