ASCII stands for American Standard Code for Information Interchange. It is a 7-bit coded character set that assigns code positions to control and graphic characters so information-processing and communication systems can exchange data. Seven bits provide 128 possible positions.
What ASCII represents
ASCII is a character code: it provides defined numeric positions for characters and controls. Its standard form uses seven bits, so it has 128 possible code positions. The set includes both graphic characters, which have a visual representation, and control characters, which perform functions affecting data or equipment.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
ASCII does not mean that a computer must store each character in a seven-bit unit. In a 1969 network recommendation, RFC 20 proposed placing the 7-bit ASCII value in an 8-bit byte and setting the high-order bit to zero. That describes a byte convention for that network context, not an 8-bit ASCII character set. RFC 20
What control and graphic characters do
Control characters
A control character is defined by its effect rather than by a printed symbol. The 1977 standard defines it as a character whose occurrence in a particular context initiates, modifies, or stops an action affecting the recording, processing, transmission, or interpretation of data. Examples include NUL (Null), CR (Carriage Return), and LF (Line Feed). Their interpretation depends on context; they do not all perform the same function, and ASCII alone does not determine how every modern application handles them.
#1 Best Overall
- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
- EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
- SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
- FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.
The standard groups controls by function, including communication controls, format effectors, and information separators.
Graphic characters
A graphic character has a visual representation normally handwritten, printed, or displayed. Its meaning can depend on the application using it: RFC 20 notes that users assign meanings to graphics in particular contexts.
Rank #2
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
How ASCII developed
ASCII emerged as organizations sought a common code while different systems already used different approaches. NIST’s historical account identifies Control Data’s 6-bit FIELDATA and IBM’s 8-bit EBCDIC among the codes in use during this period. Work on a common code began in 1961. By 1967, the 7-bit set had evolved to include letters, numbers, and control characters, for 128 total positions; USASI published the 7-bit standard in 1968. The committee was X3.2.4, chartered by the American Standards Association, which later became USASI and then ANSI. NIST’s history of ASCII
The dates 1963, 1967, and 1968 refer to different standard milestones, not a single publication event. A foreword hosted by NIST says ASCII was first issued in 1963 and then published again with minor revisions as X3.4-1967 and X3.4-1968. NIST’s historical account separately describes USASI’s publication of the 7-bit standard in 1968. NIST-hosted 1977 standard Foreword to X3.32-1973, reproduced in the NIST-hosted volume
Rank #3
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
- Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
- Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
ASCII and US-ASCII today
For Internet character-set naming, IANA lists US-ASCII and references ANSI X3.4-1986. The registry says its names are expressed in ANSI_X3.4-1968 and commonly called US-ASCII or ASCII; the US-ASCII entry points to the 1986 standard. The registry page was last updated on 2026-10-02. IANA Character Sets registry
Use “ASCII” for the character set and “US-ASCII” when discussing the Internet registry name. ASCII’s defined repertoire is finite; it does not represent every language or all modern Unicode text.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
Rank #4
- 【Dreamy Rainbow Gaming Keyboard】K521 Gaming Keyboard Adopts a Different LED Backlight Design, Upgraded on the Traditional LED Backlight Effect, Making the Light More Penetrating, Giving You a More Dazzling Visual Effect, Making Your Gaming Process More Enjoyable
- 【One Touch Opens & Visual Feast】The K521 Red Dragon Keyboard has a One-Touch on/off Lighting Button for Added Convenience. It also has a Three-Position Adjustable Breathing Mode and a Four-Position Adjustable Brightness Lighting Mode
- 【Mechanical Feeling & Fast Tapping】The PC Keyboard Keys are Designed for Mechanical Feeling, Giving You a Better Feel During Use and the Ability to Trigger Keys Quickly, Allowing You to Win All Your Games
- 【19 Keys Anti-Ghosting Keyboard】Anti-Ghosting Ensures Every Button Can Be Triggered. This Allows You to Trigger Key Combinations In The Game Accurately, And Each Skill Can Be Accurately Released to Increase Your Winning Rate. Redragon K521 Will Be Your Perfect Partner
- 【12 Multimedia Combination Keys】The K521 Wired Gaming Keyboard is Equipped with 12 Multimedia Keys That Can Greatly Enhance Your Gaming/Office Efficiency and Make It More Convenient to Use
In brief
- ASCII means American Standard Code for Information Interchange.
- It is a 7-bit character set with 128 code positions.
- Its positions include graphic characters and controls.
- An 8-bit byte can carry an ASCII value, but that storage or transmission choice does not make ASCII itself 8-bit.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
