The fastest way: Alt code on Windows

On a Windows computer, hold down the Alt key and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of your keyboard). Release Alt and the degree symbol (°) appears. This works in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and most other programs.

The numeric keypad is essential — typing 0176 on the regular number keys at the top of your keyboard will not work. If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad, or you are on a laptop without one, skip to the next section.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users with a numeric keypad can insert ° by holding Alt and typing 0176, then releasing Alt.
  • Mac users hold Option and press Shift + 8 to get the degree symbol.
  • Any computer can use Insert > Special Character (or Symbol) from the Word menu to find and insert the degree symbol by clicking.
  • You can type the degree symbol once, copy it, and paste it whenever you need it again in the same document.
  • If you use the degree symbol often, you can create a keyboard shortcut or AutoCorrect entry so typing a short code produces the symbol automatically.

Mac keyboard shortcut

On a Mac, hold Option and press Shift + 8 at the same time. The degree symbol appears when ready. This works in Word, Google Docs, and most other Mac programs.

If that combination does not work, your keyboard layout may be different. Try holding Option and pressing 0 (zero) instead. If neither works, move to the Insert menu method below — it works on every computer.

Using the Insert menu in Word

Open Word and place your cursor where you want the degree symbol. Click the Insert tab at the top of the ribbon. On Windows, click Symbol (or Special Character on some versions). On Mac, click Symbol. A menu or window opens showing available symbols.

Scroll down or search for "degree" in the search box. Click the degree symbol (°) and then click Insert. The symbol appears in your document. Close the Symbol window when you are done.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut, but it works on any computer and requires no memorization. It is also the most reliable way if you are unsure whether your keyboard has the right keys.

Copy and paste from anywhere

If you have already typed a degree symbol somewhere — in an email, a web page, a previous document — you can copy it and paste it into Word. Highlight the symbol, press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac) to copy, then click in Word and press Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac) to paste.

This is useful if you need the symbol only once or twice and do not want to remember a keyboard shortcut. You can also keep a blank Word document open with a degree symbol in it, copy from that document whenever you need one, and close it.

Set up AutoCorrect to type it faster

If you use the degree symbol regularly, you can tell Word to replace a short code with the symbol automatically. In Word, click File, then Options (Windows) or Preferences (Mac). Find AutoCorrect Options. Click the AutoCorrect tab.

In the "Replace" field, type a code you will remember — for example, :deg or degr. In the "With" field, type or paste the degree symbol (°). Click Add, then OK. Now whenever you type your code followed by a space, Word replaces it with the degree symbol.

This method takes a few minutes to set up once, but saves time if you insert the symbol dozens of times. You can create AutoCorrect entries for any symbol or phrase you use often.

Create a custom keyboard shortcut

Word also lets you assign a keyboard shortcut directly to the degree symbol. Open the Symbol menu (Insert > Symbol). Right-click the degree symbol and look for an option like "Shortcut Key" or "Customize Keyboard." Click it.

A dialog box appears. Press the key combination you want to use — for example, Ctrl + Alt + D. Click Assign, then Close. From now on, that key combination produces the degree symbol in Word.

Custom shortcuts are faster than AutoCorrect if you type the symbol many times in a row. They also work only in Word, so they will not interfere with shortcuts in other programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Alt + 0176 not work on my Windows laptop?

Laptops often do not have a separate numeric keypad. Try using Fn + Alt + 0176, or look for a Num Lock key that activates number keys on the right side of your keyboard. If neither works, use the Insert > Symbol menu instead.

Can I insert a degree symbol in Google Docs the same way?

The Alt code (Alt + 0176 on Windows, Option + Shift + 8 on Mac) works in Google Docs. You can also click Insert > Special Characters, search for "degree," and click the symbol to insert it.

What if I need a different symbol, like a copyright or trademark mark?

The Insert > Symbol menu shows hundreds of symbols. Search by name or scroll through categories. You can also create AutoCorrect entries or keyboard shortcuts for any symbol you use often, using the same steps as for the degree symbol.

Will my AutoCorrect shortcut work if I send the document to someone else?

No. AutoCorrect settings live on your computer only. When you send the document, the degree symbols are already in the text, so they appear correctly. But the other person will not have your :deg shortcut unless they set it up themselves.