Computer Keyboard Keys and Their Functions: Complete Guide for Beginners

A computer keyboard is an input device used to enter text, numbers, symbols, and commands into a computer. A standard keyboard contains different types of keys, and each key has a specific purpose.

Learning the functions of keyboard keys is important for students, office workers, computer operators, data entry professionals, and anyone who wants to improve their computer skills.

In this guide, we will explain the different keyboard keys and their functions in simple English.

1. Alphabet Keys (A–Z)

There are 26 alphabet keys on a standard keyboard, from A to Z.

These keys are mainly used for typing letters, words, sentences, and other text.

Example:

A + S + H + A + N = AASHAN

Alphabet keys are among the most frequently used keys while typing.

2. Number Keys (0–9)

The number keys are usually located in the top row of a standard keyboard. They contain numbers from 0 to 9.

They are used to enter numbers into documents, spreadsheets, forms, calculators, and other applications.

Examples:

• 2026
• 12345
• 500
• 1000

Many number keys also have symbols on them. These symbols can usually be typed by holding the Shift key.

3. Function Keys (F1–F12)

A standard Windows keyboard generally has 12 Function Keys, from F1 to F12.

Their functions may vary depending on the operating system and application.

F1 Key

Often used to open the Help section of a program.

F2 Key

In Windows, F2 can be used to rename a selected file or folder.

F3 Key

Often used for searching in certain applications.

F4 Key

Its function depends on the application.
Alt + F4 is commonly used to close the active window.

F5 Key

Often used to refresh or reload a webpage or application.

F6 Key

Can be used to move between different sections or controls in some applications.

F7 Key

In some programs, it is associated with spelling and grammar checking.

F8 Key

It can be used for certain Windows startup or recovery functions, depending on the system.

F9 Key

Its function varies depending on the software being used.

F10 Key

Can be used to activate the menu bar in some Windows applications.

F11 Key

Often used to enter or exit Full Screen mode in web browsers.

F12 Key

Its function depends on the application. In Microsoft Word, it can be associated with Save As.

Note: The exact function of F1–F12 may differ depending on the computer, operating system, application, and keyboard settings.

4. Esc (Escape) Key

The Esc key is normally located in the upper-left corner of the keyboard.

It can be used to cancel or exit certain commands, menus, dialog boxes, or full-screen modes.

For example, pressing Esc may close an open menu or exit a full-screen view.

5. Tab Key

The Tab key is commonly used to move the cursor or selection to the next field or position.

For example, when filling out an online form, pressing Tab can move you from one input box to the next.

In text editors, Tab can also be used to create indentation.

6. Caps Lock Key

The Caps Lock key is used to type letters in uppercase.

When Caps Lock is ON:

computer → COMPUTER

When Caps Lock is OFF:

computer → computer

Caps Lock is useful when typing headings, abbreviations, or text that requires capital letters.

7. Shift Key

Most keyboards have two Shift keys.

The Shift key is commonly used to:

• Type capital letters
• Type the upper symbol shown on certain keys
• Use keyboard shortcuts

Examples:

Shift + A = A

Shift + 1 = !

Shift + 2 = @

The Shift key is especially useful when typing symbols and capital letters.

8. Ctrl (Control) Key

The Ctrl key is mainly used with other keys to perform keyboard shortcuts.

Some commonly used Ctrl shortcuts are:

• Ctrl + C = Copy
• Ctrl + X = Cut
• Ctrl + V = Paste
• Ctrl + Z = Undo
• Ctrl + Y = Redo
• Ctrl + A = Select All
• Ctrl + S = Save
• Ctrl + P = Print
• Ctrl + F = Find
• Ctrl + N = New
• Ctrl + O = Open

There are normally two Ctrl keys on a standard keyboard.

9. Alt Key

The Alt key, short for Alternate, is used with other keys to perform various commands and shortcuts.

One of the most commonly known shortcuts is:

Alt + F4 = Close the active window

The Alt key can also be used to access menus and perform application-specific commands.

10. Windows Key

The Windows key usually has the Windows logo on it.

Pressing the Windows key normally opens the Start Menu.

Some useful Windows key shortcuts include:

• Windows + D = Show or hide the desktop
• Windows + E = Open File Explorer
• Windows + L = Lock the computer
• Windows + R = Open the Run dialog box
• Windows + I = Open Windows Settings
• Windows + S = Open Search

11. Spacebar

The Spacebar is the longest key on most keyboards.

It is mainly used to insert a space between words.

Example:

Computer Keyboard

There is a space between "Computer" and "Keyboard," which is created by pressing the Spacebar.

12. Enter Key

The Enter key is used for several purposes.

It can be used to:

• Start a new line while typing
• Confirm a command or selection
• Submit a form
• Open a selected item in some situations

For example, pressing Enter in a text editor usually moves the cursor to a new line.

13. Backspace Key

The Backspace key is commonly used to delete the character immediately to the left of the cursor.

For example, if you type:

COMPUTERR

and place the cursor at the end, pressing Backspace once will remove the last R.

14. Delete (Del) Key

The Delete key is used to remove selected items or characters.

While editing text, it generally deletes the character immediately to the right of the cursor.

It can also be used to delete selected files, folders, text, or objects, depending on the application.

15. Arrow Keys

A standard keyboard has four main Arrow keys:

• Up Arrow (↑)
• Down Arrow (↓)
• Left Arrow (←)
• Right Arrow (→)

They are used to move the cursor or selection in different directions.

Arrow keys are also commonly used for navigation in documents, menus, spreadsheets, and games.

16. Home Key

The Home key is commonly used to move the cursor to the beginning of a line in text-editing applications.

Its exact behavior may vary depending on the application.

17. End Key

The End key is commonly used to move the cursor to the end of the current line in text-editing applications.

Its function can vary depending on the software being used.

18. Page Up Key

The Page Up (PgUp) key is generally used to move the content or view upward by approximately one screen.

It is useful when reading long documents or webpages.

19. Page Down Key

The Page Down (PgDn) key is generally used to move the content or view downward by approximately one screen.

It can make navigation through long documents and webpages faster.

20. Insert Key

The Insert (Ins) key is available on many traditional keyboards.

In some text-editing programs, it can switch between Insert mode and Overwrite mode.

However, its behavior depends on the application.

21. Print Screen (PrtScn) Key

The Print Screen (PrtScn) key can be used to capture an image of the computer screen.

Modern versions of Windows also provide other screenshot shortcuts.

For example:

Windows + Shift + S

opens the Windows screen-snipping tool.

22. Scroll Lock Key

The Scroll Lock key is an older keyboard key that is still present on some keyboards.

Its function depends on the application.

For example, in certain versions or configurations of Microsoft Excel, Scroll Lock can affect how the arrow keys move around the worksheet.

23. Pause/Break Key

The Pause/Break key was more commonly used with older computer programs and systems.

It has very limited everyday use on modern computers.

24. Num Lock Key

The Num Lock key controls the behavior of the numeric keypad on keyboards that have one.

When Num Lock is enabled, the numeric keypad can generally be used to enter numbers.

This is particularly useful for:

• Data entry
• Accounting
• Microsoft Excel
• Calculations

25. Numeric Keypad

The Numeric Keypad, also called the Number Pad, is usually located on the right side of a full-size keyboard.

It normally contains:

• Numbers 0–9
• Plus (+)
• Minus (-)
• Multiplication (*)
• Division (/)
• Decimal point (.)
• Enter

The numeric keypad allows users to enter numbers quickly and is especially useful for data entry and spreadsheet work.

26. Menu/Application Key

Some keyboards have a Menu or Application key.

It is usually located near the right-side Ctrl or Alt key.

It can be used to open the context menu for a selected item, similar to right-clicking with a mouse.

Common Symbol Keys on a Keyboard

A keyboard also contains many keys used for typing symbols.

Some common symbols include:

Many of these symbols can be typed by holding the Shift key and pressing the corresponding key.

Most Useful Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts can save time and make computer work easier.