Writing & StyleStyle guide

Currency Symbol Placement

Currency symbols and codes do not have one universal placement rule across all currencies and locales. Microsoft house style puts a currency code before a specific amount with no space, and permits a familiar symbol when the currency is clear.

Quick answer

Follow the relevant locale or house style. In Microsoft style, a currency code precedes the amount with no space (for example, USD1.42 billion), while a familiar symbol may be used when the currency is clear.

Key details

Core Issueplacement of currency symbols or ISO-style codes around monetary amounts
Microsoft Stylecurrency code before amount with no space; familiar symbol acceptable when currency is clear
Scopelocale and house-style dependent

Important caveats

Style Boundary

Do not assume every currency or locale places its sign the same way; apply the convention required for the audience.

Further guidance

Code Vs Symbol

A currency code can remove ambiguity when the symbol alone could refer to more than one currency.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. Currency — Microsoft Style Guide (opens in a new tab)Microsoft · Microsoft house style for currency names, codes, symbols, and amounts

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