TPS in speedcubing refers to twists per second, a simple metric that shows how quickly you turn the cube during a solve. Understanding your TPS speed helps you compare solves, track progress, and set realistic goals on YouTube or in competitions.
Measuring TPS accurately requires consistent method and clear data, whether you are timing casual practice or analyzing official competition solves. Use the table below to compare the main ways to track and calculate TPS for your speedcubing shorts and longer videos.
| Method | Tools Needed | Best For | Typical Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stopwatch + Manual Count | Timer app, pen & paper | Quick practice sessions | ±0.5–1.0 TPS |
| Cube Timer Apps | iOS or Android app | Personal training and logging | ±0.1–0.5 TPS |
| Video Analysis with Timestamps | YouTube editor or VLC | YouTube shorts breakdowns | ±0.1–0.3 TPS |
| Competition Scoring Systems | Official timing equipment | Official competitions | ±0.01–0.1 TPS |
How to Calculate TPS for Your Speedcubing Shorts
Record and Isolate the Solve
Start by recording a clean solve of your speedcubing shorts without interruptions. Use a cube timer app or mark exact start and stop frames in your editing software to ensure a precise solve time.
Count the Executed Turns
Review the solve and count every face turn, including double turns and inverses. Exclude pauses, lookahead moments, and unnecessary hand movements so your TPS reflects actual turning activity.
Divide Turns by Total Time
Calculate TPS by dividing the total number of turns by the solve duration in seconds. For example, 90 turns in 15 seconds equals 6 TPS, which you can feature prominently in descriptions for speedcubing shorts on YouTube.
Improving TPS Without Losing Accuracy
Drill Finger Tricks and Algorithms
Practice finger tricks and efficient algorithm execution to increase your move count per second while maintaining control and fewer missteps in your speedcubing shorts.
Train Lookahead and Planning
Develop lookahead skills so you identify the next steps while executing current turns, reducing hesitation and keeping a high, consistent TPS across multiple solves.
Use Consistent Measurement Methods
Stick to one timing method for each training block, such as a cube timer app, to track real improvement rather than fluctuations caused by different counting rules.
Analyzing TPS Across Your Speedcubing Shorts
Compare Multiple Solves Over Time
Chart your TPS across several speedcubing shorts to spot trends, highlight plateaus, and showcase progress in your YouTube content or personal training logs.
Balance Speed and Consistency
Aim for a TPS level that you can maintain with low turn penalty, because a slightly slower but reliable TPS often leads to better averages and fewer DNFs in competition.
Applying TPS Insights to Your Speedcubing Shorts Strategy
- Record each solve with clear start and stop timestamps for accurate TPS calculation.
- Use cube timer apps or video analysis to track turns and time reliably for your shorts.
- Count turns consistently, including all face turns but ignoring pauses and idle lookahead.
- Set realistic weekly TPS targets and review progress across your YouTube speedcubing shorts.
- Prioritize smooth execution and low turn penalties to maintain high TPS over long sessions.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I count turns correctly when calculating TPS for speedcubing shorts?
Count every face turn, including quarter turns, half turns, and wide moves, while excluding pauses and lookahead so your TPS reflects actual turning speed.
What is a good TPS for beginner speedcubers in YouTube shorts?
Beginners typically range from 2 to 4 TPS, but focus on clean turns and steady improvement rather than hitting a specific number in each short.
Can TPS vary a lot between different solves in a YouTube video?
Yes, TPS can vary due to puzzle difficulty, algorithm set, and fatigue, so review multiple solves to see your true speedcubing trend.
Is it better to optimize for higher TPS or fewer pauses in my shorts?
Balance both by training smooth turns and lookahead, because fewer pauses and consistent TPS usually deliver more engaging speedcubing shorts.