# Source: https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-16x2-character-lcd-plus-keypad-for-raspberry-pi.md

# Adafruit 16x2 Character LCD + Keypad for Raspberry Pi

## Overview

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/002/620/medium800/raspberry_pi_1109_LRG.jpg?1396785129)

This new Adafruit plate makes it easy to use a 16x2 Character LCD. We really like the range of LCDs we stock in the shop, such as our classic&nbsp;[blue & white](http://www.adafruit.com/products/181 "Link: http://www.adafruit.com/products/181")&nbsp;as well as the fancy&nbsp;[RGB negative](http://www.adafruit.com/products/399 "Link: http://www.adafruit.com/products/399")&nbsp;and&nbsp;[RGB positive](http://www.adafruit.com/products/398). Unfortunately, these LCDs do require quite a few digital pins, 6 to control the LCD and then perhaps another 3 to control the RGB backlight for a total of 9 pins. That's nearly all the GPIO available on a Raspberry Pi!

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/002/621/medium800/raspberry_pi_1110_LRG.jpg?1396785138)

With this in mind, we wanted to make it easier for people to get these LCD into their projects so we devised a Pi plate that lets you control&nbsp; **a 16x2 Character LCD, up to 3 backlight pins AND 5 keypad pins using only the two I2C pins on the Pi!** &nbsp;The best part is you don't really lose those two pins either, since you can stick i2c-based sensors, RTCs, etc and have them share the I2C bus. This is a super slick way to add a display without all the wiring hassle.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/002/622/medium800/raspberry_pi_1115_LRG.jpg?1396785148)

Info: 

This plate is perfect for when you want to build a stand-alone project with its own user interface. The 4 directional buttons plus select button allows basic control without having to attach a bulky computer.&nbsp;  
  
The kit is designed for any Raspberry Pi - version 1 and 2.  
  
[If you want plug in a Cobbler or Gertboard at the same time, check out our Stacking Header, you can fit an IDC cable over it if the Plate is assembled with this part.](http://www.adafruit.com/products/1112 "Link: http://www.adafruit.com/products/1112")

- [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-16x2-character-lcd-plus-keypad-for-raspberry-pi/parts-list.md)

## Featured Products

### Stacking Header for Raspberry Pi - 2x13 Extra Tall

[Stacking Header for Raspberry Pi - 2x13 Extra Tall](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1112)
Stack multiple plates, breakouts etc onto your Raspberry Pi with this custom-made extra-tall and extra-long 2x13 female header. The female header part has extra spaces to make it 13.6mm tall: when placed on your Pi, a PCB will clear the Ethernet and USB jacks. The stacky pin part is also...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1112)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1112/guides)
### Adafruit RGB Positive 16x2 LCD+Keypad Kit for Raspberry Pi

[Adafruit RGB Positive 16x2 LCD+Keypad Kit for Raspberry Pi](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1109)
This new Adafruit Pi Plate makes it easy to use an RGB 16x2 Character LCD. We really like the RGB Character LCDs we stock in the shop. (For RGB we have [RGB negative](http://www.adafruit.com/products/399) and [RGB positive](http://www.adafruit.com/products/398).)...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1109)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1109/guides)
### Adafruit RGB Negative 16x2 LCD+Keypad Kit for Raspberry Pi

[Adafruit RGB Negative 16x2 LCD+Keypad Kit for Raspberry Pi](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1110)
This new Adafruit Pi Plate makes it easy to use an RGB 16x2 Character LCD. We really like the RGB Character LCDs we stock in the shop. (For RGB we have [RGB negative](http://www.adafruit.com/products/399) and [RGB positive](http://www.adafruit.com/products/398).)...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1110)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1110/guides)
### Adafruit Blue&White 16x2 LCD+Keypad Kit for Raspberry Pi

[Adafruit Blue&White 16x2 LCD+Keypad Kit for Raspberry Pi](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1115)
This new Adafruit Pi Plate makes it easy to use a blue and white 16x2 Character LCD. [We really like the 16x2 Character LCDs we stock in the shop](http://www.adafruit.com/products/181). Unfortunately, these LCDs do require quite a few digital pins, 6 to control the LCD and then...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1115)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1115/guides)

## Related Guides

- [Adafruit Class Library for Windows IoT Core](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-class-library-for-windows-iot-core.md)
- [Raspberry Pi WiFi Radio](https://learn.adafruit.com/pi-wifi-radio.md)
- [Character LCD with Raspberry Pi or BeagleBone Black](https://learn.adafruit.com/character-lcd-with-raspberry-pi-or-beaglebone-black.md)
- [PiGRRL 2](https://learn.adafruit.com/pigrrl-2.md)
- [LED Backpack Displays on Raspberry Pi and BeagleBone Black](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-backpack-displays-on-raspberry-pi-and-beaglebone-black.md)
- [Adafruit's Raspberry Pi Lesson 3. Network Setup](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruits-raspberry-pi-lesson-3-network-setup.md)
- [Pocket PiGRRL](https://learn.adafruit.com/pocket-pigrrl.md)
- [Ultimate Youtube Live Camera](https://learn.adafruit.com/ultimate-youtube-live-camera.md)
- [Adafruit's Raspberry Pi Lesson 12. Sensing Movement](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruits-raspberry-pi-lesson-12-sensing-movement.md)
- [Drive a 16x2 LCD with the Raspberry Pi](https://learn.adafruit.com/drive-a-16x2-lcd-directly-with-a-raspberry-pi.md)
- [PyPortal LIFX Lighting Controller ](https://learn.adafruit.com/pyportal-lifx-lighting-controller.md)
- [Nokia 5110/3310 LCD Python Library](https://learn.adafruit.com/nokia-5110-3310-lcd-python-library.md)
- [Portable Solar Charging Tracker](https://learn.adafruit.com/portable-solar-charging-tracker.md)
- [Introducing the Raspberry Pi 2 - Model B](https://learn.adafruit.com/introducing-the-raspberry-pi-2-model-b.md)
- [Creepy Face Tracking Portrait](https://learn.adafruit.com/creepy-face-tracking-portrait.md)