Why accuracy comes first
Typing is a motor skill. If you repeat sloppy movement, you get better at sloppy movement. Clean accuracy teaches your fingers the right path. Once the path is automatic, speed becomes much easier to add.
When to push speed
Speed practice is useful after you can stay around 95% accuracy or higher. At that point, short faster runs can teach rhythm and confidence. If accuracy falls apart, you pushed too hard.
A simple balance
| Your accuracy | Practice focus |
|---|---|
| Under 90% | Slow down and fix technique |
| 90-94% | Accuracy drills and weak keys |
| 95-97% | Balanced practice |
| 98%+ | Add controlled speed runs |
The raw WPM trap
Raw WPM can make you feel fast while net WPM tells the truth. If raw speed is much higher than net speed, errors are stealing your real output. That's a signal to practice accuracy, not to press harder.
The best routine
Warm up slowly, drill weak keys, type one real paragraph cleanly, then do one speed run. End by looking at what went wrong. That review is where improvement comes from.
Frequently asked
Should beginners practice speed or accuracy?
Beginners should practice accuracy first. Speed comes later from clean repetition.
What accuracy should I aim for?
Aim for at least 95%, and push toward 98% for clean, confident typing.