How to Type a Euro Sign: Your Complete Guide to the € Symbol

Need to use the euro sign (€) but unsure how to type it on your device? You’re not alone. Whether you’re writing emails, creating documents, managing your online business finances, or simply browsing European e-commerce sites, knowing how to quickly insert the euro symbol is essential. This guide will walk you through all the methods to type the euro sign on different devices and platforms, ensuring you can use this crucial currency symbol with ease.

Understanding the Euro Symbol

The euro sign, €, is the currency symbol for the Eurozone, representing the single European currency. Designed to be easily recognizable and symbolic, the euro sign is based on the Greek letter epsilon (Є), referencing the cradle of European civilization, and also cleverly incorporates the first letter of “Europe.” The two parallel horizontal lines across the ‘C’ shape are said to represent the stability of the euro. Officially adopted in 1995, the euro symbol has become a globally recognized icon of European commerce and finance.

Alt: The euro currency symbol, a capital E with two horizontal lines through the middle.

Where Does the Euro Sign Go? Before or After the Number?

When writing amounts in euros, the euro sign is placed before the number, with no space in between. This is the standard convention. For example, ten euros is written as €10. This placement is consistent across most European languages and ensures clarity when expressing monetary values.

What is the Euro Abbreviation?

In financial contexts, especially on currency exchange markets, the official abbreviation for the euro is EUR. You’ll see EUR used extensively in exchange rate listings, financial reports, and international business documents. Furthermore, businesses catering to international customers, such as restaurants or online stores, might use EUR on price lists to clearly denote prices in euros.

Typing the Euro Sign on Your Keyboard

Let’s explore the quickest methods to type the euro sign using your keyboard, whether you’re on a Windows PC or a Mac.

How to Type the Euro Sign on Windows PC

For Windows users, the easiest way to type the euro sign is using a simple keyboard shortcut:

Press and hold the Ctrl and Alt keys simultaneously.
While holding Ctrl and Alt, 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-sized keyboard.

Release all keys, and the euro sign (€) will appear. This shortcut is a universal method for Windows systems, regardless of the application you are using.

Alt: Close up of a Windows keyboard highlighting the Ctrl, Alt, and 4 keys for typing the euro symbol.

How to Type the Euro Sign on Mac

Mac users also have a straightforward keyboard shortcut to access the euro symbol:

Press and hold the Option (or Alt) key.
While holding Option, press the number 2 key.

On some US Mac keyboards, you might need to also press the Shift key along with Option and 2. Experiment briefly to find the correct combination for your specific keyboard layout.

Once you release the keys, the euro sign (€) will be inserted. This method works across all applications on macOS.

Alt: Image of a Mac keyboard emphasizing the Option and 2 keys combination used to type the euro symbol.

Quick Copy and Paste Euro Sign

For ultimate convenience, or if keyboard shortcuts are not working for some reason, you can simply copy and paste the euro symbol from here:

€

This is a foolproof method and ensures you always have access to the euro sign when you need it.

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

Typing the euro sign on your smartphone or tablet is just as simple. Both iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android devices offer easy access to currency symbols through their on-screen keyboards.

Typing the Euro Sign on iOS (iPhone/iPad)

Open your keyboard in any app where you want to type the euro sign.
Switch to the numbers and symbols keyboard by tapping the 123 button (or similar, depending on your keyboard layout).
Locate the euro sign (€) among the symbols. It’s often readily available on this screen.
If you don’t see the euro sign immediately, press and hold the dollar sign ($). This will usually bring up a pop-up menu with a selection of currency symbols, including the euro.
Slide your finger to the euro sign and release to insert it.

Alt: Screenshot of an iPhone keyboard showing the numbers and symbols layout with the euro symbol highlighted.

Typing the Euro Sign on Android Devices

Bring up the keyboard on your Android device.
Access the numbers and symbols keyboard by tapping the ?123 button or similar.
Look for the euro sign (€) on the symbols keyboard. It is typically present on the first or second page of symbols.
Alternatively, long-pressing the dollar sign ($) may also reveal a list of currency symbols including the euro.
Tap the euro sign to insert it into your text.

Alt: Android keyboard screenshot displaying the symbols section where the euro symbol can be found and selected.

Inserting the Euro Sign in Word Processors (Word & Google Docs)

Popular word processors like Microsoft Word and Google Docs offer dedicated methods to insert special symbols, including the euro sign, directly from their menus.

Inserting the Euro Sign in Microsoft Word

In your Word document, click on the “Insert” tab in the top ribbon menu.
On the far right side of the “Insert” ribbon, find and click on “Symbol.”
From the dropdown menu, select “Symbol” again (or “More Symbols” if you don’t see the euro immediately).
In the “Symbol” dialog box, you should find the euro sign in the list. If not, ensure the “Font” is set to “(normal text)” and “Subset” is set to “Currency Symbols.”
Select the euro sign and click “Insert,” then “Close.”

Alt: Microsoft Word interface showing the Insert tab and the Symbol dropdown menu with the euro symbol highlighted for insertion.

Inserting the Euro Sign in Google Docs

In your Google Doc, click on “Insert” in the top menu.
Select “Special characters” from the dropdown menu.
In the “Insert special characters” dialog box, type “euro” in the search bar.
The euro sign will appear in the results.
Click on the euro sign to insert it into your document. You can also draw the euro symbol in the drawing input area if you prefer.

Alt: Google Docs interface showing the Insert menu and the Special characters dialog box with the euro symbol found via search.

Conclusion

With these methods, you are now equipped to type the euro sign effortlessly across all your devices and applications. From keyboard shortcuts on your computer to symbol menus on your smartphone and word processors, inserting the euro symbol is a quick and simple task. Use this guide to ensure your documents, emails, and online communications are correctly formatted with the euro currency symbol.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. Please refer to official documentation for specific software or device instructions. For financial services related to currency exchange, consider providers like Wise for competitive rates and fees.