How to Type the Euro Sign: A Comprehensive Guide for All Devices

Need to use the euro symbol (€) in your digital communications? Whether you’re writing emails, crafting documents, managing your website content, or engaging on social media, knowing how to type the euro sign is essential for clarity and professionalism when dealing with European currencies. This guide provides you with all the methods you need to effortlessly insert the euro symbol across various platforms, from your computer keyboard to your smartphone.

And just like knowing how to type the euro sign is crucial for communication, managing your finances internationally is equally important. If you need to send money from pounds to euros, consider Wise for fast transfers, low fees, and competitive exchange rates.

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Understanding the Euro Sign

The euro sign, €, is the currency symbol for the euro, the official currency of the Eurozone and several other countries within Europe. Visually, the euro symbol is inspired by the Greek letter epsilon (Є), and it also represents the first letter of “Europe”. The two parallel horizontal lines across the ‘C’ shape are said to symbolize stability within the Eurozone.

The symbol was officially adopted in 1995 by the European Council, marking a significant step in the economic integration of Europe. ¹

💡 Further Reading: Explore other global currency symbols

Placement of the Euro Sign: Before or After the Number?

In most European countries and in international contexts, the euro sign is placed before the numerical amount, without any space in between. Therefore, to represent ten euros, you should write it as €10. This is similar to the placement of other currency symbols like the dollar ($) and pound (£).

Euro Abbreviation: EUR

In financial markets and when referencing currency codes internationally, the euro is abbreviated to EUR. This three-letter code is standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is used globally for currency exchange rates and financial transactions. You’ll often see EUR used on exchange rate listings and in international business contexts. Some businesses, especially those catering to an international clientele, might also use EUR on price lists or menus.

Typing the Euro Sign on Your Keyboard (Windows and Mac)

Typing the euro sign on your computer keyboard is straightforward, regardless of whether you are using a Windows PC or a Mac. Here are the simple keyboard shortcuts:

For Windows PCs:

The quickest method to type the euro sign on a Windows computer is using a keyboard shortcut.

Press and hold the Ctrl key and the Alt key simultaneously.
While holding these keys, press the number 4 key. This could be the 4 key on the top row of your keyboard or on the numeric keypad if you have a full-sized keyboard.
Release all keys. The euro sign (€) should appear in your document or text field.

Alt Ctrl and 4 keys on a Windows keyboard used to type the euro sign.

For Mac Devices:

Mac users also have a simple keyboard shortcut to insert the euro symbol:

Press and hold the Option key (sometimes labeled Alt).
While holding the Option key, press the number 2 key.
Release both keys. The euro sign (€) will appear.

On some US keyboards for Mac, you might need to also press the Shift key along with Option and 2. If Option + 2 doesn’t work immediately, try Shift + Option + 2.

Option and 2 keys on a Mac keyboard used to type the euro sign.

Easy Copy and Paste Method:

For immediate use, you can simply copy the euro symbol below and paste it wherever 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 easy as on a computer. Both iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android devices include the euro sign in their symbol keyboards.

For iOS and Android Devices:

Open your keyboard in any app where you want to type the euro sign, such as a messaging app, email, or browser.
Switch to the numbers and symbols keyboard. This is usually done by tapping a button labeled “123” or “&%#” on your keyboard.
Locate the euro sign (€). On many mobile keyboards, the euro sign is directly available on the symbols page.
If you don’t see the euro sign immediately, try long-pressing the dollar sign ($). This often reveals a pop-up menu with related currency symbols, including the euro (€), pound (£), and yen (¥).
Tap the euro sign to insert it into your text.

Euro symbol appearing after long-pressing the dollar sign on a mobile keyboard.

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

Most word processing applications, like Microsoft Word and Google Docs, offer a straightforward way to insert symbols, including the euro sign, through their menus. This is particularly useful if you need to insert the symbol less frequently or prefer using a graphical interface.

Microsoft Word:

Open your document in Microsoft Word.
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, you can either select the euro sign if it’s listed in the recently used symbols, or click on “More Symbols…”.
In the Symbol dialog box, ensure the “Symbol” tab is selected. In the “Font” dropdown, “(normal text)” is usually sufficient. You can often find the euro sign in the common symbols section. If not, you can use the “Subset” dropdown to select “Currency Symbols” to narrow down your search.
Select the euro sign (€) and click “Insert”. Then click “Close”. The euro sign will be inserted into your document at your cursor’s location.

Google Docs:

Open your document in Google Docs.
Click on “Insert” in the top menu.
Select “Special characters” from the dropdown menu.
In the “Insert special characters” dialog box, in the search box, type “euro”.
The euro sign (€) will appear in the results.
Click on the euro sign to insert it into your Google Doc. You can also draw the symbol in the drawing input area if you can’t find it by searching.

Alternative Methods to Get the Euro Sign

Besides keyboard shortcuts and word processor menus, here are a couple of other ways to access the euro symbol:

Character Map (Windows) / Emoji & Symbols Viewer (Mac): Both Windows and macOS have built-in utilities that list all available characters, including the euro sign. You can search for “Character Map” on Windows or “Emoji & Symbols” in Spotlight on Mac, find the euro symbol, and copy it to your clipboard.
Online Character Websites: Numerous websites list special characters. You can search online for “euro symbol” and find websites that allow you to copy the symbol directly from the page.

With these comprehensive methods, you’re now equipped to easily type the euro sign across all your devices and applications. Whether you’re a frequent user or just need it occasionally, this guide ensures you can confidently use the euro symbol in all your digital communications.

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 12-May-2023

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized advice. We make no warranties regarding the completeness or accuracy of this information.

¹ Source: European Union Website