Ideal piano fingers exhibit balanced proportions, long and slender digits, and a relaxed yet controlled posture. However, with proper training and technique, individuals of various hand shapes and sizes can develop dexterous and expressive piano-playing abilities.

On keyboard instruments such as the piano and pipe organ, finger substitution is the changing of the fingers on a key without releasing that key, so as to prepare the fingers for notes or chords which will follow.

Piano finger numbers are found in piano sheet music and indicate which finger to use on a specific note. The number one represents the thumb, two equals the index finger, three is assigned to the middle finger, four indicates the ring finger, and five designates the pinky finger.