Need to use the Euros Sign (€) in your digital communications? Whether you’re writing an email, updating your website, or drafting a document, knowing how to easily insert the euros sign is essential. This guide provides you with everything you need to know about typing the euros sign on various devices, ensuring you can confidently use this symbol whenever necessary.
We’ll cover keyboard shortcuts for both Windows and Mac, methods for mobile devices (iOS and Android), and how to insert the euros sign in popular word processors. By the end of this article, you’ll be a pro at using the euros sign across all your platforms.
Understanding the Euros Sign
The euros sign, represented by the symbol €, is the currency symbol for the euro, the official currency of the Eurozone in the European Union. This symbol is instantly recognizable and crucial for clearly indicating prices, amounts, and financial transactions in euros.
According to the official European Union website, the design of the euros sign is inspired by the Greek letter epsilon (Є), referencing Europe’s classical heritage and the dawn of European civilization. It also cleverly incorporates the first letter of “Europe.” The two parallel horizontal lines across the ‘C’ shape are intended to symbolize the stability of the euro currency. The European Council officially adopted the euro symbol in 1995, solidifying its place in global finance and commerce.
Euros Sign Placement and Abbreviation
When writing amounts in euros, the euros sign is conventionally placed before the numerical value, without any space in between. For example, ten euros should be written as €10. This format is widely accepted and understood across Europe and internationally.
In the foreign exchange market and in international contexts, the euro is abbreviated to EUR. You’ll often see this abbreviation when looking at exchange rates or when currencies are listed, such as in financial reports or on travel websites. Furthermore, particularly in menus or price lists aimed at international customers, you might see prices listed using the EUR abbreviation for clarity.
Typing the Euros Sign on Your Keyboard
For users working on desktop or laptop computers, keyboard shortcuts offer the quickest way to type the euros sign. Here’s how to do it on both Windows and Mac operating systems:
Windows Keyboard Shortcut for Euros Sign
If you’re using a Windows PC or laptop, inserting the euros sign is straightforward using a keyboard shortcut. Simply press and hold the Ctrl and Alt keys simultaneously, then press the number 4 key. This number 4 key can be found on the top row of your keyboard or on the numeric keypad if you have a full-sized keyboard.
This shortcut is a universal way to type the euros sign across most Windows applications, from word processors to web browsers.
Mac Keyboard Shortcut for Euros Sign
For Mac users, typing the euros sign is just as simple. The primary shortcut is to press the Option (or Alt) key and the number 2 key at the same time. On some US keyboards, you might also need to include the Shift key in this combination – so try Shift + Option + 2 if Option + 2 alone doesn’t work.
This Mac shortcut works consistently across macOS applications, allowing for quick and easy insertion of the euros sign in your documents, emails, and more.
Copy and Paste the Euros Sign
For ultimate convenience, you can always simply copy the euros sign from here:
€
Paste it wherever you need it. This method is useful when you only need to use the symbol occasionally or if you are unsure about keyboard shortcuts.
Inserting the Euros Sign on Mobile Devices
Typing the euros sign on smartphones and tablets is also very easy. The process is similar for both iOS (Apple) and Android devices:
Euros Sign on iOS (iPhone and iPad)
To get the euros sign on your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:
- Open your keyboard in any app where you can type text, such as Messages, Mail, or Notes.
- Switch to the numbers and symbols keyboard by tapping the “123” button usually located at the bottom left.
- On the symbols keyboard, you should readily see the € sign among the options. Tap it to insert the euros sign.
- If you don’t immediately see the euros sign, press and hold down the dollar sign ($). A pop-up menu will appear showing related currency symbols, including the euros sign. Slide your finger to the € and release to select it.
Euros Sign on Android Devices
For Android smartphones and tablets, the process is very similar to iOS:
- Bring up the keyboard in any text input field.
- Access the numbers and symbols keyboard by tapping the “?123” or “&+= ” button, depending on your keyboard layout.
- Look for the € sign on the symbols keyboard and tap it to insert.
- Alternatively, if the € sign is not immediately visible, press and hold the dollar sign ($). This should bring up a selection of currency symbols, where you can find and select the euros sign.
Inserting Euros Sign in Word Processors (Word & Google Docs)
Popular word processors like Microsoft Word and Google Docs offer straightforward methods to insert symbols like the euros sign without needing to remember keyboard shortcuts.
Inserting Euros Sign in Microsoft Word
Here’s how to insert the euros sign in Microsoft Word:
- Click the “Insert” tab in the top ribbon menu.
- On the far right side of the Insert ribbon, find and click on ” Symbol “.
- From the Symbol dropdown menu, you might see the euros sign listed among recently used symbols. If so, simply click on it.
- If you don’t see it, click on ” More Symbols… ” at the bottom of the dropdown menu.
- In the Symbol dialog box, ensure the “Symbols” tab is selected. In the “Font” dropdown, select “(normal text)”. In the “Subset” dropdown, choose “Currency Symbols”.
- Scroll through the list to find the € sign, select it, and click ” Insert “, then ” Close “.
Inserting Euros Sign in Google Docs
To insert the euros sign in Google Docs, follow these steps:
- Click on “Insert” in the top menu bar.
- Select ” Special characters ” from the dropdown menu.
- In the “Insert special characters” dialog box, in the search box at the top, type ” euro “.
- The euros sign will appear in the results. Click on the € symbol to insert it into your Google Doc. Alternatively, you can draw the euro symbol in the drawing input area to find it.
- You can also browse by category by selecting “Symbol” then “Currency” in the category menus to locate the euros sign.
With these methods, you are now fully equipped to type the euros sign on any device, whether you’re using a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Using the euros sign correctly ensures clear and professional communication in all your financial and international exchanges.
