Typing speed vs accuracy
Accuracy matters more. A mistake costs more time to fix than it takes to type the word carefully, so the fastest typists are the ones who make the fewest mistakes.
What a mistake really costs
To fix a wrong letter you notice it, stop, press Backspace, type the right letter and often retype the rest of the word. That takes two to three seconds, about the time needed to type six or eight correct words. If you make one mistake every ten words, you lose a quarter of your time to fixes.
An example
| Typist | Raw speed | Accuracy | Net speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 70 WPM | 88% | about 55 WPM |
| B | 58 WPM | 98% | about 57 WPM |
Typist B is slower on paper but gets more done, and has far less to fix afterwards.
How accurate should you be?
Aim for 95% as a minimum. Employers often ask for 95% to 98%, and for data entry, 98% or more. If you are under 90%, slow down by about 10% to 20%. In a few days your accuracy rises, and then you can bring the speed up again.
How to improve both
- Keep a steady rhythm. Even pauses between keys make fewer mistakes than bursts.
- Look at the screen, not at the keys.
- Notice which letters and words cause errors, and practise those slowly.
- Do not fight the mistakes at the moment. Finish the word, and review your errors after the test.
The test results on this site show an accuracy figure and a speed chart, so you can see where your rhythm broke down.
Questions
Is it better to type fast or accurately?
Accurately. Mistakes take longer to fix than careful typing takes.
What is a good typing accuracy?
95% or higher. Data entry jobs often want 98%.
Should I fix mistakes while I type?
In a speed test, usually not, because stopping ruins your rhythm. When you are writing, fix them as you go.