Pound Sign Shortcut (£)
To type the pound sign (£): press ⌥3 (Option+3) on a US Mac, or hold Alt and type 0163 on the numeric keypad on Windows. On a UK keyboard, Shift+3 types £ directly.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pound £ | ⌥3 | Alt+0163 | |
| Pound (copy) | £ | £ | |
| Pound (UK layout) | ⇧3 | Shift+3 | |
| Euro € | ⌥⇧2 | Alt+0128 |
The pound sign on Mac vs Windows
The pound sign (£) is the currency symbol for the British pound. On a US Mac press ⌥3 (Option + 3). On Windows, hold Alt and type 0163 on the numeric keypad, then release. On a UK keyboard, £ is simply Shift+3.
£ vs # on the 3 key
On US layouts Shift+3 gives the hash #; on UK layouts it gives £. That is why US Mac users need ⌥3 and Windows users the Alt+0163 code to reach the pound sign.
FAQ
What is the pound sign shortcut?
On a US Mac press ⌥3 (Option+3). On Windows hold Alt and type 0163 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On a UK keyboard press Shift+3.
Why does Shift+3 give me # instead of £?
You are on a US layout, where Shift+3 is the hash. Use ⌥3 on Mac or Alt+0163 on Windows, or switch to a UK keyboard layout.
How do I type £ without a number pad?
Copy the £ from this page, or on Windows open the emoji panel with Win+. and search "pound".