Type the Euro Symbol (€): Shortcuts and Tricks

The euro symbol (€) is everywhere: in shops, on bills, online. It is the distinctive sign of our currency, the euro . But how do you type it on the keyboard? It seems easy, but it’s not always. Sometimes, the € symbol is hidden among the keys, difficult to find.

Don’t worry! This guide will explain in a simple and quick way how to type the euro symbol on any device: Windows PC, Mac, iPhone or Android. You will find easy solutions and practical shortcuts. You will no longer have to search for the € symbol on the keyboard , you will find it right away!

AltGr and the Numeric Keypad: Essential Explanations

What is AltGr?

AltGr is a special key found on Italian keyboards. It is used to type characters and symbols that are not directly visible on the keys. It works like an additional “Shift” key.

What is the Numeric Keypad?

The numeric keypad is a block of keys with the numbers from 0 to 9, usually located to the right of the keyboard. It can be used to enter numbers quickly, but also to type special characters using ASCII codes.

How to Enable/Disable the Numeric Keypad?

Usually, the numeric keypad is active by default. If it is not, press the Num Lock key to activate it. To deactivate it, press Num Lock again.

Use the Numeric Keypad for Special Characters

To insert the euro symbol (€) using the ASCII code, press the Alt key and, while holding it down, type 0128 on the numeric keypad. Release the Alt key and the € symbol will appear. You can also use this method for other special characters, you just need to know their ASCII code.

How to Make the Euro Symbol on a Windows PC

On a Windows PC with an Italian keyboard, typing the euro symbol (€) is simple. You have several options:

• AltGr + E: This is the most used and easiest combination to remember. Press the AltGr key (to the right of the spacebar) and, while holding it down, press the E key.
• Ctrl + Alt + E: If the first combination doesn’t work, try this one. Hold down the Ctrl and Alt keys simultaneously, then press the E key.
• Ctrl + Alt + 5: This combination uses the numeric keypad. Hold down the Ctrl and Alt keys and type 5 on the numeric keypad.

How to Type the € Symbol on a Mac

On a Mac, typing the euro symbol (€) is even easier:

• Option + E: Press the Option (or Alt) key and, while holding it down, press the E key. That’s it, the € symbol will appear on the screen.

Different Keyboards and Character Map

If the Option + E combination does not work, or if you have a keyboard other than the Italian one, you can find the euro symbol in the character map :

1. Go to “Edit” in the menu bar.
2. Select “Emoji & Symbols.”
3. Search for “euro” in the search bar.
4. Double-click the euro symbol (€) to insert it into the text.

How to Insert the € Symbol on iPhone

Typing the euro symbol (€) on your iPhone is easy. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the app where you want to write (e.g., Messages, Notes).
2. Tap the screen to make the keyboard appear.
3. Press the button with the dollar symbol ($).
4. Press and hold the $ key. You will see other symbols, including the euro (€).
5. Scroll and tap the € symbol to insert it.

Dictate the Euro Symbol

Another way to insert the euro symbol is to use voice dictation:

1. Tap the microphone on the keyboard.
2. Pronounce “euro symbol”.
3. Your iPhone will automatically transcribe it as €.

How to Type the Euro Symbol on Android

Finding the euro symbol (€) on your Android phone’s keyboard is simple:

1. Open the app where you want to write (e.g., WhatsApp, email).
2. Tap the text box to make the keyboard appear.
3. Press the button with the symbol of your current currency (e.g., $, £).
4. Press and hold the key. You will see other symbols, including the euro (€).
5. Scroll and tap the € symbol to insert it.

More Symbols with Custom Keyboards

If you can’t find the euro symbol or want more options, you can download a custom keyboard from the Play Store. Many keyboards offer extra symbols, including the euro, and other useful features.

Summary Table: How to Type the Euro Symbol (€) on Every Device

Here is a table summarizing the methods for typing the euro symbol (€) on different platforms:

Platform	Main key combination	Alternative Combinations	Note
Windows PC	AltGr + E	Ctrl + Alt + E, Ctrl + Alt + 5, Alt + 0128 (numeric keypad)
Mac	Option + E	Character map (if the main combination doesn’t work)
iPhone	Press and hold the $ key.	Voice dictation (“euro symbol”)
Android	Press and hold the current currency button.	Custom keyboards (for more options)

This table provides a quick overview of the methods available for each device, making it easier to choose the method that best suits your needs.

Problems with the Euro Symbol? Here are the Solutions

Sometimes, typing the euro symbol can cause some problems. Don’t worry, here are the most common solutions:

The euro symbol does not appear.

• Check the keyboard: Make sure you are using an Italian keyboard or one with a European layout. If you have a different keyboard, try the character map (Mac) or download a custom keyboard (Android).
• Check the language settings: Make sure that the input language is set to Italian or a language that supports the euro.
• Update the operating system: Sometimes, problems can be solved by updating your device’s operating system.

The key combination doesn’t work.

• AltGr key stuck: Try pressing the AltGr key twice to unlock it.
• Faulty keyboard: If no combination works, the keyboard may be damaged. Try connecting an external keyboard or use the on-screen keyboard.
• Third-party software: Some software may interfere with keyboard shortcuts. Try temporarily closing background programs.

Other solutions

• Copy and paste: If you’re in a hurry, you can copy the euro symbol (€) from another source and paste it into your text.
• Use HTML code: If you are writing online, you can use the HTML code € to insert the euro symbol.

Extra Tips for the Euro Symbol

In addition to the basic methods, here are some tricks for inserting the euro symbol in specific situations:

In Word and Excel

The same keyboard shortcuts you’ve learned also work in Word and Excel. In addition, you can:

• Insert Symbol: Go to “Insert” > “Symbol” and search for “euro”.
• Autocorrection: Set autocorrection to automatically change “euro” to €.

In Emails and Online

• Copy and paste: The easiest way is to copy the € symbol from another source and paste it.
• HTML code: If you are writing HTML code, use € to insert the symbol.
• Emoji keyboard: On smartphones and tablets, the emoji keyboard often includes the € symbol.

Additional Tips

• International Keyboard: If you frequently type in different languages, consider an international keyboard. It makes it easier to access symbols and accents .
• Custom Shortcuts: On some systems, you can create custom shortcuts for the euro symbol.

Fun Facts About the Euro Symbol: More Than Just a Sign

The euro symbol (€) hides a few secrets:

• Origins: The € symbol is inspired by the Greek letter epsilon (ε), a tribute to Greece, the cradle of European civilization. The two horizontal lines represent the stability of the currency.
• Mysterious author: The author of the symbol has never been officially revealed, but it is thought to be Arthur Eisenmenger, a German graphic designer.
• Name in different languages: In almost all European languages, the symbol is called “euro”. The exception is Greece, where it is called “evro” (ευρώ).

The euro symbol is more than just a sign. It is a symbol of European unity and identity.

Conclusions

We’ve shown you how to type the euro symbol (€) on any device. On a PC, a simple key combination will do: AltGr + E (Windows) or Option + E (Mac). On a smartphone, press and hold the currency key. If you have trouble, check your settings or use the character map.

Now you know how to type the euro symbol quickly and easily. You’ll never have to search for it on your keyboard again!

Frequently Asked Questions