Why are numbers different on phones and calculators?
Question
Why are the numbers on a calculator arranged in the opposite way to those on a phone?
Anthony, East Finchley
Answer
** Definitive **
Name: Philip, Ruislip
Qualification: 30 years in IT
Answer: When you use a calculator, you are using the lower numbers – usually 1-6. It was arranged so that it would be easier to use. The phone was set up differently. Essentially, it’s “because it is”.
** More definitive **
Name: Tim, via email
Qualification: Trader, so I work with numbers
Answer: The rotary phone is the issue. The number 1 had to have the shortest path, so it was first. Therefore, when digital phones were created, the number 1 was also put first.