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Dollar and Pound Sign on Keyboard

07 Jan 2025


Have you ever tried to type a dollar sign ($) or a pound sign (£) on your keyboard and couldn't figure out how? It can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to write an email or a document related to tasks such as making an online money transfer. Let ACE show you how to type dollar and pound signs on Windows and Mac computers and MS applications. 

The Dollar Symbol ($)

Can’t you type a pound or dollar sign? Writing a dollar sign on the keyboard is a common problem, especially for those who don't use it often. It might initially seem tricky, but there are many ways to do it!

Dollar Sign on Windows Keyboard

Typing a dollar character is as easy as pie if you have a standard keyboard. All you need to do is hold down the *Shift* key and press the *4* key. That's it! You'll see a nice green dollar sign appearing on your screen.
 

You can type a dollar sign if you have a keyboard with a number pad on the right side. Ensure the Num Lock key is switched on; the status is often visible on the number pad. Num Lock is on if the number keys are lit up. Once Num Lock is on, you can type a dollar sign by pressing ****. It's that simple!

A Quick Tip

If you ever need to remember how to type a dollar sign, use the Character Map tool. This tool lets you choose from various symbols, including the sign of a dollar. To open Character Map, search for it in the Start menu.

Dollar Sign on a Mac Keyboard

Typing a dollar sign on a keyboard on a Macbook is easy! You just need to use a unique key called the Option key. Here's how to do it:

  1. Hold down the Option key. 
  2. While holding Option, press the 4 key for the dollar symbol on the keyboard.
  3. Release both keys. A dollar icon($) should appear on your screen.
  4. Using Character Map

If you need to type other special symbols along with a USD symbol while you send money online to a friend, you can use a tool called Character Map. Here's how to use it:

  1. Open Character Map. You can find it in the Spotlight. 
  2. Find the symbol you want. Use the search bar or scroll through the list of symbols.
  3. Select the symbol. Click on the symbol to select it.
  4. Copy the symbol. Click the Copy button.
  5. Paste the symbol. Go to where you want to paste the symbol and press Command+V.

The Pound Sign (£)

The (£) is a symbol of the British pound sterling, the currency of the United Kingdom. 

Pound Sign on Windows Keyboard

If your keyboard includes a number pad, you can use it to type the pound sign:

  1. Hold down the Alt key.
  2. Type 156 on the number pad.
  3. Release the Alt key.
  4. The pound sign (£) should appear.

Remember:

  • The Alt code method only works with a number pad.
  • Character Map is a great tool for finding pound’s sign on Mac or any other special character.

Pound Sign on Mac Keyboard

Here is how to make the pound sign on Mac easily using the Option Key:

  1. Hold down the Option key.
  2. While holding down the Option key, press the 3.
  3. Release both keys.
  4. A pound sterling sign on a Mac that looks like *£* should appear on your screen.

Now that you know how to make a pound sign on Mac, you can always refer to the Character Map in the Macbook software.

Dollar and Pound Signs in Certain Applications

Have you ever wondered how to quickly type a dollar sign on the keyboard or a pound sign in your favorite apps, especially when you send money? This article will go through some typical applications and explain how to input these currency symbols efficiently.

Microsoft Word

Inserting the dollar and pound signs from both MacBook and Windows is done when;

  1. From the top menu, select "Insert." 
  2. In the ribbon's "Symbols,” click the "Symbol" option.
  3. In the "Font" dropdown, select a font.
  4. Dollar Sign ($):

Windows

Press and keep the Alt key held, enter 0156 on the number pad, and release the Alt key.

Mac

Press and hold the Option key, then press 4.

  1. Pound Sign (£):

Windows

Hold Alt and type 0163.

Mac

Use Option + 3 to type the pound sign (£).

Pound and Dollar Sign in Excel

Microsoft Excel can format numbers as currency, automatically adding the appropriate symbol, such as the dollar sign ($) or the pound sign (£).

Currency Format

  1. Click the cells you want to format.
  2. Right-click and choose "Format Cells."
  3. In the "Number" tab, select "Currency".
  4. You can customize the format if needed. 
  5. Click "OK" to apply the format.

Keyboard Shortcuts

While using the currency format is a great way to insert currency symbols automatically, you can also use keyboard shortcuts for quicker input.

Dollar Sign ($)

Hold the Ctrl key, then press Shift and 4 simultaneously.

Pound Sign (£)

Type 0163 while pressing the Alt key, 

Common Challenges and Solutions for Typing Currency Symbols

Typing currency symbols might seem tricky, especially if you're unsure which keys to press. Let ACE walk you through daily challenges and how to resolve them.

Why Can't You Type a Dollar or Pound Sign?

It can be frustrating when you must type a dollar or pound sign, but your keyboard doesn't cooperate. A few reasons for this can be:

Regional Keyboard Layout

If you're having trouble finding these symbols, adjusting your keyboard layout or switching to a different one can be an easy solution.

Check Your Keyboard Layout

Your keyboard's layout can affect which symbols you can type. If you're using a keyboard designed for a different region, you might need to change the layout to access the dollar and pound sign on the MacBook and Windows.

Try a Different Layout

If you need more clarification regarding your current layout, try switching to a different one. You can usually do this through your computer's settings or by using a keyboard shortcut.

Num Lock

If your keyboard lacks a separate number pad, alternative methods might be required to type the desired symbols. Understanding your keyboard setup is key to navigating these options.

Turn On the Num Lock

If your keyboard has a number pad, you must turn on Num Lock to use it. This is usually a small key labeled as "Num Lock" or has a light that indicates whether it's on or off.

Check Your Keyboard

Some keyboards don't have a separate number pad. In this case, you must use a different method to type the symbols.

Software Issues

Whether your keyboard is malfunctioning due to software glitches, outdated systems, or incorrect settings, we’ll guide you through practical solutions to get it working seamlessly again.

Update Your Software

Sometimes, software bugs can prevent you from typing certain symbols. Ensure your operating system and any relevant software, like word processors or spreadsheets, are up-to-date.

Restart Your Computer

A simple restart can often fix software glitches and allow you to type the symbols correctly.

If you've tried these solutions and still can't type the pound or dollar symbol on the keyboard, you might need to consult your computer's manual or seek help from a tech support professional.

Challenges Regarding Troubleshooting while Typing 

Need help typing the dollar or pound sign on Mac and Windows? It happens to most people! Simple things you can try to get things working are to:

Check Your Input Device

Ensure your keyboard is working properly when figuring out how to make the pound sign on Mac and Windows. Try typing some other characters to see if they work. If you're using a laptop, ensure the function keys aren't accidentally locked.

Use a Different Input Method

If you're still having trouble, there are other ways to type special characters. You can use the Character Map tool on Windows or the Input Method Editor on Mac. These tools let you choose from symbols, including the pound and dollar sign.

Type Currency Symbols Swiftly! 

Typing the currency sign on the keyboard might seem like a small detail, but it can be of huge help, especially when dealing with a money transfer.  Remember, whether you're using a Windows or Mac computer, there are multiple ways to input these currency symbols. From simple keyboard shortcuts to specialized tools like Character Map, you will find a method that works best for you. Try these keyboard hacks today and master symbol typing in seconds!

FAQs

What does the pound sign (£) symbolize in coding or finance?

In coding, it represents the British pound currency. In some contexts, it might also denote currency formatting in financial applications.

Why did my keyboard type ‘#’ instead of ‘£’?

This happens when the keyboard layout is set to US English instead of UK English. To fix it, change the design in your system's language settings.

How do I insert the pound sign in Google Docs?

Use Insert > Special Characters in Google Docs, search for "pound sign," and click to insert it and any other money sign on the keyboard.

What’s the difference between the pound sign (£) and the hash symbol (#)?

The pound sign (£) represents the British currency, while the hash symbol (#) is often used in hashtags and numbering.

Can I type the pound sign (£) on my smartphone keyboard?

Yes, on most smartphones, press and hold the currency symbol (like $) on the keyboard, and a list of currency symbols will appear. Select the £ sign.


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