Given the major key, what are the sharps? Method 2

The order of the sharps are always
F C G D A E B

The above is recalled by remembering: 'Fat Cats Go Down Alleys Eating Bacon'.

We know the order of the sharps but if you are asked in an exam what are the sharps in D major, this is how you would work it out:

Method 2

Some of the letters actually tell you how many sharps are in a particular key signature.

D has 2 lines. First 2 sharps= F C

A has 3 lines. First 3 sharps = F C G

E has 4 lines. First 4 sharps = F C G D

B has 5 lines. First 5 lines = F C G D A