How to Insert Rupee Symbol in Excel (6 Ways)

Whether you prefer using shortcuts, the Symbol Menu, or formula functions, there are multiple ways to add the Rupee symbol in Excel.

Shivangi Vatsal

0 min read

How to Insert Rupee Symbol in Excel (6 Ways)

0 min read

Table of content:

1. Using the Symbol Menu
2. Using a Keyboard Shortcut (Windows)
3. Copy-Paste Method
4. Using the UNICHAR Function
5. Changing the Currency Format
6. Using Excel Add-Ins
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions

The Rupee symbol (₹) in Excel isn’t just for finance — it’s a versatile tool for anyone who works with prices, budgets, reports or simply wants to make their data relatable to an Indian audience. Introduced in 2010, the Rupee symbol represents India’s currency and helps convey clarity and professionalism across a wide range of documents, from business proposals to academic research.

Formatting currency correctly ensures that your data looks professional and is easily understood. This guide will walk you through simple steps from keyboard shortcuts to currency formatting options — so you can manage your financial documents with ease and precision.

1. Using the Symbol Menu

One of the easiest ways to insert the Rupee symbol in Excel is through the Symbol Menu:

Select the cell where you want to insert the symbol.
Go to the Insert tab in Excel, then click Symbol.
In the Symbol dialog box, choose a font like Arial that supports the Rupee symbol.
Scroll through the list or search for the Rupee symbol (₹), then click Insert.

This method works well if you want to manually add the symbol in a few places.

2. Using a Keyboard Shortcut (Windows)

You can also insert the Rupee symbol using a keyboard shortcut:

Ensure that Num Lock is enabled on your keyboard.
Press and hold the Alt key, then type 8377 on the numeric keypad, and release the Alt key. The ₹ symbol will appear in the selected cell.

This is one of the quickest ways if you are comfortable with shortcuts

3. Copy-Paste Method

A simple alternative is to copy the Rupee symbol from another document or webpage and paste it directly into Excel:

Copy the Rupee symbol (₹) from any source (for example, Google or a document).
Select the desired cell in Excel and paste it using Ctrl + V.

This method is handy if you are unsure of the keyboard shortcut or Symbol Menu

4. Using the UNICHAR Function

For users working with newer versions of Excel (2013 or later), the UNICHAR function can generate the Rupee symbol:

In any cell, type =UNICHAR(8377), and Excel will display the Rupee symbol.

This is especially useful if you need to insert the symbol dynamically across multiple cells

5. Changing the Currency Format

If you want the Rupee symbol to automatically appear in all currency-related data:

Select the cells with the numbers you want to format.
Go to the Home tab, and click the dropdown in the Number group.
Choose Currency and then select English (India) as the symbol format.

This way, the ₹ symbol will appear next to all currency values in your selected range

6. Using Excel Add-Ins

If you frequently need to insert the Rupee symbol, consider using Excel add-ins that streamline the process:

Some tools, like the Excel-BI add-in, provide one-click insertion for the Rupee symbol. This is a good option if you work with large datasets and need efficiency

Conclusion

Whether you prefer using shortcuts, the Symbol Menu, or formula functions, there are multiple ways to add the Rupee symbol in Excel. Each method suits different user preferences, from manual insertions to formatting entire data ranges. By incorporating the Rupee symbol, you enhance the clarity and professionalism of your financial reports.

Choose the method that works best for you, and start showcasing your financial data like a pro!

Happy spreadsheeting!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I insert the Indian Rupee symbol in an Excel spreadsheet?

To insert the Rupee symbol (₹) in an Excel spreadsheet, you can use the Symbol Menu, a keyboard shortcut, the UNICHAR function, or simply copy-paste it from an external source. Each method offers a quick way to incorporate the Rupee symbol depending on your preference.

2. Can I add different currency symbols to Excel?

Yes, Excel allows you to add various currency symbols such as the Dollar ($), Euro (€), and Rupee (₹) using the Symbol Menu or specific currency formatting settings. You can choose a font that supports the desired symbol or use a keyboard shortcut for faster insertion.

3. How do I set a default currency symbol in Excel?

To set a default currency symbol, you can adjust the regional settings in Excel. By selecting a specific country (like India for ₹), the software will apply the corresponding currency representation by default in financial spreadsheets.

4. Is there a keyboard shortcut for inserting the Rupee symbol?

Yes, there is a shortcut: Press Alt + 8377 on the numeric keypad. This quick method can help you enter the Rupee symbol efficiently without manually searching for it in Excel.

5. What are specific currency formatting settings in Excel?

Specific currency formatting settings allow you to display numbers with the appropriate currency symbols. For example, if you want a standardised currency format with the Rupee symbol, you can choose Currency from the Number group in Excel and select English (India) from the Symbol dropdown.

6. Can I format descriptions with examples of different currency symbols?

Yes, Excel lets you format descriptions with various currency symbols. For instance, you can format a cell to display a value as ₹500 or $500 depending on the selected currency formatting settings. This provides clarity in financial spreadsheets by accurately reflecting currency representation.

7. How do I incorporate currency symbols into large datasets in Excel?

You can easily incorporate currency symbols into large datasets by formatting entire ranges of cells. Select the range, apply the Currency format, and choose the relevant symbol, like ₹ for Rupees, for consistent representation across the dataset.

8. Can Excel handle functioning currency symbols in formulas?

Yes, Excel can handle functioning currency symbols in formulas. When applying financial formulas such as SUM or AVERAGE, Excel will retain the selected currency symbols for the cells involved, ensuring correct calculations and currency representation.

9. How do I apply a standardised currency format across multiple cells?

To apply a standardised currency format across multiple cells, select the cells and use the Format Cells dialog. Under the Currency option, choose your desired symbol, ensuring consistent currency representation throughout the spreadsheet.

10. Can I use UNICHAR to insert other currency symbols in Excel?

Yes, the UNICHAR function can be used to insert various currency symbols. For example, typing =UNICHAR(8377) will generate the Rupee symbol in the selected cell. You can adapt this for other currency symbols by entering their Unicode value.

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Edited by

Shivangi Vatsal

Sr. Associate Content Strategist @Unstop

I am a storyteller by nature. At Unstop, I tell stories ripe with promise and inspiration, and in life, I voice out the stories of our four-legged furry friends. Providing a prospect of a good life filled with equal opportunities to students and our pawsome buddies helps me sleep better at night. And for those rainy evenings, I turn to my colors.