Piano key notation at a glance
Piano key notation combines a note letter with an octave number. The white keys repeat A through G, while the black keys normally have a sharp name and a flat name. Middle C is written C4 in scientific pitch notation, and the A above it is A4.
The full 88-key piano runs from A0 to C8. Octave numbers change at C, not at A: B3 sits immediately below C4, and B4 sits immediately below C5. This chart keeps those labels visible so repeated note names can be distinguished by register.
Find notes from the black-key pattern
Groups of two and three black keys are the quickest landmarks. C is immediately to the left of every two-black-key group. F is immediately to the left of every three-black-key group. Once either landmark is found, move through the white-key letters in order.
A black key between C and D can be written C♯ or D♭. The next black key can be D♯ or E♭. The same pattern continues through F♯ or G♭, G♯ or A♭, and A♯ or B♭. The sounding key is shared, but the written name depends on musical context.
Middle C and the complete 88-key range
A standard 88-key piano begins with A0, B♭0 or A♯0, and B0 before the first full C-to-B octave. Seven complete C positions lead through the keyboard to the final C8. Middle C, C4, is close to the physical centre and provides a useful orientation point.
A4 is the A above middle C and is shown as the 440 Hz equal-temperament reference used by ChordMetric's generated audio. Frequency rises from left to right, but note function still depends on the chord, scale, interval or key in which the pitch appears.
Sharp and flat note names
The black-key labels are enharmonic pairs: two written names for one equal-temperament piano key. F♯ and G♭ therefore occupy the same key, but C–F♯ is written as an augmented fourth while C–G♭ is written as a diminished fifth. The letter span changes the interval name.
Not every accidental points to a black key. B♯ shares a key with C, C♭ with B, E♯ with F and F♭ with E. ChordMetric's isolated keyboard can show a sharp or flat preference, while its chord and scale tools use the spelling required by the selected musical structure.
How to read and use the chart
Start with one black-key group, locate C or F, then identify nearby white keys. Add the octave number only after the letter is clear. On the 88-key view, use C4 and A4 as central checkpoints before moving toward A0 or C8.
Use the chart for orientation, then open the interval, chord or scale tool when context matters. A keyboard diagram shows where a pitch is played; the written formula explains why that pitch is named with a particular letter and accidental.
- Find every C by looking left of each two-black-key group.
- Locate C4, then identify B3 and D4 beside it.
- Find A4 and compare it with A3 and A5.
- Choose one black key and state both common names.
Print a clean keyboard reference
The print centre can produce a labelled keyboard reference or a blank keyboard for note-name practice. Printed output retains the musical labels and removes navigation and playback controls.
For a deeper explanation of the repeating pattern, octave numbering and enharmonic names, continue to How to Read a Piano Keyboard. Use the Key Signature Chart when a key determines which sharp or flat spelling is appropriate.