Music Key Signature Calculator

Identify any musical key signature instantly with our free music theory calculator. Whether you know the key name or the number of sharps and flats, this tool will show you the signature, major scale, and relative minor key. A perfect reference for students, composers, and musicians. Explore more music tools on CalculatorBolt.

Identify Key Signature

Choose a major key

Quick Actions

How to Find a Key Signature

A key signature is a set of sharps (♯) or flats (♭) at the beginning of a staff that indicates the key of a piece. You can find the key by either selecting its name directly or by counting the number of accidentals. The order of sharps (F-C-G-D-A-E-B) and flats (B-E-A-D-G-C-F) follows the circle of fifths.

Inputs Explained

  • Find by Key Name: The quickest way. Simply select the major key you're interested in.
  • Find by Accidentals: Use this if you're looking at a piece of music and need to count the sharps or flats in the signature.

Example

If you count 3 sharps in the key signature:

  • The third sharp in the order is 'G♯'. The key is one half-step above G♯, which is A Major.
  • The key signature will show F♯, C♯, G♯.
  • Its relative minor key is F♯ Minor.

Tips & Important Notes

  • Mnemonics Help: For sharps, remember "Father Charles Goes Down And Ends Battle". For flats, remember "Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles' Father".
  • Enharmonic Keys: Some keys have different names but sound the same (e.g., F♯ Major and G♭ Major). This calculator uses the sharp spelling for keys with sharps.
  • Relative Minors: Every major key has a relative minor key that shares its key signature and is a minor third below its tonic.

FAQs

It's a musical notation that defines the tonal center of a piece by using a set of sharps or flats.

This calculator identifies the major key. You can find its relative minor, which shares the same key signature. The key's tonality is also determined by the music's chords and melody.

It's a visual representation of the relationship between the 12 tones of the chromatic scale, arranged in perfect fifths. It's the foundation for understanding key signatures.

A key is the tonal center. A scale is an ordered set of notes that uses that key as its starting point. This calculator shows the major scale for the identified key.

Disclaimer

This music key signature calculator is an educational tool for music theory reference. It follows standard Western notation practices. Interpretation of music and key can be complex and may vary by genre and composer. For advanced study, consult with a qualified music instructor.

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Author: CalculatorBolt Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Music Theory Specialist
Published: • Updated: