How to Type the British Pound Symbol (£) on Any Device

Whether you’re part of the big screen team or prefer to use your smartphone, if you’re looking for a way to add the British pound symbol (£) to your documents, emails, or messages, we have your back. In this guide, we'll walk you through the simple steps to quickly insert the GBP symbol on your device: whether it is MacOS, Windows PC, or smartphone.

What Is the British Pound Symbol (£)?

The British pound symbol (£) represents the pound sterling, the official currency of the United Kingdom. Its three-letter ISO code is GBP (Great British Pound), but some people mistakenly write “GPB.” Remember, it’s always GBP.

Where Did the British Pound Symbol Come From?

The British pound sterling, symbol £, boasts a rich history dating back over 1,200 years. It began as a weight of silver in Anglo-Saxon England and became the official currency in 1694 under William III.

With the growth of the British Empire, it gained global prominence. Despite challenges such as wartime disruptions and the 1967 devaluation, it remained strong. The pound left the gold standard in 1971. Through shifts like Brexit, it endures as a significant global currency, shaped by the UK’s economic journey and historical impact on finance and trade.

According to the Bank of England, the sign originates from the letter L, which is the first letter of the Latin word for libra, meaning a pound of money. Although the exact time when the horizontal line was added is uncertain, it can be traced back to a 1660 cheque in the Bank of England's collection.

Fun fact: in 1970 a new £20 banknote featuring William Shakespeare was issued by the Bank of England, sparking the tradition of including characters that have shaped the United Kingdom on coins and notes.

Simple Ways to Insert the £ Symbol into a Document

Now that we're familiar with the British pound symbol, let's delve into how to type it on both MacOS and Windows keyboards, as well as a smartphone.

For Mac Users

If you're using a Mac, the quickest way is to use a keyboard shortcut. Simply hold down the Option (⌥) key and simultaneously press the number 3.

For Windows Users

On a Windows PC or laptop, you can use different methods:

• Hold down the Shift key and press the number 3 (UK keyboard).
  
  
• On US keyboards, press Alt + 0163 using the numeric keypad.
  
  
• Alternatively, use the Windows Character Map to copy and paste the symbol.
  
  

To make things even easier, some keyboards have the £ sign printed above the number 3 key, providing a visual reminder. Just keep in mind that American keyboards may not include the British pound symbol.

If you prefer a simpler method, you can always copy and paste the pound symbol from here: £

For Smartphone Users

Now, let's move on to inserting the £ sign on your mobile device, whether it's an iOS or Android.

Using your smartphone or tablet, simply switch to the numbers and symbols keyboard on your device, and you'll find the £ symbol as one of the character options. In case you can't locate it, try long-pressing the dollar sign ($) to access more currency symbols.

Keyboard-Free? No Problem

What if you don't have access to a keyboard? Don't worry! There's a way to insert the British pound symbol in popular word processors without typing.

If you're using applications like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, follow these steps:

1. In Microsoft Word, go to the "Insert" tab at the top and select "Symbol." In Google Docs, choose "Special Characters" from the drop-down menu.
   
   
2. Look for the pound sign (£) in the list of characters. In Google Docs, you may need to select "Symbol" first and then navigate to the "Currency" category.
   
   
3. Click on the £ symbol to insert it into your document.
   
   

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Proper Usage and Formatting Rules

Knowing how to type the symbol is only half the story. You should also use it correctly. Here are the basics:

• Unlike the United States dollar ($), the British pound symbol (£) always comes before the amount, with no space. Correct: £50.
  
  
• Avoid placing it after the number (50£) or with a space (£ 50).
  
  
• In professional and international contexts, use the code GBP instead of the symbol (for example: GBP 50).
  
  
• Reserve the £ symbol for everyday contexts like receipts, emails, or casual writing.
  
  

These formatting rules ensure consistency with standards set by financial institutions like the Bank of England among others.

Conclusion

That’s all there is to it! Now you know how to effortlessly type the British pound symbol (£) on your MacOS computer, Windows PC, or mobile device. Not only that. You’ve also learned its historical background, proper usage rules, and formatting standards.

Feel free to use these methods whenever you need to add this important currency symbol to your content, whether for documents, messages, or financial transactions.

If you need to send pounds overseas, Tap has got you covered with low fees and excellent exchange rates. Send funds from anywhere to anywhere, and for free between Tap users. Simply load either GBP or Euro onto the app and seamlessly send, spend or exchange your funds wherever you are.

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