Typing the British Pound symbol (£) seems easy until it doesn’t show up where you expect it. Whether you’re writing a price, editing an invoice, or adding UK currency to a document, knowing the right shortcuts saves time and keeps your writing clean. This guide explains how to type the £ sign across different devices and apps using simple steps anyone can follow.
Why the £ Symbol Matters
The British Pound sign (£) represents the currency of the United Kingdom, known as Pound Sterling or GBP. You’ll find it in online stores, price lists, bank statements, and financial documents. It’s also used in Excel sheets, Google Docs, and text messages when writing about UK money. Using the correct currency symbol helps keep prices accurate and professional, especially for freelancers, writers, and businesses dealing with British clients.
How to Type the £ Sign on Windows
Typing the pound sign on Windows depends on your keyboard type and language settings.
Try these steps:
- On a UK keyboard, press Shift + 3.
- On a US keyboard, hold Alt and type 0163 on the numeric keypad.
- If your keyboard doesn’t have a numeric keypad, open the Character Map app and search for “Pound sign”. Copy and paste it where needed.
- You can also change the input language to English (United Kingdom) in Settings → Time & Language → Language & Region.
If you still see a # symbol instead of £, it means your layout is set to US English. Switch it to UK English to fix the issue.
How to Type the £ Sign on Mac
Typing the British Pound sign (£) on a Mac is simple once you know the shortcut. The easiest way is to press Option + 3 on your keyboard. This instantly types the pound symbol in any text field, whether you’re in Word, Pages, Safari, or Notes.
If the shortcut doesn’t work, your keyboard might be set to a different region. Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources. From there, add or switch to the British or UK keyboard layout. This ensures the Option + 3 shortcut will always produce the £ sign instead of another symbol.
Another method is through the built-in symbol menu. Click Edit > Emoji & Symbols > Currency Symbols. A small viewer will appear where you can double-click the £ symbol to insert it into your document.
These shortcuts work across most macOS apps, including Safari, Notes, Microsoft Word, and Google Docs. Once you’ve set your layout correctly, typing the British Pound symbol on Mac becomes quick and effortless.
Typing the £ Symbol on Phones and Tablets
- iPhone or iPad:
Hold down the $ key on your keyboard until other currency symbols appear. Slide your finger to the £ and release. - Android phones:
Long-press the $ or currency key on your Gboard or SwiftKey keyboard. Select £ from the list.
These steps also work in messaging apps, browsers, and note apps.
Entities: iPhone, iPad, Android, Gboard, SwiftKey, mobile keyboard, UK currency.
Inserting the £ Symbol in Word, Excel, and Google Docs
If shortcuts don’t work, insert the symbol manually.
Microsoft Word or Excel:
- Click Insert > Symbol > More Symbols.
- Select Currency Symbols, choose £, and click Insert.
Google Docs:
- Go to Insert > Special characters > Currency symbols.
- Type “pound” in the search bar.
- Click the £ sign to insert it.
These steps help when you’re formatting price lists, spreadsheets, or reports that include multiple currencies.
Copy, Paste, or Use ALT and Unicode Codes
If shortcuts feel hard to remember, copy this: £
Other ways to insert the symbol:
- ALT Code: 0163
- Unicode: U+00A3
For web pages, use £ in HTML. It’ll display as £ on browsers.
Knowing these codes is handy for developers, writers, and accountants working across systems.Fixing Missing Pound Sign or Wrong Keyboard Layout
Sometimes, your keyboard types the wrong symbol. Try these quick fixes:
- If £ shows as #, change your input to UK English.
- On Windows, open Settings > Time & Language > Region > Keyboard layout.
- On Mac, go to System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources > British.
- You can also switch layouts quickly using Ctrl + Shift or Cmd + Space.
Checking your region setting ensures the correct key mapping every time.
Other Currency Symbols You Might Need
Typing other money symbols can be just as useful. Here are a few:
- Dollar ($) – Shift + 4
- Euro (€) – Alt + 0128 or Option + Shift + 2 (Mac)
- Yen (¥) – Alt + 0165 or Option + Y (Mac)
- Cent (¢) – Alt + 0162
These are useful when writing about global prices or comparing currencies.
Conclusion
Typing the British Pound sign (£) isn’t hard once you know where it hides on your device. Windows users can use Alt + 0163, Mac users can press Option + 3, and mobile users can long-press the $ key. The key is to use the right layout and remember the quick codes.
Using the correct currency symbol helps your writing look professional and accurate. Try these shortcuts next time you type prices or handle UK currency.
If you found this helpful, share it or comment below with your device type and shortcut trick.