Definition
Currency symbol
A currency symbol is a mark written with an amount to show which kind of money it uses.
Continue from this idea into connected AXIO math.
What it means
Look at a price as two parts: the symbol names the money, and the digits name the amount. In £6.50, £ points to pounds and 6.50 is the amount. But $ is used for several currencies, including US, Australian, and Singapore dollars, so $6.50 is not always enough to tell which dollar is meant.
Remember it
The symbol is the money label attached to the number.
Example
A shop list says USD 12.50. USD tells you the currency is the US dollar; 12.50 tells you the amount. Writing only $12.50 could be unclear in an international list because several currencies use $.
Watch for
The percent sign % is not a currency symbol; it tells how many parts out of one hundred.
Common mix-up
A currency symbol does not always identify one country. Use a currency code, name, or clear locale when the symbol is shared.
Exact meaning
A currency symbol is a notation mark used with a numerical amount to indicate a currency, such as $, £, €, or ¥. A symbol may be shared by more than one currency, so a currency code or other locale context may be needed to identify the exact currency.