Circle of Fifths

Tap any key on the wheel. You'll see its sharps or flats, its relative minor, every chord in the key, and the go-to I–IV–V and pop progressions — the whole map of how keys relate, in one picture. Runs instantly in your browser, no sign-up.

C major
I   ii   iii   IV   V   vi   vii°
🎛️ Know the key? Now match any song's tone to your gear — free →

What the circle of fifths shows you

Each step clockwise moves up a perfect fifth and adds one sharp; each step counter-clockwise moves up a fourth and adds one flat. Neighbouring keys share almost all their notes, so songs that borrow a chord from next door still sound at home. The inner ring is each key's relative minor — the same notes and key signature, just centred on a different note. It's the single most useful diagram in music: transpose, find a song's key from its sharps, pick chords that fit, or borrow from a neighbour, all at a glance.

Key signatures at a glance

KeySharps / flatsRelative minor

How to use it

Playing in a key? Its I, IV and V chords (the three you'll use most) are that key plus its two neighbours on the wheel. Writing a song? The four chords next to each other — a key, its relative minor, and the keys on either side — are the classic pop palette. Trying to name a song's key? Count the sharps or flats and read it straight off the circle.

Guitar scale finder → · Chord progression generator → · Chord transposer & capo → · Chord library →

Teaching or blogging? This circle of fifths is free to embed on your own site with one line of HTML.

FAQ

What is the circle of fifths used for?

It maps how the 12 keys relate. Use it to find a key's sharps or flats, its relative minor, the chords that belong in the key, and which keys are close enough to borrow chords from.

How do I find the key of a song from its sharps or flats?

Count them and read the circle: 1 sharp is G major (or E minor), 2 sharps is D major, 1 flat is F major, 2 flats is B-flat major, and so on around the wheel.

What are the I, IV and V chords?

The three most common chords in a key. On the circle they're the key itself plus its two immediate neighbours — for example in C major that's C, F and G.

Is this circle of fifths tool free?

Yes, completely free with no sign-up, and it runs entirely in your browser.