Unlock the Euro Symbol on Your Keyboard: A Comprehensive Guide

Need to type the euro symbol (€) on your computer or phone? Whether you’re writing emails, creating documents, or managing your finances online, knowing how to easily access this symbol is essential. This guide provides you with all the methods to type the euro symbol on different devices and operating systems, ensuring you’re always ready to represent prices and currency accurately.

What is the Euro Symbol and Why is it Important?

The euro symbol, €, is the currency sign for the euro, the official currency of the Eurozone in the European Union. Introduced in 1995, the symbol’s design is rich with meaning. According to the European Union, it is inspired by the Greek letter epsilon (Є), referencing the cradle of European civilization, and also serves as the first letter of “Europe.” The two parallel lines across the symbol are intended to represent the stability of the euro.

Understanding the euro symbol is crucial for anyone dealing with European markets, travel, or international finance. Using it correctly ensures clear communication in financial contexts and demonstrates attention to detail in your writing.

Euro Symbol Placement: Before or After the Number?

In most European countries and in international standards, the euro symbol is placed before the numerical amount, without any space in between. For example, ten euros should be written as €10. This is a key point to remember for correct formatting in your documents and communications.

Euro Abbreviation: EUR

In the foreign exchange market and in many financial contexts, the euro is abbreviated to EUR. This three-letter code is internationally recognized and used when listing exchange rates or in financial transactions. You’ll frequently see EUR on currency converters, financial websites, and international price lists, especially those aimed at a global audience.

Typing the Euro Symbol on Windows PCs

For Windows users, there are several quick and easy ways to type the euro symbol using your keyboard:

1. Keyboard Shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + 4

This is the most common and fastest method. Simply press and hold the Ctrl and Alt keys simultaneously, then press the number 4 key. This works whether you are using the number keys on the top row of your keyboard or the numeric keypad on the right side.

2. Alt Code (for keyboards with numeric keypad): Alt + 0128

If you have a numeric keypad, you can use an Alt code. Hold down the Alt key, then type 0128 on the numeric keypad. Release the Alt key, and the euro symbol will appear. Ensure Num Lock is enabled for this method to work.

3. Character Map

For a visual method, you can use the Character Map tool in Windows.

1. Open the Start Menu and search for “Character Map”.
2. Open the Character Map application.
3. In the Character Map, search for the “euro sign”. You can often find it by selecting “Currency Symbols” in the “Group by:” dropdown.
4. Select the euro symbol and click “Copy”.
5. Paste the symbol (€) into your document or application.

Typing the Euro Symbol on Macs

Mac users also have straightforward methods to insert the euro symbol:

1. Keyboard Shortcut: Option + 2

The primary shortcut for Mac is to press and hold the Option (⌥) key and then press the number 2 key. On some US keyboards, you might need to include the Shift key as well, so try Shift + Option + 2 if Option + 2 alone doesn’t work.

2. Character Viewer

Similar to Windows’ Character Map, macOS has a Character Viewer:

1. Press Control + Command + Spacebar to open the Character Viewer. Alternatively, go to Edit in the menu bar of many applications, and select Emoji & Symbols.
2. In the Character Viewer, search for “euro”.
3. Double-click the euro symbol to insert it into your document. You can also drag and drop the symbol.

Inserting the Euro Symbol on Mobile Devices (iOS and Android)

Typing the euro symbol on your smartphone or tablet is just as simple:

1. Using the Symbol Keyboard

On both iOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android devices, the euro symbol is usually accessible through the numbers and symbols keyboard.

1. Open your device’s keyboard in any app where you can type text.
2. Switch to the numbers and symbols keyboard (usually by tapping a button labeled “123” or “&%#”).
3. Look for the euro symbol (€) on this keyboard layout. It’s often located among other currency symbols.
4. Tap the euro symbol to insert it.

2. Long Press on the Dollar Sign ($)

If you don’t immediately see the euro symbol on the symbols keyboard, try this trick:

1. On the symbols keyboard, press and hold down the dollar sign ($) key.
2. A pop-up menu will appear showing a range of currency symbols, including the euro (€).
3. Slide your finger to the euro symbol and release to select it.

Inserting the Euro Symbol in Word Processors (Microsoft Word & Google Docs)

Popular word processors like Microsoft Word and Google Docs offer built-in features to insert special symbols like the euro:

Microsoft Word:

1. Go to the “Insert” tab in the ribbon at the top of the Word window.
2. In the “Symbols” group on the far right, click on “Symbol”.
3. Choose “More Symbols…” from the dropdown menu.
4. In the Symbol dialog box, ensure the “Symbol” tab is selected.
5. In the “Font” dropdown, you can select “(normal text)” or a specific font. In the “Subset” dropdown, you can select “Currency Symbols” to quickly find the euro symbol.
6. Select the euro symbol (€) and click “Insert”, then “Close”.

Google Docs:

1. In the Google Docs menu, click on “Insert”.
2. Select “Special characters”.
3. In the Special characters dialog box, type “euro” in the search bar.
4. The euro symbol will appear. Click on it to insert it into your document. Alternatively, you can select “Symbol” then “Currency” from the category menus to browse for the euro symbol.

Quick Copy and Paste Method

For the quickest and most universal method, especially if you only need the euro symbol occasionally, simply copy and paste it from here:

€

You can keep this symbol readily available in a note or document for easy access whenever you need it.

Conclusion

Typing the euro symbol is a simple task once you know the methods for your device and operating system. From keyboard shortcuts on Windows and Mac to mobile device tricks and word processor features, you now have a comprehensive toolkit to confidently use the euro symbol in all your digital communications. Practice these methods to make typing the euro symbol a seamless part of your daily digital tasks.

Sources:

¹ European Union website. (n.d.). The euro symbol. Retrieved from https://european-union.europa.eu/euro-area/euro/euro-symbol_en

Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.