If you are using a MacBook and need to type the British pound sign (£) you might wonder why it is not immediately visible on your keyboard. This can be confusing especially if you have recently switched from a Windows laptop or if your MacBook keyboard is set to a different region. Fortunately once you understand how the MacBook keyboard layout works typing the pound sign becomes quick and simple.
This article explains how to find and type the pound sign on a MacBook using various methods. It also covers how to check your keyboard layout settings and what to do if the pound symbol does not appear as expected.
Typing the Pound Sign Using the Keyboard
On a UK keyboard layout the pound sign is located above the number 3. To type it simply hold down the Option (Alt) key and press 3. The pound sign (£) should appear wherever your cursor is placed whether that is in a document an email or a web browser.
This shortcut works on all versions of macOS and is the most efficient way to type the symbol.
Verifying Your Keyboard Layout
If pressing Option + 3 does not produce the pound sign you may be using the US keyboard layout. To check your current keyboard setting go to System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources. Here you will see which keyboard layout is active.
If it is set to U.S. you can add the British layout by clicking the + button then selecting British or British PC from the list. Once added you can remove the U.S. layout or switch between them using the menu bar at the top of the screen.
With the British layout enabled the Option + 3 shortcut will now produce the correct pound symbol.
Using the Character Viewer
Another method for inserting the pound sign is through the Character Viewer. Click Edit in the menu bar of most Mac apps then choose Emoji & Symbols or press Control + Command + Space. A pop-up window will appear with a selection of special characters.
Search for “pound” and click on the £ symbol to insert it into your document. While this method is slower than the keyboard shortcut it is useful if you forget the key combination or are using an unfamiliar keyboard.
Typing the Pound Sign on External Keyboards
If you use an external keyboard with your MacBook the method for typing the pound sign may vary depending on the keyboard’s layout. UK keyboards will still use Option + 3 but U.S. keyboards might not have the pound symbol marked.
Make sure your MacBook is set to the correct input source for the keyboard you are using. You can also use the Keyboard Viewer to see which characters appear with different key combinations. To enable this go to System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources and tick Show input menu in menu bar. From there choose Show Keyboard Viewer to display an on-screen version of your keyboard layout.
Using AutoCorrect or Text Replacement
If you regularly need to type the pound sign but struggle to remember the shortcut you can set up a text replacement. Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacements and add a shortcut like “pnds” to automatically replace it with £.
This feature is useful for anyone who frequently types currency figures and wants a more convenient typing experience.
Final Thoughts
Typing the pound sign on a MacBook is easy once you know the correct key combination. For most UK keyboards it is simply Option + 3. If that does not work adjusting your input settings or using the Character Viewer will help. Whether you are writing invoices pricing products or budgeting expenses being able to type £ quickly is an essential skill for UK users.