What Does the Backspace Key Do?
Backspace erases the character just to the left of the blinking cursor. Made a typo? Tap Backspace, then type the right letter.
Fix a typo with your right pinky and keep your eyes on the screen. That's pro-level typing!
Where is the Backspace?
The highlighted key is the Backspace on a typical Windows laptop keyboard. Keyboards vary a little by brand.
What the Backspace does
Think of the cursor as a little line between letters. Backspace eats the letter behind it (to the left). Hold it down and it keeps erasing, one letter after another.
- Ctrl + Backspace erases the whole word before the cursor (Windows and Chromebook).
- If you select some text first, Backspace erases all of it.
- In some file windows and older browsers, Backspace also means "go back".
Touch typing tip: try to fix mistakes with Backspace without looking down. Your right pinky can find it by reaching up and right from the home row.
Windows, Mac and Chromebook
Windows
Labeled Backspace or with a long left arrow ⟵, at the right end of the number row.
Mac
On a Mac this key is labeled delete, but it works like Backspace. Option + delete erases a whole word, and fn + delete erases forward like the Windows Delete key.
Chromebook
Called Backspace. Ctrl + Backspace deletes the previous word, and Alt + Backspace deletes the next letter (forward delete), since most Chromebooks have no Delete key.
Which finger presses it?
Use your right pinky. Reach up from the ; key past P and the - and = keys, then come straight back home.
Fun fact
On typewriters, Backspace only moved the paper back one space. It could not erase anything, so people typed over mistakes or painted them with white correction fluid.
Keep learning
- Practice the reach in Lesson 26: Numbers 6 to 0.
- More keys: Delete key, Enter key, Space bar, Insert key.
- See every keyboard key explained.
- Names of all the symbols: Keyboard Characters and Meanings.
Quick drill: find the Backspace
Press the key on your keyboard, or click or tap it below, when Rocky asks. Wrong key? We will tell you what it was.
Backspace FAQ
What is the difference between Backspace and Delete?
Backspace erases the character to the left of the cursor. Delete erases the character to the right.
Which finger presses Backspace?
The right pinky reaches up and to the right from the home row.
Where is Backspace on a Mac?
It is the key labeled delete in the top right of the letter keys.