Key signatures
A key signature is the set of sharps or flats after the clef that fixes the key of a piece. Below is a free printable chart for every major key. Sharps are added in the order F♯ C♯ G♯ D♯ A♯ E♯ B♯; flats in the reverse order.
Sharp keys
C major
No sharps or flats
G major
1 sharp · rel. E minor
D major
2 sharps · rel. B minor
A major
3 sharps · rel. F♯ minor
E major
4 sharps · rel. C♯ minor
B major
5 sharps · rel. G♯ minor
F♯ major
6 sharps · rel. D♯ minor
C♯ major
7 sharps · rel. A♯ minor
Flat keys
Key signatures — frequently asked questions
What is a key signature?
A key signature is the group of sharps or flats written just after the clef. It tells you which notes to raise or lower throughout the whole piece, so they don’t have to be marked every time.
What order do sharps and flats go in?
Sharps are always added in the order F♯ C♯ G♯ D♯ A♯ E♯ B♯; flats in the reverse order B♭ E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ C♭ F♭.
How do I work out a key from its signature?
For a sharp key, take the last sharp and go up one semitone. For a flat key, the second-to-last flat names the key. C major (no sharps/flats) and F major (one flat) are memorised.
Are the key signature charts free?
Yes — every chart is free to print or download as a PDF or PNG, with no account.
Related
The circle of fifths arranges all these keys by their signatures. You can also learn to read the notes on each clef or printblank staff paper to practise writing them.