Pound Symbol (£) / Pound Sign – type, copy & keyboard shortcuts
The pound sign (£)—also known as the pound symbol, British pound sign, or sterling symbol—represents the official currency of the United Kingdom. It is commonly used in pricing, banking, accounting, e-commerce, invoices, and international trade.
Whether you’re looking for where the pound symbol is on your keyboard, how to copy and paste the £ symbol, or how to insert it in Word, Google Docs, HTML, or LaTeX, this complete guide covers everything in one place.
What Is the Pound Sign?
The pound sign (£) is the currency symbol used for the British pound, often called pound sterling. When the symbol appears in front of a number, it tells you that the amount is in British pounds.
Examples:
- £5
- £20
- £1,500
In written prices, the pound symbol is almost always used instead of writing the word “pounds.”
Quick Guide: Typing the Pound Sign (£)
Here are the fastest ways to enter the pound symbol on common devices:
- Windows: Hold Alt and type 0163 on the numeric keypad
- Mac: Press Option (⌥) + 3
- Linux: Press Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00A3, then hit Enter
- Smartphones: Long-press the $ or € key and choose £
- Unicode value: U+00A3
How to Type the Pound Sign (£) on Windows
On Windows, the method depends on your keyboard layout.
Common Windows Methods
- Alt code: Hold Alt, enter 0163 on the number pad, then release Alt
- UK layout: Press Shift + 3
- Some layouts: Ctrl + Alt + 3 may also work
If £ Does Not Appear
- Check that Num Lock is turned on
- Confirm your keyboard language settings
- Use the Character Map tool and copy the symbol manually
How to Type the Pound Symbol on Mac
On macOS, typing the pound sign is straightforward:
- Press Option (⌥) + 3
- Works on MacBook, iMac, and external keyboards
- If it fails, verify your input language in system settings
How to Type the Pound Sign on Linux
Linux and Ubuntu users can insert the symbol using Unicode input:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + U
- Type 00A3
- Press Enter
If the Compose key is enabled, you may also use Compose + L + –.
Pound Symbol Copy and Paste
If you don’t want to use shortcuts, you can copy the symbol below and paste it where needed:
| Symbol | Name | Copy |
|---|---|---|
| £ | British Pound Sign (Pound Sterling) |
This works in emails, documents, websites, spreadsheets, and apps.
Pound Symbol on UK vs US Keyboards
Here’s how the £ symbol differs by keyboard type:
- UK keyboards: Shift + 3
- US keyboards: Alt + 0163
- Mac (all regions): Option + 3
Pound Symbol Codes (Unicode, HTML, CSS)
Unicode Values
- Unicode: U+00A3
- Decimal code: £
- Hex code: £
HTML
£→ £
CSS
content: "\00A3";
Using the Pound Sign in Microsoft Office
You can add the pound symbol in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint by:
- Typing it directly with your keyboard shortcut
- Opening Insert → Symbol → More Symbols, then selecting £
Pound Symbol in Google Docs and Sheets
To insert the pound symbol in Google tools:
- Use Insert → Special characters and search for “pound”
- Type it using your keyboard shortcut
- Copy and paste the symbol
Pound Symbol in LaTeX
In LaTeX documents, the pound symbol can be added using:
\pounds
If Unicode is supported, you can also paste the symbol directly.
Where the Pound Sign Is Commonly Used
The £ symbol appears in many everyday and professional situations, including:
- Retail prices and product listings
- Financial statements and invoices
- Banking and accounting systems
- Websites and online payment pages
- Legal and business documents
Meaning and Design of the Pound Symbol
The design of the pound symbol comes from the letter L, derived from the Latin word libra, meaning weight. The horizontal line (or lines) indicates that the character represents money rather than a letter.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Pound Sign
How do I type £ on a Windows keyboard?
Use Alt + 0163 or Shift + 3 on a UK keyboard.
What is the official name of the £ symbol?
It is known as the pound sign, pound symbol, or sterling symbol.
Can the pound sign be used in HTML and websites?
Yes. Use £ or £ to display it correctly.
Which currency uses the £ sign?
The symbol represents the British pound sterling (GBP).
Final Thoughts
The pound sign (£) is a key currency symbol used across the UK and internationally. Understanding what it represents, where to place it, and how to type it on different devices makes working with prices and financial information much easier.
You may also want to learn about the Euro symbol (€) and how to use it in documents, prices, and websites.