How to type the cent sign on Windows
To type the cent sign on Windows, hold down the Alt key and type 0162 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt: the ¢ character appears instantly. You can also use the three-digit code Alt + 155. In Microsoft Word, type 00A2 and press Alt + X.
Quick answer
Hold Alt and type 0162 (or 155) on the numeric keypad, then release Alt: ¢. In Word, type 00A2 then Alt + X.
Step by step
Enable Num Lock
Verify that Num Lock is active so the keypad inputs numbers rather than cursor controls.
Hold down Alt
Press and hold the left Alt key on your physical keyboard.
Enter 0162 on the keypad
Type 0, 1, 6, and 2 using the numeric keypad on the right. Do not use the top number row.
Release Alt
Let go of the Alt key. The cent sign (¢) will appear at the insertion cursor.
Alt + 0162 versus Alt + 155
Windows offers two working alt codes for the cent sign (¢). The four-digit code Alt + 0162 references the Western Windows-1252 character table, which assigns the cent mark to position 162. The three-digit code Alt + 155 dates back to the original IBM PC code page 437, which placed ¢ at position 155. Both codes produce the identical Unicode character U+00A2 across modern desktop programs. Browse our full alt code chart to see all numeric combinations for currency symbols.
Typing ¢ using the US International keyboard
Mechanical typewriters used to feature a dedicated cent key, but modern computer keyboards omitted it in favor of the dollar sign ($). If you frequently write financial texts or retail listings, you can enable the US International keyboard layout in Windows settings. Under this layout, pressing AltGr + Shift + C (or holding the right Alt key and pressing Shift + C) generates ¢ effortlessly on any physical keyboard without needing a numeric keypad.
Laptops without a number pad and Microsoft Word
Because laptops lack a dedicated keypad, typing alt codes with the top number row fails. In Microsoft Word and Outlook, you can type 00A2 and press Alt + X to swap the hex code for ¢. Word also includes a built-in shortcut: press Ctrl + / (forward slash), release both keys, and tap C. In any other app, press Win + . to open the Windows emoji and symbols panel, or copy the glyph from the Windows Character Map.
Financial conventions and cross-platform tips
In American pricing, fractional dollar amounts are typically written with a dollar sign and decimal points ($0.50), but the cent sign remains popular in retail advertising, vending, and everyday speech (50¢). When typing ¢, place the symbol immediately after the numeral with no separating space. If your alt code produces strange output, review our alt codes troubleshooting guide. If you also use macOS, see our guide on typing the cent sign on Mac. Find all HTML and Unicode details on our cent sign symbol page and browse the currency symbols collection.
Frequently asked questions
What is the alt code for the cent sign on Windows?
The alt code is Alt + 0162 on the numeric keypad. You can also use the older three-digit code Alt + 155.
How do I type the cent sign on a laptop without a keypad?
Press Win + . to open the emoji and symbols panel, or in Microsoft Word type 00A2 followed by Alt + X.
Is the cent sign placed before or after the number?
Unlike the dollar sign, the cent sign is placed after the number without a space, such as 75¢ or 25¢.