The euro symbol (€) is commonly used when writing prices, invoices, financial information, emails, documents, and online content related to European currencies.
If your keyboard does not have a dedicated € key, you might wonder how to type it quickly.
You can type the euro symbol on a Windows PC, laptop, Mac, Chromebook, or smartphone using a simple keyboard shortcut or an on-screen tool. The exact method depends on your operating system, keyboard layout, and device.
In this guide, you’ll learn several easy ways to type € on your keyboard, including keyboard shortcuts, Unicode methods, Character Map, and the Windows on-screen keyboard.
How to Type Euro Symbol on Keyboard
There are several ways to type the euro symbol (€), and the best method depends on your computer and keyboard.
If you’re using Windows 11 or Windows 10, the Alt code, Character Map, and on-screen keyboard are some of the easiest options. If you’re using a Mac, the keyboard shortcut is even simpler.
Before trying a shortcut, keep in mind that keyboard layouts can affect which key combinations work. For example, a US keyboard layout may not have a dedicated Euro key, whereas some European keyboard layouts provide the symbol directly via a key combination.
Let’s go through the methods one at a time.
1: Type the Euro Symbol on a Windows Keyboard Using Alt Code
The easiest method on many Windows computers is to use an Alt code. This method works particularly well if your keyboard has a dedicated numeric keypad.
First, open the application where you want to type the symbol. This could be Microsoft Word, Notepad, an email, a web browser, or another program that accepts text.
Click inside the text area and place the cursor where you want the euro symbol to appear.
Now make sure Num Lock is enabled. You can usually find the Num Lock key near the numeric keypad on a full-size keyboard.
Press and hold the Alt key. While continuing to hold Alt, type 0128 on the numeric keypad. After entering the numbers, release the Alt key.
The euro symbol should appear as €.
The complete shortcut is Alt + 0128.
It’s important to use the numeric keypad for this method. Typing 0128 using the number row at the top of your keyboard may not produce the euro symbol.
If you are using a laptop without a physical numeric keypad, this method may not work unless your laptop provides an embedded numeric keypad or another way to enter numeric keypad commands.
2: Use Character Map to Insert the Euro Symbol
If the Alt code doesn’t work or you simply prefer using a visual interface, Character Map is another reliable Windows option.
Character Map lets you browse special characters and symbols available in installed fonts. You can select the euro symbol, copy it, and paste it wherever you need it.
To open Character Map, press Windows + S to open Windows Search.
Type Character Map in the search box and select Character Map from the results.
When Character Map opens, look through the available characters. You can also use the search option if your version of Character Map provides one.
Find the € euro symbol, select it, and then choose Select.
After selecting the character, click Copy.
Now open the application where you want to use the symbol and place your cursor in the appropriate location.
Press Ctrl + V to paste the euro symbol.
For navigation, use:
Go to Windows Search > Character Map > Select € > Copy > Paste
This method is especially useful when you’re working with other special characters and don’t want to memorize individual keyboard shortcuts.
3: Use the Windows On-Screen Keyboard
Another convenient option is the On-Screen Keyboard. Windows includes this feature so you can display a virtual keyboard directly on your screen.
This can be useful if your physical keyboard doesn’t have the required key combination or if you are using a touchscreen device.
Press Windows + S and search for On-Screen Keyboard.
Select On-Screen Keyboard from the search results. Windows will display a virtual keyboard on your screen.
Depending on your keyboard layout and Windows configuration, you may be able to access the euro symbol directly or through a modified key.
If you don’t see the € symbol, your current keyboard layout may not provide it directly. In that case, switching to a suitable keyboard layout can make the symbol easier to access.
For navigation, use:
Go to Windows Search > On-Screen Keyboard > Open > Check the available symbol keys
The On-Screen Keyboard is also helpful when a physical keyboard key isn’t working properly.
4: Copy and Paste the Euro Symbol
If you only need to type the euro symbol occasionally, copying and pasting it can be the fastest solution.
The symbol you need is:
€
Select the symbol, press Ctrl + C to copy it, and then place your cursor wherever you want to use it. Press Ctrl + V to paste it.
This approach works in most applications that support standard text input, including word processors, email applications, web forms, and messaging services.
You don’t need to change any keyboard settings or remember a shortcut.
For navigation, use:
Go to the text containing € > Select € > Ctrl + C > Destination > Ctrl + V
Although copying and pasting is convenient, learning a keyboard shortcut is usually faster if you frequently work with euro prices.
5: Type the Euro Symbol on a Mac
Mac users can type the euro symbol using a simple keyboard shortcut.
Open the application where you want to enter the symbol and place your cursor in the desired location.
Press Option + Shift + 2.
The € symbol should appear immediately.
The shortcut is:
Option + Shift + 2 = €
If this shortcut doesn’t produce the expected character, your Mac may be using a different keyboard layout. Keyboard shortcuts can vary depending on the selected input source.
You can check your keyboard settings by opening System Settings.
For navigation, use:
Go to Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard > Text Input > Edit
Check the active input source and keyboard layout. If you are using a different layout, the shortcut for the euro symbol may be different.
6: Type the Euro Symbol Using Unicode
You can also use the euro symbol’s Unicode character code when working with applications that support Unicode input.
The Unicode code point for the euro symbol is U+20AC.
In many Windows applications, you can type 20AC, then press Alt + X to convert the code into the euro symbol.
For example, type:
20AC
Then press:
Alt + X
The text should change to:
€
This method is particularly useful in applications such as Microsoft Word, where Unicode conversion is supported.
For navigation, use:
Go to Microsoft Word > Type 20AC > Press Alt + X > €
If the conversion doesn’t work in a particular application, use the Alt code or Character Map method instead.
7. Type the Euro Symbol on a Chromebook
If you’re using a Chromebook, the available shortcut can depend on the keyboard layout and ChromeOS configuration.
One reliable approach is to use the Chromebook’s special-character input options. Place your cursor where you want the symbol and open the available special-character or emoji interface.
You can then search for euro and select the € symbol.
You can also copy the symbol from another location and paste it into your document.
For navigation, use:
Go to the text field > Open special characters > Search euro > Select €
If you’re frequently working with European currencies, checking your Chromebook’s keyboard or language settings may provide a more convenient input method.
Change the Keyboard Layout if the Euro Symbol Is Difficult to Type
If you frequently need the € symbol, changing your keyboard layout or adding another language can make special characters easier to access.
On Windows, open Settings and navigate to your language and keyboard options.
For Windows 11, use:
Go to Settings > Time & language > Language & region > Language options > Keyboards
From there, you can add or select an appropriate keyboard layout.
Keep in mind that changing the keyboard layout can change the location or behavior of several keys. If you’re comfortable with your current US keyboard layout, you may prefer to keep it and use Alt + 0128 or another shortcut instead.
FAQs
What is the keyboard shortcut for the euro symbol on Windows?
The common Windows shortcut is Alt + 0128. Hold the Alt key and enter 0128 using the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
How do I type € without a numeric keypad?
If your Windows laptop doesn’t have a numeric keypad, you can use Character Map, copy and paste the symbol, use the On-Screen Keyboard, or use a supported Unicode method.
What is the euro symbol’s Unicode code?
The Unicode code point for the euro symbol is U+20AC.
How do I type € in Microsoft Word?
On Windows, you can type 20AC and press Alt + X to convert it to €. You can also use Alt + 0128 if your keyboard has a numeric keypad.
How do I type the euro symbol on a Mac?
On many Mac keyboard layouts, press Option + Shift + 2 to type €.
Why isn’t Alt + 0128 working?
The most common reason is that you’re entering the numbers from the top number row instead of the numeric keypad. Make sure Num Lock is enabled and use the numeric keypad. If your keyboard doesn’t have one, try Character Map or another method.
Can I copy and paste the euro symbol?
Yes. You can copy € and paste it into most applications that support standard text input.
Can I type the euro symbol on a laptop?
Yes. Depending on the laptop and operating system, you can use a keyboard shortcut, Character Map, Unicode input, an on-screen keyboard, or copy and paste the symbol.
Summary
Knowing how to type the euro symbol (€) can save time when you’re working with prices, financial documents, invoices, emails, and other content involving European currencies.
On Windows, Alt + 0128 is one of the most useful shortcuts when you have a numeric keypad. If that doesn’t work, Character Map, the On-Screen Keyboard, and Unicode input provide convenient alternatives.
On a Mac, Option + Shift + 2 is a quick way to enter the symbol on supported keyboard layouts. Chromebook users can use the available special-character tools or copy and paste the symbol.
If you use the euro symbol regularly, it’s worth learning the shortcut that matches your device. Once you’ve memorized it, entering € becomes just as quick as typing any other character.