Use the Indian rupee character
The Indian rupee symbol ₹ is Unicode U+20B9. It is distinct from the older rupee sign ₨, which is U+20A8. When a search returns several rupee-related characters, check the name and code point rather than choosing only by shape.
You can paste ₹ beside an amount in ordinary text. The character itself does not set a number's currency, convert between currencies, or apply decimal formatting. Those are separate functions of your spreadsheet, accounting software or document editor.
Insert it without guessing a keyboard combination
Keyboard shortcuts for currency signs can depend on the active language layout. A combination printed on one keyboard may type something else with a different layout. This library does not publish an unverified universal Windows Alt code for ₹.
For Word on Windows, use 20B9 then Alt + X, selecting the code first. The letters B and the hexadecimal value matter: this is not a decimal numeric-keypad sequence. For a Mac or Google Docs, use the source-backed picker instructions in the reference below, or simply copy the symbol above.
Choose text or currency formatting in Excel
The formula =UNICHAR(8377) returns the rupee symbol as text. It is useful when you explicitly need the character in a label. It does not format another cell as currency, and joining text to a numeric amount can change how that combined value behaves in calculations.
If your goal is to display numeric amounts with a currency sign while continuing to calculate with them, use your spreadsheet's number-formatting controls. Keep the numeric value and a copied text label separate when that makes your sheet easier to maintain.
What if the symbol is missing or looks different?
A square or missing-character box can indicate a font that lacks this symbol. Select a font with support for U+20B9. A working copy action cannot guarantee that every older app or font will render it.
On mobile, paste the copied character into a supported text field. For HTML, the numeric reference ₹ represents the same character. Keep ₹ and ₨ distinct when transferring text between systems.
Quick reference
| Character | ₹ |
|---|---|
| Unicode | U+20B9 |
| Decimal | 8377 |
| HTML entity | Use a numeric reference below |
| HTML decimal | ₹ |
| HTML hex | ₹ |
| UTF-8 bytes | E2 82 B9 |
Typing methods by platform
These instructions are checked against the linked documentation. They are not a claim of testing on every device or app version.
Windows
No verified shortcut is currently available for this platform. Copy the symbol above instead.
Mac
Character Viewer
Choose Edit → Emoji & Symbols, search for “indian rupee sign” or its code 20B9, then select the character to insert it.
Expand Character Viewer if needed. Available characters depend on font support.
Read the source ↗Word
Unicode conversion in Word for Windows
Type 20B9, select those hexadecimal digits, then press Alt + X to insert ₹.
Applies to Word for Windows. Use a font that contains the character. This is Unicode conversion, not a Windows Alt code.
Read the source ↗Excel
=UNICHAR(8377)
Enter =UNICHAR(8377) in a cell to return ₹.
Excel 2013 or later. The English function name is shown; localized Excel may use another name. Paste values if you need text without a formula.
Read the source ↗Google Docs
Insert → Special characters
On a computer, choose Insert → Special characters and search for U+20B9 or indian rupee sign. Select the matching symbol.
Google Docs and Slides on desktop. If the picker does not offer the symbol, copy it here and paste it into your document.
Read the source ↗Linux
Ctrl + Shift + U, 20B9, Enter
In a compatible GNOME/GTK text field, press Ctrl + Shift + U, release the keys, type 20B9, then press Enter.
Applies to GNOME/GTK Unicode entry, not every Linux application. Use copy and paste when the app intercepts this shortcut.
Read the source ↗