Need to use the euro symbol (€) in your digital communications? Whether you’re writing emails, crafting documents, updating your website, or engaging on social media, knowing how to quickly insert this symbol is essential. This guide provides you with everything you need to effortlessly type the euro symbol using your keyboard on various devices, including both Windows PCs and Macs, as well as mobile devices.
Understanding the Euro Symbol
The euro symbol, €, is more than just a currency sign; it’s a representation of European unity and stability. Inspired by the Greek letter epsilon (Є) and the first letter of “Europe,” the symbol was officially adopted in 1995 by the European Council.¹ The two parallel lines across the ‘C’ shape are designed to signify the euro’s stability.
While seemingly simple, knowing how to access this symbol on your keyboard can sometimes be confusing. Let’s break down the methods for different devices.
Euro Symbol Placement in Currency
It’s important to note that when writing amounts in euros, the euro symbol is generally placed before the numerical value without any space in between. For example, ten euros is written as €10.
Euro Abbreviation: EUR
In financial contexts, particularly in the foreign exchange market, the euro is abbreviated to EUR. You’ll see this abbreviation used in currency exchange rates and on international price lists.
Typing the Euro Symbol on Windows Keyboards
For Windows PC users, inserting the euro symbol is straightforward using a simple keyboard shortcut.
The Windows Euro Symbol Shortcut:
- Press and hold down the CTRL key and the ALT key simultaneously.
- While holding these keys, press the number 4 key. This could be the ‘4’ on the top row of your keyboard or on the numeric keypad if you have a full-size keyboard.
Upon releasing the keys, the euro symbol (€) will appear in your document or text field. This shortcut is a quick and efficient way to type the euro symbol whenever you need it on a Windows device.
Typing the Euro Symbol on Mac Keyboards
Mac users also have a handy keyboard shortcut to access the euro symbol.
The Mac Euro Symbol Shortcut:
- Press and hold the Option (or Alt) key.
- While holding the Option key, press the number 2 key.
For some US keyboards, you might need to also press the Shift key in combination with Option and 2. Experiment with both Option+2 and Shift+Option+2 to find the correct shortcut for your specific Mac keyboard layout.
Just like on Windows, releasing these keys will instantly insert the € symbol.
Quick Copy-Paste Option:
For convenience, you can also easily copy and paste the euro symbol from here: €
Inserting the Euro Symbol on Mobile Devices (iOS and Android)
Typing the euro symbol on smartphones and tablets is just as simple. Both iOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android devices offer easy access through the on-screen keyboard.
Steps for Mobile Devices:
- Open your device’s keyboard in any app where you need to type.
- Switch to the numbers and symbols keyboard. This is usually accessed by tapping a button labeled “123” or “&%#”.
- Locate the euro symbol (€) on the symbols keyboard. It is often directly available as one of the primary symbol options.
- If you don’t see the euro symbol immediately, press and hold down the dollar sign ($). This action typically reveals a pop-up menu with additional currency symbols, including the euro (€).
- Select the euro symbol from the pop-up options to insert it into your text.
This method ensures you can easily type the euro symbol on the go, whether you’re sending messages, writing emails, or using mobile word processors.
Inserting the Euro Symbol in Word Processors (Microsoft Word & Google Docs)
Most word processing applications, like Microsoft Word and Google Docs, provide a menu-based method to insert special symbols, including the euro symbol, without relying solely on keyboard shortcuts.
Inserting in Microsoft Word:
- In the top menu bar, click on Insert.
- On the far right side of the Insert ribbon, find and click on Symbol.
- From the Symbol dropdown menu, you should be able to find and select the € euro symbol. If it’s not immediately visible, click on “More Symbols” to open a comprehensive symbol library and search for the euro symbol there.
Inserting in Google Docs:
- In the top menu bar, click on Insert.
- Select Special characters from the dropdown menu.
- In the Special characters dialog box, type “euro” in the search bar.
- The € euro symbol will appear in the results. Click on it to insert it into your Google Doc. You may also navigate through categories by selecting ‘Symbol’ and then ‘Currency’ from the category menus to find the euro symbol.
These methods in word processors are particularly useful when you need to insert the euro symbol infrequently and prefer using a graphical interface.
Conclusion
Inserting the euro symbol on your keyboard is a straightforward process across various devices and platforms. By utilizing the keyboard shortcuts for Windows and Mac, or the symbol keyboards on mobile devices and word processor menus, you can easily incorporate the euro symbol into your writing. Mastering these techniques will ensure seamless communication and accurate representation of currency in your digital content.
Sources used:
Sources last checked on date: 12-May-2023
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