Need to use the euro symbol in your digital communications? Whether you’re drafting an email, updating your website, or composing a document, knowing how to type the euro sign (€) is essential. This guide provides you with a complete walkthrough on inserting the euro symbol across various devices and platforms, ensuring you can confidently use it whenever necessary.
And if your needs extend beyond just typing the symbol and involve sending money in euros internationally, services like Wise offer efficient and cost-effective solutions for international money transfers with transparent fees and competitive exchange rates.
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Understanding the Euro Sign
The euro sign, represented by the symbol €, is the currency symbol for the euro, the official currency of the Eurozone and several other countries within Europe. Visually, the euro sign is styled as a stylized ‘E’ – inspired by the Greek letter epsilon (Є) and a clear nod to the continent of Europe. The European Union’s official website highlights that the two parallel horizontal lines across the ‘E’ are intended to signify stability within the euro currency.
The euro symbol’s design was officially adopted in 1995 by the European Council¹, marking a significant step in establishing a unified European currency.
| 💡 Further Reading: Exploring different currency symbols around the globe |
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Placement and Abbreviation: Euro Sign Conventions
When writing amounts in euro, the euro sign is traditionally placed before the numerical value, without any space in between. For example, ten euros should be written as €10. This convention is widely followed and ensures clarity in financial communication.
In the global foreign exchange markets and financial contexts, the official abbreviation for the euro is EUR. This three-letter code, EUR, is used universally when referencing euro exchange rates or listing prices, particularly in international settings or on menus catering to a global clientele.
Typing the Euro Sign on Your Keyboard: Windows and Mac
Typing the euro sign using your computer keyboard is straightforward, whether you are using a Windows PC or a Mac. Here’s how to do it on each operating system:
For Windows PCs:
The quickest method to type the euro sign on a Windows computer involves using a simple keyboard shortcut.
- Keyboard Shortcut: Press and hold the CTRL and ALT keys simultaneously, then press the number 4 key. The 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.
For Mac Devices:
Mac users also have an easy keyboard shortcut to access the euro symbol.
- Keyboard Shortcut: Press and hold the Option (or Alt) key and then press the number 2 key. On some US keyboards, you might also need to press the Shift key in combination with Option and 2. Experiment with Option + 2 and Shift + Option + 2 to find the correct shortcut for your specific keyboard layout.
Quick Copy and Paste Option:
For immediate use, you can easily copy the euro symbol from here and paste it into your document or message:
€
Inserting the Euro Sign on Mobile Devices: iOS and Android
Typing the euro sign on your smartphone or tablet is just as simple as on a computer. Both iOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android devices provide easy access to currency symbols through their on-screen keyboards.
For iOS and Android Devices:
- Access the Symbols Keyboard: Open your device’s keyboard and switch to the numbers and symbols keyboard layout. This is usually accessed by tapping a button that displays symbols like “123” or “?123”.
- Locate the Euro Sign: On the symbols keyboard, look for the euro sign (€). It is often directly available as one of the primary symbols.
- Alternative Method (Hold Down Dollar Sign): If you don’t immediately see the euro sign, try pressing and holding down the dollar sign ($). This action often reveals a pop-up menu with additional currency symbols, including the euro sign. Simply select the euro sign from the pop-up options.
Inserting the Euro Sign in Word Processors: Microsoft Word and Google Docs
Word processing applications like Microsoft Word and Google Docs offer a convenient way to insert the euro sign without relying solely on keyboard shortcuts, particularly useful if you need to insert it infrequently or are unsure of the shortcut.
In Microsoft Word:
- Navigate to the Insert Menu: In the Word ribbon at the top, click on the Insert tab.
- Find the Symbol Option: On the far right of the Insert ribbon, locate and click on Symbol.
- Select the Euro Sign: A dropdown menu will appear. You might find the euro sign directly in the recently used symbols. If not, click on “More Symbols…” to open the Symbol dialog box. In the dialog box, you can typically find the euro sign within the common currency symbols. Select the euro sign and click Insert.
In Google Docs:
- Go to the Insert Menu: In the Google Docs menu bar at the top, click on Insert.
- Choose Special Characters: From the dropdown menu, select Special characters.
- Search for the Euro Sign: In the Special characters pop-up window, you can either draw the euro symbol in the drawing area or type “euro” in the search bar. Alternatively, you can select the category “Symbol” and then “Currency” to browse through currency symbols.
- Insert the Euro Sign: Once you find the euro sign, click on it to insert it into your Google Doc.
With these methods, you are now equipped to easily type or insert the euro sign across various platforms and devices. Choose the method that best suits your needs and workflow to ensure seamless use of the euro symbol in all your communications.
Sources referenced:
Sources last accessed: 12-May-2023
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Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, legal, or professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its affiliates. It is not a substitute for seeking guidance from a qualified financial advisor or other professional. We provide no warranties or guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information in this publication.
