MIDI reference

MIDI note chart

A MIDI note chart maps each piano note to a number. Middle C is MIDI 60, A4 is MIDI 69, and a full 88-key piano spans MIDI 21 through 108.

C3D3E3F3G3A3B3C4D4E4F4G4A4B4C5
C#3D#3F#3G#3A#3C#4D#4F#4G#4A#4
MIDI 60 is Middle C and MIDI 69 is A4.
60Middle C

The most common MIDI label for C4.

69A4

The 440 Hz tuning reference in standard pitch.

21-10888-key range

The standard piano range in MIDI numbers.

How MIDI numbers move

Each half step changes the MIDI number by one. Moving from C4 to C sharp 4 goes from 60 to 61.

Why MIDI numbers are useful

MIDI numbers avoid spelling confusion. C sharp and D flat may have different names, but the same key uses one MIDI number.

Use MIDI with piano frequencies

MIDI numbers can be converted to frequencies when a tuning reference such as A4=440 is known.

Common MIDI note landmarks

NoteMIDI numberUse
A021Lowest standard piano key
C460Middle C
A469Standard tuning reference
C572One octave above Middle C
C8108Highest standard piano key

FAQ

Quick answers

What MIDI note is Middle C?

Middle C is MIDI note 60 in the most common mapping.

What MIDI note is A4?

A4 is MIDI note 69.

What MIDI range is an 88-key piano?

A standard 88-key piano spans MIDI notes 21 through 108.