Middle C is written as C4 in common pitch notation.
Keyboard landmark
Middle C on piano
Middle C is C4. On the keyboard, it is the white key immediately to the left of a two-black-key group near the center of the piano.
C3D3E3F3G3A3B3C4D4E4F4G4A4B4C5
C#3D#3F#3G#3A#3C#4D#4F#4G#4A#4Middle C is MIDI note 60.
Middle C is about 261.63 Hz in standard tuning.
How to find Middle C quickly
Look near the center of the keyboard for a pair of black keys. The white key immediately to the left of that pair is Middle C.
Why Middle C matters
Middle C connects the treble and bass clefs, gives beginners a stable hand-position landmark, and appears in many first piano pieces.
Do small keyboards still have Middle C
Most 61-key and 76-key keyboards include Middle C, although its exact physical position may not be centered on the instrument.
Middle C identifiers
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Letter name | C |
| Octave name | C4 |
| MIDI number | 60 |
| Frequency | 261.63 Hz at A4=440 |
FAQ
Quick answers
Is Middle C C3 or C4?
In the most common scientific pitch notation, Middle C is C4. Some software labels may differ, so check the system being used.
Is Middle C exactly in the middle of the piano?
It is near the center of the keyboard, but not the exact mathematical midpoint of all 88 keys.
What is the MIDI note for Middle C?
Middle C is MIDI note 60.