The common name for the H-shaped gear layout on a manual shifter knob is an H-pattern.
In an H-pattern manual transmission, the driver moves the lever sideways between gear gates and forward or backward within each gate. The lever’s path resembles the letter H, with neutral typically running through the middle. A conventional five-speed arrangement usually provides separate positions for first through fifth gears, reverse, and neutral.
The diagram on the knob is a practical guide because layouts vary. First gear is often to the upper left, but some vehicles use a “dog-leg” arrangement with first gear behind or below the usual position. Reverse may require a lift collar, push-down mechanism, button, or extra force to prevent accidental selection.
H-pattern does not mean every manual gearbox has the same order. Trucks may retain an H-pattern while adding range or splitter controls to access more ratios. By contrast, motorcycles and many racing gearboxes commonly use sequential patterns, where gears are selected in order rather than through separate H-shaped gates.