Accuracy vs Speed: What Should You Focus On First?

It's the question every new typist asks: "Should I focus on typing fast or typing accurately?" The internet is full of conflicting advice, but the science is actually quite clear.

🎯 The Verdict: Accuracy First

Focus on accuracy until you hit 95%+ consistently, then work on speed.

Why Accuracy Comes First

Here's the simple truth: errors slow you down more than going slowly does.

Let's do the math. When you make a typo, you need to:

Recognize the error (takes ~200ms)
Press backspace (takes ~150ms)
Retype the correct character (takes ~150ms)

That's roughly 500ms (half a second) per error. If you're typing at 60 WPM with 90% accuracy, you're making about 30 errors per minute. That's 15 seconds spent just fixing mistakes—effectively dropping your real speed to ~45 WPM.

The Muscle Memory Factor

Your brain learns through repetition. When you repeatedly type incorrectly—even while rushing—you're teaching your muscles the wrong movements. Unlearning these bad habits later is much harder than learning correctly from the start.

Warning: Practicing fast but sloppy typing ingrains bad habits. You'll hit a speed ceiling that's very difficult to break through without essentially starting over.

Comparing the Two Approaches

🎯 Accuracy First

Builds correct muscle memory
Speed increases naturally over time
No bad habits to unlearn
Higher ceiling for eventual speed
More sustainable long-term

⚡ Speed First

Quick initial progress (feels good)
Reinforces incorrect patterns
Creates speed plateau
Requires relearning later
Higher frustration long-term

The Sweet Spot Strategy

Here's an effective approach that balances both:

Start slow: Type at a pace where you make almost no errors (95%+ accuracy)
Maintain accuracy: If errors increase above 5%, slow down
Gradually push speed: Once accuracy is stable, increase speed by 5%
Repeat: Keep cycling through this process

The 95% Rule: Never practice at a speed where your accuracy drops below 95%. This ensures you're always reinforcing correct typing patterns.

What About Typing Tests?

Typing tests often display both WPM and accuracy. Many show "Net WPM" which subtracts points for errors. A high gross WPM with low accuracy will give you a lower net WPM than moderate speed with high accuracy.

Most employers and schools look at net WPM, which rewards accuracy. A 50 WPM typist with 98% accuracy often outperforms a 70 WPM typist with 85% accuracy in real-world tasks.

When to Shift Focus to Speed

Once you can consistently maintain 95%+ accuracy at your current speed, it's time to push faster. Signs you're ready:

Your accuracy rarely drops below 95%
You don't have to think about key positions
Typing feels relaxed, not stressful
You've been at the same speed for 1-2 weeks

The Bottom Line

Accuracy is the foundation. Speed is the house you build on it. Try to build the house before the foundation is solid, and it will eventually collapse. Take the time to build proper technique first, and your speed will catch up—and eventually exceed what you could have achieved by rushing.

Remember: the goal isn't to type fast. The goal is to type fast and accurately. Start with accuracy, and speed will follow.