How Many Keys Does a Piano Have?
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A full-size piano has 88 keys. That count covers the whole range from the lowest note to the highest note on a standard keyboard. Smaller keyboards have fewer keys, so check the key count when you compare models.
The full-size count is 88 keys
A full-size piano has 88 keys, and that count is the standard for acoustic pianos and for full-size digital pianos. The GLARRY, Donner, Yamaha and UISCOM pianos in this article each list 88 keys. When a listing gives a smaller count, the keyboard is a shorter model, so read the key count before you buy.
White keys and black keys
The keys fall into white keys and black keys. Black keys sit in repeating groups across the keyboard, and the pattern runs from the lowest note to the highest note. Counting white keys and black keys together gives the full count of 88 keys on a full-size piano.
How to count the keys
Start at the low end of the keyboard and count each key in order to the high end. Count the white keys and the black keys together, and compare the result with 88. If the count comes out lower, the keyboard is a shorter model with fewer keys.
What to check on an 88-key piano
Look for weighted action first. The Donner piano lists full-weighted hammer action keys, the Yamaha piano lists weighted action, and the UISCOM piano lists progressive hammer action, while the GLARRY piano lists semi-weighted keys. Check the pedals next: the Yamaha piano includes a sustain pedal, and the GLARRY, Donner and UISCOM pianos include triple pedals. The GLARRY piano lists Bluetooth audio and USB-MIDI, and the Donner piano lists a furniture stand.
What you need
GLARRY 88-Key Semi-Weighted Digital Piano
An 88-key semi-weighted piano with 380 tones, Bluetooth audio, USB-MIDI, triple pedals and headphones in the box.
- Keys: 88
- Weighted / hammer action
- Max polyphony: 128
- Built-in sounds: 380
- Speaker power: 17 W
- Bluetooth
- USB-MIDI
Donner DEP-20 Beginner Digital Piano 88 Key
An 88-key full-weighted hammer action piano with 238 tones, a furniture stand, a 3-pedal unit and a backlit LCD screen.
- Keys: 88
- Weighted / hammer action
- Max polyphony: 128
- Built-in sounds: 238
- USB-MIDI
YAMAHA P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano
An 88-key weighted action piano with 10 voices, a sustain pedal included, and a 1 year manufacturer warranty.
- Keys: 88
- Weighted / hammer action
- Built-in sounds: 10
- 1 year warranty stated
UISCOM 88 Key Weighted Home Digital Piano
An 88-key progressive hammer-action piano with 8 tones, triple pedals, dual headphone jacks and MIDI.
- Keys: 88
- Weighted / hammer action
- USB-MIDI
These come from our ranked list Best Digital Piano, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Do all pianos have 88 keys?
A full-size piano has 88 keys. Smaller keyboards have fewer keys, so check the key count in the listing before you buy.
How many keys does a digital piano have?
It depends on the model. The GLARRY, Donner, Yamaha and UISCOM pianos in this article each list 88 keys, which matches a full-size piano.
What does semi-weighted mean?
Semi-weighted keys use springs for resistance, while weighted keys use a hammer action. The GLARRY piano lists semi-weighted keys, and the Donner, Yamaha and UISCOM pianos list weighted or hammer action.
Do digital pianos need pedals?
A sustain pedal holds notes after you lift your fingers. The Yamaha piano includes a sustain pedal, and the GLARRY, Donner and UISCOM pianos include triple pedals.
Ranked digital pianos lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.