Numeric Keypad Definition

The numeric keyboard is the set of keys on a classic computer keyboard for computers, which refers to numbers, arithmetic operations, commas, and other keys that can be Enter and the Num Lock.

The numeric keypad is usually located to the right of the keyboard and is similar in organization to a typical office calculator.

The objective of the numeric keyboard is the easy entry of numbers and the ease of calculations, that is why it also has the basic mathematical operations of addition, subtraction, division and multiplication.

The numeric keypad should be distinguished from the other keys with numbers (and symbols), which are usually located horizontally across the keyboard (above the letters), and are part of the typing keys.

In English it is called: numeric keypad, number pad, numpad or ten key.

Numeric Keypad Functions

The numeric keypad basically has two different functions:

* If the Num Lock key is active (an indicator light usually comes on), the keys on the numeric keypad will type their corresponding numbers when pressed.

* If the Num Lock key is not active (the indicator light is off), those keys will be direction keys or navigation keys. In general the 8 will be the up direction, the 2 the down direction, and the 4 and 5 will be the left and right directions respectively. In some cases, the remaining numbers are also used as diagonal directions.

Not all keyboards have a numeric keypad, it is usually not present on notebooks or netbooks as a way to save space. In these cases, some notebooks introduce the Fn key (function key) on their keyboard, which allows activating a special numeric keyboard, usually in the area where the letters are located.

In certain computer games it is possible to use the numeric keyboard for greater control of the character. Unlike the directional arrows, the numeric keypad has 4 more directions of scrolling. It can also be useful for those people who use the mouse with the left.

Numeric keyboard and ASCII characters (Alt code)

To access ASCII characters, the numeric keypad must be used in combination with the Alt key. The Num Lock key must be activated for this to work.

Combining Alt + (numbers) typed using the numeric keyboard, we will access the different ASCII characters. For example, Alt + 165 allows you to access the .

external numeric keypads

For those who require a numeric keypad because they don’t have one on their keyboards (some notebooks don’t), there are devices on the market that have a numeric keypad that can be plugged into a computer’s USB port.

There are also wireless versions connected by bluetooth that include a calculator screen.