The Euro Sign: That One Key Combination You Don't Know
You know the drill. Drafting a contract. Typing an invoice. And then you're back again. Where was that euro sign again? You try shift, alt, control—nothing works. Frustration sets in as you scroll through the special characters menu. Just like when you try to pair AirPods for the first time without a manual.
But here's the crazy thing: the solution has been right under your nose for years. Literally on your keyboard. One simple key combination that millions of Dutch people don't know, even though they work with euros every day. It's such an obvious trick that you'll kick yourself once you figure it out. Just like those handy accessories that make your life easier – sometimes the best solutions are the simplest. Time to put an end to that eternal search once and for all.
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The shortcut that will change your life: Alt Gr + 5
Let's get straight to the point. Typing the euro sign in Windows is actually ridiculously simple: Alt Gr + 5 . That's it. That Alt Gr key is to the right of your space bar, and combined with the 5, it instantly produces a beautiful euro sign (€). No messing around with special character menus, no endless searching through symbol lists.
The funny thing is, this key combination has existed since the introduction of the euro, yet millions of people still struggle with this symbol every day. They open Word, click Insert, search for Symbols, scroll through hundreds of characters... while the solution is literally right there at their fingertips.
Why does it sometimes not work?
Did you try Alt Gr + 5 and the euro sign doesn't appear? There could be a few reasons:
- Keyboard layout: You may be using a US keyboard layout instead of a Dutch or international version
- Laptop without Alt Gr: Some compact laptop keyboards do not have a dedicated Alt Gr key
- Numeric keypad active: On some laptops you may need to turn off Num Lock first
- Software conflict: Certain programs override default hotkeys
Alternative methods that always work
Fortunately, there are many roads to Rome. Or in this case, to the euro sign. The ASCII code method is your savior if Alt Gr + 5 doesn't work:
- Hold down the Alt key (the regular Alt, to the left of the space bar)
- Type 0128 on the numeric keypad (right side of your keyboard)
- Release Alt and voilà: €
Note: This only works with the numeric keypad, not the numbers above the letters. If you have a laptop without a numeric keypad, you can often temporarily activate a numeric keypad by pressing Fn + certain letters, but this varies by laptop.
Windows-specific tricks
Windows has even more options up its sleeve. The Character Map program is an old favorite that still works perfectly. You can find it by going to Start > Windows Accessories > Character Map. Select the euro sign, copy it, and paste it wherever you want. Not the fastest method, but reliable.
A modern option is the emoji and symbol picker in Windows 10 and 11. Press the Windows key + period (.) or Windows key + semicolon (;) and a handy panel will appear. Type "euro" in the search field and click the symbol. This method works in almost any application.
Adjust keyboard layout
If you regularly need the Euro sign but Alt Gr + 5 doesn't work, consider adjusting your keyboard layout:
- Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language
- Click on your current language (for example Dutch)
- Select Options
- Add a keyboard: select "United States - International"
- If necessary, remove the old keyboard
With the international layout, Alt Gr + 5 is guaranteed to work, and as a bonus, you get access to many more special characters via Alt Gr combinations.
More useful symbols via shortcuts
While you're at it, why not learn a few other useful symbols? Alt Gr lets you do much more than just the euro sign:
- Alt Gr + 2 = ² (squared)
- Alt Gr + 3 = ³ (cube)
- Alt Gr + e = é (e with acute accent)
- Alt Gr + c = © (copyright)
- Alt Gr + r = ® (registered trademark)
- Alt Gr + m = µ (mu/micro)
For other currency symbols, use ASCII codes:
- Alt + 0163 = £ (British pound)
- Alt + 0165 = ¥ (Japanese yen)
- Alt + 0162 = ¢ (cent)
Practical tips for daily use
If you frequently work with financial documents, create an AutoCorrect rule in Word or Excel. For example, type "eee" and have it automatically replaced with €. You can set this up by going to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options.
For those who frequently work in different languages, consider installing multiple keyboard layouts. Alt+Shift lets you quickly switch between languages like Dutch, English, and French. Each layout has its own special characters in familiar places.
One final tip: create a personal cheat sheet with your most frequently used special characters and their shortcuts. Stick it on your monitor or save it as your desktop wallpaper. After a week, you'll be typing them blindfolded, guaranteed. Just as you learn exactly which button does what on your smartphone or tablet after a while, using these shortcuts will become pure routine.
Simple and effective: this is how you type the euro sign from now on
Typing the euro sign doesn't have to be a nightmare. Alt Gr + 5 is your best friend, and if not , Alt + 0128 always works. These are the kind of simple tricks you learn and never forget – just like finding the fastest route to work or the perfect settings for your favorite Apple device .
Stop searching through special character menus and just remember this one key combination. In a week, you'll be typing € after € without thinking and wondering why you ever struggled with it.
