Disclosed herein are a washing machine that is capable of having a reduced washing time and improved washing performance, and a method of controlling the same. The washing machine includes a tub accommodating wash water, a drum rotatably arranged in the tub and accommodating laundry, a drive unit for rotating the drum, a water supply unit for adjusting an inflow of the wash water, and a control unit, wherein the control unit drives the drive unit and detects an amount of the laundry so as to set a target water level, controls the water supply unit to supply the wash water into the tub such that the wash water is lower than the target water level, drives the drive unit to accelerate the drum at a rotational speed, and controls the water supply unit to supply the wash water into the tub until the target water level.
