The first key on a standard piano is A0.
Full piano range
88 key piano layout
The 88 key piano layout starts at A0 on the far left and ends at C8 on the far right. Middle C is C4, and the keyboard is organized by repeating 12-note octave groups.
ABCDEFGABCDEFGABCDEFGABCDEFGABCDEFGABCDEFGABCDEFGABC
A#C#D#F#G#A#C#D#F#G#A#C#D#F#G#A#C#D#F#G#A#C#D#F#G#A#C#D#F#G#A#C#D#F#G#A#The final key on a standard piano is C8.
Middle C is the central landmark for reading and practice.
Read the keyboard by octaves
Each octave contains C, C sharp, D, D sharp, E, F, F sharp, G, G sharp, A, A sharp, and B. The same order repeats until the top C.
Why the first octave is incomplete
The full piano begins on A0, so the lowest octave starts with A, A sharp, and B before C1 appears.
How to use the layout for practice
Use A0, C4, A4, and C8 as anchors. Those landmarks make it easier to understand range, hand position, and note names.
Important 88-key landmarks
| Landmark | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A0 | Lowest key on a standard piano |
| C1 | First full C-based octave |
| C4 | Middle C |
| A4 | Standard tuning reference, usually 440 Hz |
| C8 | Highest key on a standard piano |
FAQ
Quick answers
Does an 88 key piano start on C?
No. A standard 88-key piano starts on A0 and ends on C8.
Where is Middle C on an 88 key piano?
Middle C is C4, near the center of the keyboard and just left of a two-black-key group.
How many octaves are on an 88 key piano?
A standard piano has seven full octaves plus a few extra notes at the bottom and top.