the numbers inside the circle show the number of sharps or flats in the key signature, with the sharp keys going clockwise, and the flat keys counterclockwise from c major (which has no sharps or flats.) the circle depends on enharmonic relationships in the circle, which is six sharps or flats for the major keys of f = g and d = e for minor keys (drabkin 2001). seven sharps or flats make major keys (c major and c major) that are more easy to spell with five flats or sharps (as d major or b major).