@ At Sign
Also called: at symbol, commercial at, snail, monkey tail. The at sign means "at." It sits in the middle of every email address, and on social apps it points to a person.
How to type @
Hold Shift with your right pinky, then press the 2 key with your left ring finger.
Meaning and fun facts
In Italy it is called "chiocciola" (snail) and in the Netherlands "apestaartje" (little monkey tail). Ray Tomlinson put @ in the first email address in 1971.
Common uses
- Email: hello@typerockets.com
- Mentions: @mia
- Prices: 3 apples @ $1
Fun example: Email me at mom@example.com.
Typing tip
Every email address has exactly one @, as in name@example.com. It is Shift + 2. Kids should never share an email address online without a grown-up.
@ at a glance
| Keyboard (Windows, Mac, Chromebook) | Shift + 2 |
|---|---|
| Phone or tablet | On an iPhone, tap the 123 key and it is right there. On Android (Gboard), tap ?123. |
| Windows Alt code | Alt + 64 (hold Alt, type the number on the number pad) |
| Unicode | U+0040 |
| HTML code | @ |
Quick practice drill
Type the examples below. The keyboard shows which finger and Shift key to use.
Want more? Practice this reach in Lesson 25: Numbers 1 to 5, or warm up with typing practice and Falling Words.
Related symbols
See all symbols in Keyboard Characters and Meanings.
FAQ
What is the @ symbol called?
@ is called the at sign. It is also called at symbol, commercial at, snail, monkey tail.
How do you type at sign on a keyboard?
Hold Shift with your right pinky, then press the 2 key with your left ring finger.
What does @ mean?
The at sign means "at." It sits in the middle of every email address, and on social apps it points to a person.