The degree symbol (°) on Windows, Mac, and Linux

The degree symbol does not have its own key on most keyboards, so you make it using a key combination or a special character menu. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together and press 8. On Linux, hold Ctrl and Shift, press U, type 00b0, then press Space or Enter.

Each method works in almost any program — email, word processors, spreadsheets, web forms. The Windows method requires a numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard; laptops without one need to use the numeric keypad layer (usually Fn + number keys) or use the character map instead.

If you type the degree symbol often, you can set up a keyboard shortcut in your operating system or process so you do not have to remember the combination every time.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad to produce the degree symbol.
  • Mac users hold Shift and Option together and press 8 to type the degree symbol.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl and Shift, press U, type 00b0, then press Space to create the degree symbol.
  • Laptops without a numeric keypad can use the character map or operating system character picker instead of the Alt code method.
  • Most applications let you create a custom keyboard shortcut or autocorrect entry so you can type the symbol faster on repeated use.

Windows: Using the Alt Code

The Alt code method is the fastest way on Windows if your keyboard has a numeric keypad. Make sure Num Lock is on (a light on the keyboard usually shows this). Hold down the Alt key on the left or right side of the keyboard, type 0176 on the numeric keypad using the numbers on the right, then release Alt. The degree symbol appears where your cursor was.

If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad — common on laptops and compact keyboards — you can use Fn + Alt + the number keys that have numbers printed above the letters. Some laptops require you to hold Fn and Num Lock at the same time to set up the numeric layer. Check your keyboard manual or the function key labels to see which keys double as numbers.

If the Alt code does not work, your keyboard layout or language setting may be different. Open the Character Map process (search for "charmap" in the Start menu), find the degree symbol in the grid, select it, and click Copy. Then paste it where you need it.

Mac: Using Shift and Option

On Mac, hold Shift and Option (the key also labeled Alt) at the same time, then press 8. Release all keys. The degree symbol appears when ready. This works in any process — Mail, Pages, Google Docs, web browsers, or text editors.

If you forget the combination, you can also open the Character Viewer. Press Control and Command (⌘) and Space at the same time. Search for "degree" in the search box. Click the degree symbol in the results, then click Insert. The symbol pastes into your document.

Linux: Using Ctrl, Shift, and Unicode

On Linux, hold Ctrl and Shift together, press U, type 00b0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol), then press Space or Enter. The symbol appears in your document. This method works in most applications, including text editors, browsers, and office software.

If this does not work, your Linux distribution or desktop environment may have a different input method. Open the character map or input method settings for your system. Most distributions include a character picker that lets you search for and insert the degree symbol by name.

Using the Character Picker or Special Characters Menu

Every operating system includes a built-in character picker that does not require memorizing key combinations. On Windows, right-click in a text field and look for "Insert Special Character" or open Character Map from the Start menu. On Mac, press Control-Command-Space to open the Character Viewer, then search for "degree". On Linux, most text editors have an Insert menu with a Special Characters or Symbols option.

The character picker is slower than a keyboard shortcut if you type the symbol often, but it is reliable and works everywhere. You can also copy the degree symbol from this page and paste it into a document, then use Find and Replace to insert it wherever you need it in bulk.

Setting Up a Keyboard Shortcut or Autocorrect

If you type the degree symbol regularly, create a custom shortcut so you do not have to use Alt codes or key combinations. In Microsoft Word, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. Type a short code like "deg" in the Replace field, paste the degree symbol in the With field, and click Add. Now whenever you type "deg" followed by a space, Word replaces it with °.

On Mac, open System Preferences > Keyboard > Text. Click the plus button, type a short code in the Replace column, paste the degree symbol in the With column, and save. The shortcut works in most Mac applications. On Linux, the method depends on your desktop environment and text editor; check your process's preferences for an autocorrect or text substitution option.

You can also set up a system-wide shortcut using third-party tools like AutoHotkey on Windows or Karabiner on Mac, which let you assign a single key or straightforward combination to type the degree symbol in any process.

Using the Degree Symbol in Different Contexts

The degree symbol works the same way whether you are typing temperature (98.6°F), angles (45°), or geographic coordinates. Some applications auto-format it correctly; others may require you to type it manually. In spreadsheets like Excel or Google Sheets, the degree symbol behaves like any other character and does not affect calculations or formulas.

If you are copying the symbol from a web page or document and pasting it into your own work, make sure the font you are using supports it. Most modern fonts include the degree symbol, but very old or specialized fonts may not. If the symbol appears as a box or question mark, change the font and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Alt code not work on my Windows laptop?

Most laptops do not have a dedicated numeric keypad. You need to set up the numeric layer by holding Fn while typing the numbers, or use the Character Map process instead. Check your keyboard manual to see which keys double as numbers.

Can I use the degree symbol in email?

Yes. The degree symbol works in Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, and most other email clients. Type it using your operating system's method, and it will send and display correctly in the recipient's email.

What if I need to type many degree symbols in a document?

Set up an autocorrect entry or keyboard shortcut so you can type it faster. In Word, use AutoCorrect. On Mac, use System Preferences > Keyboard > Text. On Linux, check your text editor's preferences for text substitution options.

Does the degree symbol work in web forms and social media?

Yes, it works in most web forms, Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, and other platforms. Type it using your operating system's method, and it will appear and post normally.

Can I copy and paste the degree symbol instead of typing it?

Yes. Copy the ° symbol from this page or any other source, then paste it wherever you need it. This is slower than a keyboard shortcut if you use it often, but it works in any process.