The fastest way: Alt code on Windows

On Windows, 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 when ready. This works in Word, email, web forms, and almost anywhere else you type.

The numeric keypad is essential — the number row at the top of your keyboard will not work. If your laptop does not have a dedicated numeric keypad, look for a Num Lock key (usually near the top right). Press it to set up the number pad, which is often built into the letter keys. On some laptops you hold Fn + Alt + the number instead.

Once you know the code, this method is faster than any menu. You do not have to stop typing or hunt through ribbons. Your hands stay on the keyboard.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type Alt + 0176 on the numeric keypad to insert a degree symbol when ready.
  • Mac users should press Option + Shift + 8 to type the degree symbol without opening any menus.
  • Word's Insert menu offers a Symbol dialog where you can search for the degree symbol by name and insert it, though this is slower than keyboard shortcuts.
  • If you type degree symbols often, you can create a Word AutoCorrect entry so that typing a short code (like "deg") automatically becomes the symbol.

Mac keyboard shortcut

On Mac, press Option + Shift + 8 and the degree symbol appears. This is the Mac equivalent of the Windows Alt code — it works everywhere on your computer, not just in Word.

If you forget the combination, you can also open Word, go to the Insert menu, select Special Characters, search for "degree", and double-click the symbol to insert it. But the keyboard shortcut is worth memorizing because you will use it faster than any other method.

Using Word's Symbol dialog

If you do not remember the keyboard shortcut or your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad, Word's built-in Symbol tool works on any computer. Click the Insert tab at the top of the ribbon, then click Symbol (on the far right). A dropdown menu appears.

Click More Symbols at the bottom of that dropdown. A dialog box opens. In the search field at the bottom, type "degree" and Word highlights the symbol. Click it once to select it, then click Insert. The symbol appears in your document at the cursor position.

This method takes longer than a keyboard shortcut, but it requires no memorization. It also shows you the symbol before you insert it, so you know you have the right one.

Setting up AutoCorrect for repeated use

If you type degree symbols often — for temperatures, angles, or coordinates — you can set Word to replace a short code with the symbol automatically. This is called AutoCorrect.

First, insert a degree symbol using any method above. Then go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. In the dialog that opens, type a short code in the Replace field (for example, "deg" or "°°"). Leave the cursor in the With field, then paste or type the degree symbol. Click Add, then OK.

Now whenever you type your code followed by a space or punctuation, Word replaces it with the degree symbol. You can set up multiple codes this way — one for each context where you use the symbol.

Copying and pasting from another source

If you have a degree symbol somewhere else — in an email, a web page, or another document — you can copy it and paste it into Word. Highlight the symbol, press Ctrl + C (or Cmd + C on Mac), click in your Word document where you want it, and press Ctrl + V (or Cmd + V).

This is useful if you are stuck without a keyboard shortcut or Symbol menu access, but it is slower than the methods above because it requires you to find a source first. It is most practical when you are already looking at a document that contains the symbol.

Why the degree symbol matters for readability

A real degree symbol (°) looks different from a small circle or the letter O. Readers expect to see the proper symbol when you write temperatures like 72° or angles like 45°. Using the correct symbol makes your document look professional and is easier to read at a glance.

Some people type a lowercase o or a superscript zero instead, but these are not the same character and will not print or display correctly in all contexts. The degree symbol is a single, standard character that works everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if Alt + 0176 does not work on my Windows laptop?

Your laptop may not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Look for a Num Lock key and press it to set up the number pad, which is usually built into the letter keys (often marked with small numbers). Then try Alt + 0176 again. If that still does not work, use the Symbol dialog in Word instead.

Can I use the degree symbol in other programs besides Word?

Yes. The Alt code (Windows) and Option + Shift + 8 (Mac) work in email, web browsers, Google Docs, Excel, PowerPoint, and most other programs. The Symbol dialog is specific to Word, but the keyboard shortcuts are universal.

Is there a way to type the degree symbol on a phone or tablet?

On most phones, hold down the zero key (0) and a menu of symbols appears, including the degree symbol. On tablets, the method varies by device and app. In Word Online or Word for iPad, you can use the Insert menu to find the Symbol option, though it is slower than on a desktop.

Why does my degree symbol look different in different programs?

The symbol itself is the same, but different fonts display it slightly differently — some place it higher, some lower, some make it larger or smaller. This is normal and does not mean you inserted the wrong character. The underlying code is identical.