Why are the numbers on a calculator upside down instead of being the same way up as a touch tone phone?

Answer 1

Good question. Here's a star. I've always wondered the same thing. You would think there would be some uniform standard for number keypads...apparently not.

Answer 2

Or why are the numbers on a touch tone phone upside down instead of being the same as a calculator? (think about which came about first).

Answer 3

It copies the layout of the numeric keypad on a computer keyboard.

This in turn dates back to early mechanical comptometers (calculators)

The layout of keys just seem to have been copied from generation to generation of machine.

Telephones right back to the first numerical touch pad types have always been the oposite way round probably due to a phone designers preference and like computers keypads, have been duplicated over the years.

Which is the easiest to use is debatable but they come in both types depending on the application. (alarm panels, cash machines, microwaves etc. etc.)

Answer 4

Telephone keypads were originally designed for use on wall mounted equipment where their layout is logical.

Calculators and computer numeric keypads have a layout that is natural for their purpose which is to be used on a flat surface.

Problems occurred when the telephone keypad migrated to the desk.

Answer 5

Please take a look at the following site.

http://www.vcalc.net/Keyboard.htm

In fact there is no absolute answer to this question... at least for this moment. Hope you could continue with your research and share with us your finding. Cheers.

Answer 6

I never even noticed until now!!! Have a star!

Answer 7

thanks you learn some thing new every day-never noticed before but i can not help you don`t know,you are now +2 stars.

Answer 8

Have aways wondered that! Thanks for asking it here's a star!