The quickest way to type a degree symbol

The degree symbol (°) is not a key on your keyboard, but you can make it in seconds using a keyboard shortcut. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together and press the number 8. On Linux, hold Ctrl and Shift, press U, type 00b0, then press Space.

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad — common on laptops — the Windows Alt code will not work. Use the copy-paste method instead: find a degree symbol online, copy it, and paste it where you need it. This works on any device and takes the same amount of time once you know where to find one.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users with a numeric keypad can type the degree symbol by holding Alt and pressing 0176.
  • Mac users hold Shift and Option together, then press 8 to create the degree symbol.
  • Laptops without a numeric keypad require either the copy-paste method or a character map tool.
  • The degree symbol appears in most word processors under Insert > Special Characters or Symbol menus.
  • Mobile devices and tablets have degree symbols in their emoji or symbol keyboards.

Windows: Using the Alt code on a desktop keyboard

The numeric keypad is the small set of number keys on the right side of a full-size keyboard. To type the degree symbol, make sure Num Lock is on (a light on your keyboard will show this), then hold down the Alt key on the left side of your keyboard. While holding Alt, type 0176 using only the numeric keypad keys — not the numbers across the top of the keyboard. Release Alt, and the degree symbol will appear.

This method works in almost any program: email, word processors, web browsers, spreadsheets. The numeric keypad is essential, though. If you are on a laptop or a keyboard without a numeric keypad, this shortcut will not work, and you should use the copy-paste method instead.

Mac: Using the Option key shortcut

On a Mac keyboard, hold Shift and Option at the same time, then press the number 8. Release all keys, and the degree symbol appears. This works on any Mac keyboard, including laptop keyboards, because it does not rely on a numeric keypad.

If the symbol does not appear, check that you are pressing the right keys. The Option key is usually next to the Command key. On some older Macs, it may be labeled Alt instead. The number 8 is the regular number key at the top of the keyboard, not a keypad number.

Linux: Using the Ctrl+Shift+U method

On Linux systems, hold Ctrl and Shift together, then press U. Type 00b0 (that is zero, zero, b, zero), then press Space. The degree symbol will appear. This method works in most Linux applications, though some older programs may not support it.

If this does not work, your Linux system may use a different input method. Check your system settings under Input Methods or Language Support to confirm Unicode input is enabled.

Finding the degree symbol in your program's menu

Most word processors and text editors have a built-in way to insert special characters without memorizing shortcuts. In Microsoft Word, click the Insert tab, then select Symbol on the right side of the ribbon. A menu opens showing common symbols. If you do not see the degree symbol, click More Symbols to open a larger window. Type degree in the search box or scroll down until you find it, then click Insert.

In Google Docs, click Insert in the menu, then Special characters. Type degree in the search box at the top. The degree symbol appears in the results. Click it to insert it into your document. This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works the same way on any device, including phones and tablets.

Copy and paste: The method that works everywhere

If keyboard shortcuts are not working or you cannot remember them, copy and paste is the most reliable method. Open a web browser and search for "degree symbol". The symbol ° will appear in the search results. Click on it or select it with your mouse, then press Ctrl+C (Windows or Linux) or Command+C (Mac) to copy it. Go to the document or email where you need it and press Ctrl+V or Command+V to paste.

You can also save a degree symbol in a text file on your computer so you always have one to copy from. Create a new document, paste the symbol into it, save it with a name like "symbols.txt", and keep it open in a separate window. Whenever you need a degree symbol, copy it from that file instead of searching online each time.

Mobile devices: Typing the degree symbol on phones and tablets

On an iPhone or iPad, open the keyboard and look for the 123 button to switch to the number and symbol keyboard. Tap and hold the 0 (zero) key. A small menu appears showing the degree symbol and other variations. Slide your finger to the degree symbol and release. On Android phones, the process varies by keyboard app, but most show a ?123 button to access symbols. Tap it, then look for the degree symbol or tap and hold the 0 key.

If you cannot find it this way, use the copy-paste method on your phone. Open a web browser, search for "degree symbol", copy the result, and paste it into your message or document. This works on any phone or tablet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Alt code not work on my laptop?

Laptops usually do not have a numeric keypad, which the Alt code requires. Use the copy-paste method instead, or check if your laptop has a Num Lock key that activates a hidden numeric keypad on the regular number keys. If it does, enable Num Lock and try the Alt code again.

Can I create a keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol?

Yes, in most word processors. In Microsoft Word, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. Under the Replace tab, type a shortcut in the "Replace" field (like "deg") and paste the degree symbol in the "With" field. Click Add, then OK. Now typing "deg" will automatically replace it with °.

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

Copy the symbol once and paste it as many times as you need. Alternatively, set up an AutoCorrect shortcut (see above) so you can type a quick code instead of using the keyboard shortcut or copy-paste each time. This saves time if you use the symbol regularly.

Is the degree symbol the same in all programs?

Yes, the degree symbol is the same character everywhere. It looks identical whether you type it in email, a spreadsheet, a web form, or a text message. The keyboard shortcut may vary slightly depending on your operating system, but the symbol itself never changes.

Can I use voice typing to say "degree symbol"?

Most voice typing systems do not recognize "degree symbol" as a command. You will need to use a keyboard shortcut, the menu method, or copy-paste instead. Some advanced voice assistants may support it, but it is not standard across devices.