Need to use the euro symbol (€) in your digital communications but unsure how to find it on your keyboard? You’re not alone. Whether you’re drafting emails, updating your website euro prices, or managing finances, the euro symbol is essential. This guide provides you with everything you need to know about easily inserting the euro symbol on your keyboard across various devices, from Windows and Mac computers to smartphones and tablets.
And if you’re dealing with currency exchange beyond just typing the symbol, remember that services like Wise offer efficient and cost-effective ways to send money internationally, including converting pounds to euros.
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Understanding the Euro Symbol: A Quick Overview
Before diving into typing methods, let’s understand the euro symbol itself. Represented by €, this symbol is more than just a currency marker; it’s a symbol of European unity and stability.
According to the official European Union explanation, the euro symbol’s design is inspired by the Greek letter epsilon (Є), referencing the cradle of European civilization, and also the first letter of “Europe.” The two parallel horizontal lines across the ‘C’ are meant to signify the stability of the euro. The European Council officially adopted the euro symbol in 1995, marking a significant step in European economic integration.¹
Alt text: The euro symbol (€) displayed clearly, highlighting its resemblance to the letter ‘e’ with two horizontal lines.
Euro Symbol Placement and Abbreviation
When writing amounts, the euro symbol is typically placed before the number with no space in between. For example, ten euros is written as €10. This format is standard across most contexts.
In the foreign exchange market and in international contexts, the euro is abbreviated as EUR. You’ll see EUR used in currency exchange rates, financial reports, and sometimes on price lists, especially those catering to international customers.
Typing the Euro Symbol on Windows PC
For Windows users, inserting the euro symbol is straightforward using keyboard shortcuts.
The most common method is using the CTRL + ALT + 4 shortcut. Simply press and hold the CTRL and ALT keys simultaneously, and then press the number 4 key located on the top row of your keyboard. This shortcut should work across most Windows applications.
Depending on your keyboard layout and regional settings, another shortcut might be ALT GR + E. The ALT GR key is usually located to the right of the space bar.
For those who prefer using ALT codes or need to insert symbols less frequently, you can use the ALT + 0128 code. To use this method:
- Ensure Num Lock is enabled on your keyboard.
- Press and hold the ALT key.
- Type 0128 using the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard.
- Release the ALT key, and the euro symbol (€) will appear.
Alt text: Illustration showing the Windows keyboard shortcut CTRL + ALT + 4 to type the euro symbol.
Inserting the Euro Symbol on a Mac Keyboard
Mac users also have a simple keyboard shortcut to access the euro symbol.
The primary shortcut for Mac is Option (or Alt) + 2. Press and hold the Option key (sometimes labeled as “Alt”) and then press the number 2 key. This shortcut should insert the euro symbol in most applications on your Mac.
On some US keyboards for Mac, you might need to use Shift + Option + 2. Try this combination if Option + 2 doesn’t work immediately.
Similar to Windows, you can also copy and paste the euro symbol directly if you need it quickly: €
Alt text: Image demonstrating the Mac keyboard shortcut Option + 2 for typing the euro symbol.
Typing the Euro Symbol on Mobile Devices (iOS and Android)
Inserting the euro symbol on your smartphone or tablet is also very easy. The process is similar for both iOS (Apple) and Android devices.
To type the euro symbol on a mobile device:
- Open your keyboard in any text field, like a messaging app or browser.
- Switch to the numbers and symbols keyboard. This is usually accessed by tapping a button labeled “123” or “&%#”.
- Locate the euro symbol (€). On many default keyboards, the euro symbol is directly available on the symbols page.
- If you don’t see the euro symbol immediately, press and hold the dollar sign ($). This action usually brings up a pop-up menu with related currency symbols, including the euro (€), pound (£), and yen (¥) symbols.
- Slide your finger to the euro symbol (€) and release to insert it.
Alt text: Screenshot of a mobile keyboard showing how to access the euro symbol by long-pressing the dollar sign ($).
Inserting the Euro Symbol in Word Processors (Word & Google Docs)
Most word processors, like Microsoft Word and Google Docs, offer a simple way to insert symbols, including the euro symbol, through their menus, eliminating the need for keyboard shortcuts.
In Microsoft Word:
- Click on the Insert tab in the top menu.
- On the far right side of the ribbon, find and click on Symbol, then select Symbol again from the dropdown menu.
- In the Symbol dialog box, you can often find the euro symbol in the “Recently used symbols” section or by selecting “(currency symbols)” in the “Subset” dropdown. You can also search for it by scrolling through the list.
- Select the euro symbol (€) and click Insert.
In Google Docs:
- Click on Insert in the top menu.
- Select Special characters.
- In the Special characters dialog box, type “euro” in the search bar. The euro symbol will appear as a result.
- Alternatively, you can select “Symbol” from the first dropdown and “Currency” from the second dropdown to browse currency symbols.
- Click on the euro symbol (€) to insert it into your document.
By following these methods, you should now be fully equipped to type the euro symbol on any device, ensuring seamless communication and accurate representation of euro currency in your documents and online content.
Sources used:
Sources last checked on date: 12-May-2023
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