A fast precise integration method (FPIM) is proposed for solving structural dynamics problems. It is based on the original precise integration method (PIM) that utilizes the sparse nature of the system matrices and especially the physical features found in structural dynamics problems. A physical interpretation of the matrix exponential is given, which leads to an efficient algorithm for both its evaluation and subsequently the solution of large-scale structural dynamics problems. The proposed algorithm is accurate, efficient and requires less computer storage than previous techniques.