Circle of Fifths Explorer: Walk From Key to Key
Moving a fifth at a time is the fastest way to see how keys relate. This explorer steps around the circle in either direction.
What is the Circle of Fifths Explorer?
The circle of fifths organises keys by steps of a perfect fifth, which is why neighbouring keys share most of their notes. Pick a starting key, a direction, and a number of steps, and this tool lands on the new key and counts its accidentals.
How to use it
- Enter your values in the fields provided.
- Click Explore the Circle.
- Read the result and adjust an input if you want a different outcome.
Worked example
One clockwise step from C lands on G, and one counterclockwise step from C lands on F.
What key is one fifth above C?
One clockwise step on the circle of fifths from C lands on G, which adds F sharp to the key signature.
Frequently asked questions
What do I enter to get a result?
Fill in every field with your own numbers or choices, then run the tool. Empty number fields count as zero, so check them before you trust the output.
Can I reuse this result elsewhere?
Yes. The result is calculated in your browser from the values you entered, so you can copy the numbers into your own notes or plan.