The At symbol (@) is one of the most widely recognized symbols in the digital world. Originally used in accounting and commerce to mean “ at the rate of,” it became globally popular with the rise of email and social media. Today, the @ symbol is used for email addresses, social media tagging, coding, and various keyboard shortcuts. Historically, the at sign was used in accounting to mean " at the rate of." Grocery stores, gas stations and other businesses use the at sign to represent cost per unit. Learn how to type @ ( at sign) on laptop and its origin and usage in email, social media, programming and mathematics. Find out how @ is read as " at the rate of" and what it means in different fields. Learn the history and usage of the at sign (@), also known as the at symbol or commercial at , in accounting, email, and online communication. Find out how the at sign originated as a shorthand for " at a rate of" and how it is used today.