Num lock

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Num Lock is a key on the numeric keypad of most computer keyboards. It is a toggle key, like Caps Lock and Scroll Lock. Its state is commonly represented by an LED light built into the keyboard.

The Num Lock key exists because earlier 84-key IBM PC keyboards did not have arrows separate from the numeric keypad. Num Lock would be used to choose between the two functions. On some laptop computers, Num Lock keys are used to convert part of the main keyboard to act as a (slightly skewed) numeric keypad rather than letters.

Since most modern desktop computers have a full-size keyboard with both a numpad and separate arrow keys, Num Lock is rarely used for its original purpose, and ends up confusing the user if the computer has for some reason activated or deactivated the Num Lock key without the user being aware of it. This is less of an issue on most laptop computers, since activating the Num Lock function typically requires use of the Fn key; however, if a full-size keyboard is plugged into a laptop keyboard, then the Num Lock function is normally off, and the user would have to activate the Num Lock function to use the numeric keypad for numeric entry. Since Apple keyboards have always had dedicated arrow keys, Apple keyboards that offer a separate numeric keypad may have no Num Lock key or a non-functional Num Lock key.

Keys affected by Num Lock

IBM/Windows keyboard (US layout) v • d • e
Esc		F1	F2	F3	F4		F5	F6	F7	F8		F9	F10	F11	F12		PrtSc/ SysRq	ScrLk	Pause/ Break
																	Ins	Home	PgUp		NumLk	/	*	-
																	Del	End	PgDn		7	8	9	+
																					4	5	6
																		↑			1	2	3	Ent
																	←	↓	→		0		.

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