Numeric keypad

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Numeric keypad, integrated with keyboard
ADM-3A video terminal (1976) with separate keypad
Bluetooth numeric keypad, working also as calculator

A numeric keypad, number pad, numpad, or ten key,[1][2][3] is the calculator-style group of ten numeric keys accompanied by other keys, usually on the far right side of computer keyboard.[4] This grouping allows quick number entry with the right hand, without the need to use both hands on number row of main keyboard.[4]

On a standard IBM PC keyboard, numpad has 17 keys, including digits Script error: No such module "key". to Script error: No such module "key"., Script error: No such module "key". (addition), Script error: No such module "key". (subtraction), Script error: No such module "key". (multiplication), and Script error: No such module "key". (division) symbols, Script error: No such module "key". (decimal point), Script error: No such module "key"., and Template:Key top keys.[5] On smaller keyboards (such as those found on laptops[6]), the numeric keypad can be implemented as alternative markings on alphabetic keys (usually Script error: No such module "key".-Script error: No such module "key".-Script error: No such module "key"., Script error: No such module "key".-Script error: No such module "key".-Script error: No such module "key"., Script error: No such module "key".-Script error: No such module "key".-Script error: No such module "key".) or added as a separate unit,[4] that can be connected to a device by means such as USB; some of these may include keys not found on a standard numpad, such as a spacebar or a Script error: No such module "key". (or Script error: No such module "key".) key.

Sometimes it is necessary to distinguish between a key on the numpad and an equivalent key elsewhere on the keyboard. For example, depending on the software in use,[a] pressing the numpad's Script error: No such module "key". key may produce different results than pressing the alphanumeric Script error: No such module "key". key.[b] In such cases, the numpad-specific key may be indicated as e.g. Script error: No such module "key"., Script error: No such module "key".,[c] Script error: No such module "key"., or likewise to remove ambiguity.

Numeric keypads usually operate in two modes. When Script error: No such module "key". is off, keys Script error: No such module "key"., Script error: No such module "key"., Script error: No such module "key"., and Script error: No such module "key". act like arrow/navigation keys up, right, down, and left; and Script error: No such module "key"., Script error: No such module "key"., Script error: No such module "key"., and Script error: No such module "key". act like Script error: No such module "key"., Script error: No such module "key"., Script error: No such module "key"., and Script error: No such module "key"., respectively. With Script error: No such module "key". on, digit keys produce the corresponding digit. On Apple Macintosh computers, which lack a Script error: No such module "key". key, the numeric keypad always produces only numbers; the Script error: No such module "key". key is replaced by the Script error: No such module "key". key.

The arrangement of digits on numeric keypads with the Script error: No such module "key".-Script error: No such module "key".-Script error: No such module "key". keys two rows above the Script error: No such module "key".-Script error: No such module "key".-Script error: No such module "key". keys is derived from calculators and cash registers. It is notably different from the layout of telephone Touch-Tone keypads which have the Script error: No such module "key".-Script error: No such module "key".-Script error: No such module "key". keys on top and Script error: No such module "key".-Script error: No such module "key".-Script error: No such module "key". keys on the third row.

Numeric keypads are useful for entering long sequences of numbers quickly, such as in spreadsheets, financial/accounting programs, and calculators. Input in this style is similar to a calculator or adding machine.

A numeric keypad is also useful on Windows PCs for typing alt codes for special symbols; for example, the degree symbol, °, can be typed on these computers with the sequence Script error: No such module "key"..[8]

To maintain their compact size, most laptops do not include a numeric keypad on their keyboard (though they can sometimes be found on larger models); even some desktop keyboards designed for compactness omit a numpad. To compensate, most such keyboards include Script error: No such module "key". integrated into a function key (typically Script error: No such module "key". or Script error: No such module "key".) and then press keys like Script error: No such module "key". to produce their numpad counterpart.

Chinese input methods

The numeric keypad is used by some systems for input of Chinese characters, for example CKC Chinese Input System and Q9 input method.

Computer games and mousing alternative

A 104-key PC US English QWERTY keyboard layout with the numeric keypad at the far right

Numeric keypads are also used for playing some older computer games where the player must control a character, such as roguelikes and Sid Meier's Pirates!. For keyboards without a numeric keypad, some games provide alternative movement keys, such as classic Rogue's HJKL keys.

The numeric keypad can also be an alternative to the WASD keys for navigation in computer gaming. This can be an attractive option for left-handed people who prefer to use the mouse with their left hand.

Most operating systems have a mouse keys accessibility feature where mouse navigation can be done using the numeric keypad, with the other keys adapted to be mouse buttons.

See also

Notes

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  1. ↑ E.g. Blender makes specific use of numpad keys for several keyboard shortcuts.
  2. ↑ I.e. the Script error: No such module "key". key above the letter keys and to the right of the Script error: No such module "key". key on a typical QWERTY keyboard.
  3. ↑ E.g. as defined in C#'s System.ConsoleKey enumeration:[7] 
            NumPad0 = 0x60,
        NumPad1 = 0x61,
        NumPad2 = 0x62,
        NumPad3 = 0x63,
        ...

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References

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  1. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ numeric keypad at FOLDOC
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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