The usage of the cents symbol has started to decline and is becoming rarer. In fact, modern keyboards including mechanical , gaming et 40 keyboards no longer have this symbol. Though this is the case, there are still instances when you would need to use the mentioned symbol. Do not worry, we understand the dilemma which is why through this article, we shall provide you useful information about how to type the cent symbol on your computer.
How to Type the Cent Symbol in Microsoft Office and Mac
One of the most common way for you to be able to use the cent sign is through the Microsoft Office application. To do this, you would need to press a three button combination. In this case, you would have to press all at once, “Ctrl” and “i” key, then hit the “c” key. Once done, the cents symbol would appear.
For Mac users, all you have to do is to press the option key and then press 4 key. Once done, the cents symbol would appear as well.
How to Make the Cent Symbol in Any Application?
Windows and Macs tend to have applications which could be complicated to some. Do not worry as there are many different ways to make a cent symbol. In fact, there are many apps which could be used to aid you in creating the cent symbol.
The Alt code, known as a text code would definitely work on most Microsoft Windows programs. Just press the Alt key and then press series of number keys. In this case, you would just have to press Alt + 0162.
Other than what has been mentioned, there are other programs which use their own unique method. This means, in some computers, the Alt code would not work. In this case, you would have to use the numbers on your numeric keypad. Ensure that the num lock light is on. You could also enable the Scroll Lock as well.
If you are using a laptop, this could be more difficult and more complicated as most laptops do not have numerical keypad. If you are using a laptop, do not worry as there is a way. You could use the function key. Press and hold Alt key and enter 0162 on your function keys. If this method does not work, ensure that you press function first, then, press Alt followed by the numbers mentioned. If this does not help, you might have to use your onscreen keyboard. To do this, press function and F11.
If All Else Fails
If you have tried all the methods provided in this article and nothing works, you might want to do the easiest way which is to cheat the system by copying and pasting the symbol from the internet.
If you plan to go offline and you would need to access the cent symbol in the future, you would have to ensure that you open your Windows Character Map. To do this, click the start button. Click in the search box, character map and there you would have it.
History of the QWERTY Keyboard
Typewriters, back in the day have wide varieties in terms of layout. Some of them, in fact, are still being used in modern keyboards today. For example, there are many developers who innovates gaming keyboards. Though this is the case, the QWERTY layout has stayed and is being used worldwide. There are many reasons as to why this has happened and here are some theories.
QWERTY was designed to aid slow typists which makes sense if you are a touch typer. It is easier and more efficient to be used if you are a type of typist that uses the touch typing method. For example, you could hit the T and H with the opposite index which would lead to easy typing of the word “the”.
Another theory is that the QWERTY layout was designed for telegraph operators which is used for morse code wherein the Z and Se are represented by sequence.
No matter what the reason as to why QWERTY has become the most dominant keyboard type, what is important is that though the cents symbol is not included on the keyboard, there are ways to still create the mentioned symbol.
So, What Happened to the Cents Key?
Modern keyboards does not have the cent symbol. In fact, they have been phased out in the 1980s and it has disappeared in the late 90s. One theory as to why this symbol no longer appears on the keyboards today is due to inflation. There are few prices that would need to use the cents sign.
Moreover, as the computer became more common, the cents symbol has started to disappear as well. In fact, in spreadsheets, small amounts of money could now be written with a dollar sign. For example, you could type $0.99.
Conclusion
We hope that through this article, you were able to find useful information about cents symbol.
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