C, D, E, F, G, A, and B repeat across the keyboard.
Note names
Piano key names
Piano key names come from the repeating letters C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. Black keys are named as sharps or flats, and octave numbers distinguish repeated copies of the same letter.
C4D4E4F4G4A4B4
C#4 / Db4D#4 / Eb4F#4 / Gb4G#4 / Ab4A#4 / Bb4Each octave has five black keys named as sharps or flats.
Seven white keys plus five black keys make the repeating pattern.
White key names
White keys are the natural notes. From C upward they read C, D, E, F, G, A, and B, then repeat.
Black key names
Black keys sit between most white-key pairs. The key between C and D can be called C sharp or D flat.
Octave names
Octave numbers separate repeated note names. C4, C5, and C6 are all C notes, but they sound in different ranges.
Black key enharmonic names
| Black key | Also called |
|---|---|
| C sharp | D flat |
| D sharp | E flat |
| F sharp | G flat |
| G sharp | A flat |
| A sharp | B flat |
FAQ
Quick answers
What are the piano key names in order?
From C upward the names are C, C sharp, D, D sharp, E, F, F sharp, G, G sharp, A, A sharp, and B.
Why do some piano keys have two names?
Black keys can be named from the white key below as a sharp or from the white key above as a flat.
What are the white keys called?
The white keys are C, D, E, F, G, A, and B.