Settings

Appearance

Saved on this device. They apply everywhere on Trebly, including the games.

Play free

Free Key Signatures Chart

All 15 key signatures drawn on the staff in treble and bass clef, each with its major and relative minor key, plus the order of sharps and flats and how to name the key from them. Free in eight sizes, in US or UK music terms.

Key signatures chart (Key Signatures Chart), Letter: Key Signatures on the Staff, Key Signatures

Make it yours: see it in another style

Size

Any US home printer (8.5 × 11 in). A binder, desk or music stand.

Music words

Download the PDFLetter, US · 43 KB

Customize this posterChange the sections, style and colors, and add your own title, in the Music Theory Poster Maker. $9 PDF.

On the Letter poster (2 sections)

  • Key Signatures on the Staff
  • Key Signatures

The bigger the poster, the more fits: A2 and larger have all 3 sections.

All sizes and files
SizeDimensionsSectionsUS termsUK terms
Letter216 × 279 mm · 8.5 × 11 in2PDF, 43 KBPDF, 43 KB
A4210 × 297 mm · 8.3 × 11.7 in2PDF, 43 KBPDF, 43 KB
11 × 17 in279 × 432 mm · 11 × 17 in3PDF, 69 KBPDF, 69 KB
A3297 × 420 mm · 11.7 × 16.5 in3PDF, 69 KBPDF, 69 KB
A2420 × 594 mm · 16.5 × 23.4 in3PDF, 74 KBPDF, 74 KB
18 × 24 in18 × 24 in · 457 × 610 mm3PDF, 75 KBPDF, 75 KB
A1594 × 841 mm · 23.4 × 33.1 in3PDF, 78 KBPDF, 78 KB
24 × 36 in24 × 36 in · 610 × 914 mm3PDF, 79 KBPDF, 79 KB

What’s on the key signatures chart

  • Every key signature on the staff: all 15, from no sharps or flats to seven, in treble and bass clef, written the way printed music writes them. They’re lined up by count, so each flat key sits under the sharp key with the same number of accidentals.
  • Major and minor key signatures: each signature is labeled with its major key and its relative minor (G major or E minor, 1 sharp), so it works as a minor key signatures chart too. The relative minor guide explains how the pairs work.
  • The order of sharps and flats, with the sayings that help you remember them, and the two tricks for naming the key: a half step above the last sharp, or the second-to-last flat.
  • The circle of fifths (11 × 17 in and larger): the same keys in a circle, showing how they connect.

How to use it

  • Reading a new piece: match its key signature to the chart before you play, and you know which notes are sharp or flat all the way through.
  • Learning them by heart: cover the names and say the key from the signature, then check. Start with the sharp keys up to three sharps, then the flats.
  • Writing music: copy the signature exactly as the chart shows it. The order and position of each sharp or flat never change.

Learn it step by step

The poster is a reminder; these free lessons and guides teach each part, with notes you can play and hear.

New to reading music?Start with lesson 1: free, in your browser, no account.
Start lesson 1

Questions

Is it really free? Yes. Download it, print as many copies as you like, and share the link. No email or account.

Why 15 key signatures and not 12 keys? Three keys can be written two ways: B or C♭, F♯ or G♭, C♯ or D♭. The chart shows all 15 signatures you’ll meet.

Which size should I print? Letter or A4 for a binder; 11 × 17 in or larger for a wall, which adds the circle of fifths.

Key signatures chart or circle of fifths: which do I need? Start with this chart: it shows exactly what each key signature looks like. The circle of fifths is the next step. It puts the same keys in order, so you can see how they connect.

How can I tell if a key signature chart is correct? Sharps always appear in the order F♯ C♯ G♯ D♯ A♯ E♯ B♯, and flats in the order B♭ E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ C♭ F♭. Each key adds one more, never skipping. A chart that breaks this order has a mistake. More checks are in our guide to choosing a poster.