Introduction: Mastering the Rupee Symbol in Keyboard Typing
Typing the rupee symbol (₹) on your keyboard may seem like a challenge if you’re not familiar with the correct shortcut or layout. Since its official adoption in 2010, the Indian rupee symbol has become a vital currency mark used in business, finance, academic, and digital communication. Whether you’re preparing financial documents or updating your e-commerce listings, knowing how to type the rupee symbol in keyboard layout is essential.
This guide will explain step-by-step how to insert the rupee sign across different keyboards, operating systems, and software platforms. From Windows and Mac to mobile keyboards, we cover every method available to help you type ₹ with ease.
The History and Evolution of the Indian Rupee Symbol
The rupee symbol was designed by Udaya Kumar and approved by the Government of India in 2010. It combines elements of the Devanagari letter ‘र’ (Ra) and the Roman capital letter ‘R’ without the vertical bar. The symbol quickly became an integral part of currency representation and financial systems.
Its incorporation into digital systems meant that keyboard layouts needed to be updated, especially in India, where the symbol now appears on most modern keyboards.
Typing the Rupee Symbol in Keyboard: OS-Based Methods
Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If your keyboard is enabled with Indian Rupee Symbol layout:
Shortcut:
Press Ctrl + Alt + ₹ key or
Press AltGr + ₹ key
In some newer keyboards, you’ll find the rupee sign above the number 4 key. If that’s available:
Press: AltGr + 4
If you’re using an older keyboard or layout, try:
Alt code method:
Hold Alt and type 8377 using the numeric keypad (on supported software)
Typing the Rupee Symbol on Mac
On macOS, there isn’t a native shortcut for the rupee symbol unless you use Unicode.
Method 1 – Unicode Input:
Switch to Unicode Hex Input in system preferences
Hold Option + 20B9
Method 2 – Copy and Paste:
Simply copy the symbol ₹ from any online source or this article and paste it where needed
Using the Rupee Symbol in Linux
On Linux-based systems, like Ubuntu:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + u, then type 20B9, and press Enter
This inserts the rupee symbol using its Unicode code.
Rupee Symbol in Keyboard Layouts: Indian vs International
Most Indian keyboards now include the rupee symbol, typically on the number 4 key. This is not present on older or international keyboards, so alternate input methods or copy-paste functions may be needed.
Indian Keyboard Layout
If you are using a physical Indian keyboard, you can use the symbol directly with AltGr + 4 or Ctrl + Alt + 4.
International Keyboards
Users with US or UK layouts may not have dedicated rupee keys. In such cases, use Alt code (Alt + 8377) or Unicode input methods.
Using the Rupee Symbol in Mobile Devices
Android Keyboards
Most Indian Android keyboards (such as Gboard or Indic Keyboard) allow rupee input.
- Long press the “₹” symbol on the keyboard
- Or, long press the number 4 key and select ₹
iOS Keyboards
On iPhones and iPads:
- Long press the dollar ($) symbol
- A currency menu will appear. Select the ₹ symbol from the list
This works on both standard and third-party Indian language keyboards.
Typing the Rupee Symbol in Microsoft Office and Google Docs
In Microsoft Word
Method 1: If you’re using an updated keyboard
- Ctrl + Alt + 4 should work (for Indian layout)
Method 2: Use the Unicode
- Type 20B9, then press Alt + X
This will convert the code into ₹
In Google Docs
Google Docs supports rupee symbol as part of Unicode:
- Simply type ₹ if your keyboard supports it
- Or copy-paste from a trusted source
Also, use Insert > Special Characters > Currency > ₹
Adding the Rupee Symbol in Web Development and HTML
When coding, you can add the rupee sign in websites or apps using HTML entity codes:
- ₹ or ₹
This ensures cross-browser and platform compatibility.
Example:
<p>Price: ₹999</p>
This renders as:
Price: ₹999
Font and Compatibility Issues
Older software or non-Unicode fonts may not render the rupee symbol correctly. If you encounter issues, try the following:
- Switch to Unicode-compatible fonts like Noto Sans, Arial Unicode, or Segoe UI
- Update your operating system or browser
- Avoid using outdated font families in word processors or email templates
Tips for Smooth Usage Across Platforms
- Always test symbols in multiple browsers and devices
- Save frequently used currency symbols in a clipboard manager for easy pasting
- Bookmark an online rupee symbol generator for quick access
- Use shortcut customizers or macro apps to assign the rupee symbol to a preferred key
FAQs About the Rupee Symbol in Keyboard
What is the shortcut key for the rupee symbol in keyboard?
In Indian keyboards, press AltGr + 4 or Ctrl + Alt + 4. On standard Windows keyboards, use Alt + 8377.
How can I type ₹ on Mac?
Enable Unicode Hex Input and press Option + 20B9 to type ₹.
Does the rupee symbol appear on every keyboard?
No. Only newer Indian keyboards include the rupee symbol key. Others need alternate methods like Unicode or copy-paste.
Can I use the rupee symbol in HTML?
Yes. Use the code ₹ or ₹ in HTML to display ₹ on websites.
Why is the rupee symbol not showing properly?
You might be using a non-Unicode font. Try changing to Arial Unicode or Segoe UI to display the symbol correctly.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to type the rupee symbol on a keyboard is essential for anyone dealing with Indian currency in digital environments. From professionals creating reports to students submitting assignments, the ₹ symbol adds clarity and authenticity. Thanks to multiple platform support, inserting it is now easier than ever. Familiarize yourself with your system’s input method, and you’ll never have to copy and paste again.