Should You Use Backspace in a Typing Test?
Use backspace only when the error counts against you and you catch it immediately. On net-WPM tests, fixing an error at once usually costs less than leaving it; on tests with an error limit, it can be the difference between pass and fail; and some employer tests disable backspace entirely, so practice both ways.
By Abhishek, Founder & Maintainer ·
| Fix immediately | Yes — usually cheaper than leaving the error |
|---|---|
| Fix errors several words back | Usually no — too slow |
| Error-limit tests (e.g. ≤ 3) | Fix, because one error can fail you |
| Backspace disabled | Slow down and type cleanly |
What backspace does to your score
A fixed error costs time; an unfixed error costs score. On a net-WPM test, an uncorrected wrong character is not counted; on a word-error test, it makes the whole word an error. Fixing a typo you notice straight away takes a second or two. Going back four words takes much longer.
By test type
| Test | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Net WPM, no error limit | Fix immediate typos; ignore earlier ones |
| Error limit (US federal: ≤ 3 in 5 min) | Fix every error you see |
| Adjusted WPM (Criteria: WPM − errors) | Fix — each error costs a full WPM |
| Canadian error table | Fix near your band’s limit |
| Backspace disabled | Type a little slower and cleaner |
Practice both
Several presets on this site lock backspace, as some employer platforms do. If you always correct, a locked test will feel very different — try one on the Prove It-style test or check the rules on the pre-employment tests page.
The habit to break
Many typists press backspace by reflex before checking whether they actually made a mistake. Watch your backspace count on the results screen; if it is much higher than your error count, slow down slightly and trust your fingers.
A worked comparison
Suppose you make one error a minute on a five-minute test. Fixing each one immediately costs about two seconds — ten seconds in total, roughly a 3% speed loss. Leaving them costs five errors.
| Test rule | Fix immediately | Leave errors |
|---|---|---|
| US federal (≤ 3 errors) | Pass (0 errors) | Fail (5 errors) |
| Criteria-style adjusted WPM | ≈ −1 WPM | −5 WPM |
| Net WPM only | Slightly lower speed, no errors | Higher raw speed, 5 errors on record |
When not to go back
- The error is several words behind — the time cost grows with every word you delete.
- Backspace is disabled — keep going; never retype from the error.
- It’s a free-text note in a call-handling task where meaning is clear.
Training the instinct
For a week, do one session a day with backspace locked — several of our presets do this — and one with it on. You will learn which errors you notice instantly and which you don’t, and your accuracy will rise.
A 15-minute daily routine
Short, focused practice every day beats long sessions once a week. This routine fits most goals.
- 2 minutes — warm-up: easy text at a relaxed pace.
- 5 minutes — accuracy: an AI lesson on your weak keys at 97%+ accuracy.
- 3 minutes — speed: three 30-second bursts slightly faster than comfortable.
- 5 minutes — test: one run at the length of the test you are preparing for.
Log the middle score of the week, not the best one; that is the number you will reproduce on test day. If it hasn’t moved in three weeks, change what you work on, not how long — see the 30-day plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does backspace lower my WPM?
Indirectly — it costs time. It raises net WPM if it removes an error that would otherwise count.
Can I use backspace on an employer typing test?
Often yes, but some disable it. Read the instructions.
Do corrected errors count against accuracy?
On this site, yes — accuracy counts the original wrong keystroke.