Abstract: A numerical control apparatus having command input panels including the number of command keys corresponding to an application program. An application execution unit receives and stores command data output from a machine control console as well as executes an application program generated by the operator and outputs a pulse signal for commanding the operation of a machine tool such as the movement of the machine tool. An interpolation unit receives the pulse signal output from the application execution unit, outputs an interpolation pulse, and supplies the interpolation pulse to an axis control circuit. The axis control circuit receives the interpolation pulse output from the interpolation unit, generates a speed command for each axis and supplies the speed command to a servoamplifier. The servoamplifier controls the machine tool by energizing servomotors mounted thereon.