I've found it helpful to use relative numbering in normal mode and switch to absolute numbering in insert mode: set relativenumber nonumber autocmd InsertE

I've found it helpful to use relative numbering in normal mode and switch to absolute numbering in insert mode: set relativenumber nonumber autocmd InsertEnter * :set norelativenumber number autocmd InsertLeave * :set relativenumber nonumber IIRC this tip was from the Practical Vim book