What Is Num Lock?
Num Lock (number lock) switches the number pad between typing numbers and moving around. When Num Lock is on, the keypad types numbers. When it is off, the same keys act like arrows, Home, End, Page Up and Page Down.
Numbers not working on the keypad? Check the Num Lock light first!
Where is the Num Lock?
The highlighted key is the Num Lock on a typical Windows laptop keyboard, with a number pad on the right. Keyboards vary a little by brand.
What the Num Lock does
Look at the number pad on the right side of a full-size keyboard. Many keys have two labels: 8 and ↑, 7 and Home, 0 and Ins. Num Lock decides which label wins.
- Num Lock ON (light on): the keypad types 0 to 9. Best for math homework and entering lots of numbers.
- Num Lock OFF: the keypad moves the cursor instead.
If you press keypad numbers and nothing happens, or the cursor jumps around, Num Lock is probably off. Press it once and try again.
Windows, Mac and Chromebook
Windows
Most Windows desktop keyboards have Num Lock above the 7 on the keypad. Small laptops without a keypad might have NumLk on another key, used with Fn, or no Num Lock at all.
Mac
Macs do not use Num Lock. Apple's keyboards with a number pad have a Clear key in that spot, and the keypad always types numbers.
Chromebook
Most Chromebooks have no number pad, so there is no Num Lock. If you plug in a keyboard with a keypad, its Num Lock works normally.
Which finger presses it?
Number pad keys are pressed with the right hand: pointer finger on 4, middle on 5, ring on 6. Reach Num Lock with your pointer finger.
Fun fact
The very first IBM PC in 1981 had no separate arrow keys, so the number pad had to do both jobs. Num Lock was the switch. Separate arrow keys arrived on the IBM Model M keyboard in the mid-1980s.
Keep learning
- Practice the reach in Lesson 27: Numbers in Sentences.
- More keys: Arrow keys, Home key, Insert key, Caps Lock.
- See every keyboard key explained.
- Names of all the symbols: Keyboard Characters and Meanings.
Quick drill: find the Num Lock
Press the key on your keyboard, or click or tap it below, when Rocky asks. Wrong key? We will tell you what it was.
Num Lock FAQ
How do I know if Num Lock is on?
Most keyboards have a small light labeled Num Lock or showing a padlock with a 1. If it is lit, Num Lock is on.
Why are my number pad keys not typing numbers?
Num Lock is probably off. Press it once to turn it on.
Do laptops have Num Lock?
Laptops with a number pad do. Smaller laptops may hide it on another key (used with Fn) or leave it out.