Typing Accuracy vs Speed: Finding the Right Balance
Why accuracy matters as much as speed
Typing fast with lots of errors is slower in practice: you spend time fixing mistakes, and in many jobs and tests, errors count against you. Net WPM (after penalties) or accuracy-weighted scores often favor the typist who types at a steady pace with few errors over the one who types fast but sloppily. So improving typing accuracy is not separate from improving speed—it's the foundation.
Accuracy first, then speed
A practical approach: aim for 95%+ accuracy and hold that standard. Once you're consistent, gradually increase speed. If accuracy drops when you push for higher WPM, slow down slightly until accuracy is back, then try again. This builds clean habits and avoids reinforcing mistakes. Use a typing test that shows both WPM and accuracy so you can track both.
How tests handle errors
Different tests count errors differently. Some show raw WPM and accuracy separately; some calculate net WPM (e.g. subtracting for errors). TypingMonk shows live WPM and accuracy and lets you choose error-counting mode (e.g. count errors as you go vs "Final Only"). Understanding how your practice test works helps you interpret results and match employer or school tests. See our FAQ and WPM chart for details.
Practice strategy
Do short, focused sessions. Use easy or medium difficulty at first so you can concentrate on accuracy. When you're comfortable, increase difficulty and test length. Take a 3- or 5-minute typing test regularly and record both WPM and accuracy; over time you'll see both improve if you keep accuracy as the priority.