How Many Keys Are on a Computer Keyboard? (2024)

Updated: 04/12/2021 by Computer Hope

There's no single standard dictating the number of keys, buttons, or characters on a keyboard; most companies use the PC keyboard with a total of 104 alphanumeric keys as a de facto standard. There have been many different manufacturers over the years, so the number of keys varies from model to model. On this page, we list the key counts for many of the more common types of keyboards in their respective classes.

IBM/PC keyboards

Original IBM PC Keyboard (1981) - 83 keys
Updated IBM PC Keyboard (1984) - 84 keys
AT Keyboard - 84 keys
AT Enhanced Keyboard - 101 keys
US Traditional Keyboard - 101 keys
Enhanced European Keyboard - 102 keys
Windows Keyboard - 104 keys
Windows-based Laptop Keyboard - 86 keys
Windows-based multimedia Keyboard - varies by how many special keys are present

Apple keyboards

Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad - 109 keys
Apple Wireless Keyboard - 78 keys
Apple MacBook Air laptop - 78 keys

Miscellaneous keyboards

Other keyboard configurations may include more than 104 keys, mainly being the Korean, Japanese, and Brazilian keyboards. Also, keyboards with keys to control a disc drive and Media Center functionality using special keys may have several dozen additional keys. Other keyboards provide programmable keys and may fall into the category of a programmable or gaming keyboard.

Gaming keyboards, media keyboards, or programmable keyboards often have 110 to 115 keys. The specific number of keys they have depends on the additional functionality they provide for a computer and to users.

How many function keys are on a keyboard?

Today's traditional PC keyboards have 12 function keys, F1 through F12. Some specialized PC keyboards have 24 function keys, F1 through F24.

Many Apple desktop computer keyboards with a number pad have 19 function keys, F1 through F19.

What are the F1 through F12 keys?

How many keys are on the numeric keypad

Most desktop computer keyboards have one numeric keypad with 17 keys on the PC and 18 keys on Apple keyboards.

How many number keys are on a keyboard?

If you only count the top row of number keys on a keyboard, numbers 1 through 0, there are ten number keys on the keyboard.

If the keyboard also has a numeric keypad (1 through 0), there are twenty number keys on the keyboard.

How many alphabetic keys are on a keyboard?

On an English computer keyboard, there are the same number of alphabetic keys as there are in the English alphabet; 26 keys for the 26 letters.

How many symbols are on a keyboard?

On an English QWERTY keyboard, there are 40 symbols (e.g., ~, !, @, #, $, and % that are not letters or numbers) on 28 keys. There is a difference in numbers because some keys have two symbols.

Note

The count above includes the Windows key and Menu key (3 keys) and does not count the arrow keys.

How many arrow keys are on a keyboard?

There are four arrow keys (up, right, down, and left arrow) on a keyboard. If you also count the arrow keys found on most PC keyboards number pad, there are eight arrow keys.

How many rows of keys are there on a keyboard?

Counting the function keys row, there are six rows of keys. Three of those rows (top row, home row, and bottom row) contain alphabetic letters that aren't in alphabetical order. When you place your hand on the keyboard, your fingers should be on the home row.

Computer keyboard key explanations.
How to improve your typing.
Listing of keyboard shortcuts.
See our keyboard definition for full information and related links.
Keyboard help and support.

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Number of Keys on a Keyboard:
- The standard PC keyboard has 104 alphanumeric keys as a de facto standard.
- Key counts vary among different manufacturers and models.
- Notable examples include the IBM/PC keyboards with 83, 84, and 101 keys, and Windows keyboards with 104 keys.
Apple Keyboards:
- Apple keyboards range from the Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (109 keys) to the Apple Wireless Keyboard (78 keys).
- The Apple MacBook Air laptop keyboard typically has 78 keys.
Miscellaneous Keyboards:
- Other keyboard configurations may exceed 104 keys, such as Korean, Japanese, and Brazilian keyboards.
- Some keyboards include special keys for disc drive and Media Center functionality.
- Programmable or gaming keyboards often have 110 to 115 keys, depending on additional functionalities.
Function Keys:
- Traditional PC keyboards feature 12 function keys (F1 through F12).
- Specialized PC keyboards may have up to 24 function keys.
- Apple desktop computer keyboards with a number pad have 19 function keys (F1 through F19).
Numeric Keypad:
- Most desktop computer keyboards have a numeric keypad with 17 keys on PC and 18 keys on Apple keyboards.
- Some laptops have a numeric keypad, typically on larger screens.
Number Keys:
- The top row of number keys on a keyboard includes numbers 1 through 0, totaling ten keys.
- With a numeric keypad, the keyboard has twenty number keys.
Alphabetic Keys:
- An English computer keyboard has 26 alphabetic keys, corresponding to the English alphabet.
Symbol Keys:
- On an English QWERTY keyboard, there are 40 symbols on 28 keys, including characters like ~, !, @, #, $, and %.
Arrow Keys:
- Standard keyboards have four arrow keys (up, right, down, left).
- Including the arrow keys on the numeric keypad, there are eight arrow keys.
Rows of Keys:
- Counting the function keys row, a keyboard typically has six rows. These include the top row, home row, and bottom row.

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