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 Word, email, web forms, and most other programs.

The numeric keypad is essential — the numbers across the top of your keyboard will not work. If your laptop does not have a dedicated numeric keypad, you may need to enable Num Lock and use the embedded number keys, usually marked with small numbers alongside letters like U, I, O, P, J, K, L.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type Alt + 0176 on the numeric keypad to insert a degree symbol when ready in any program.
  • Mac users should press Shift + Option + 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 if you forget the keyboard shortcut.
  • If you type temperatures or measurements often, you can create a Word AutoCorrect entry so a short code like "deg" expands to °.

Mac keyboard shortcut

On a Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 (the number 8, not the asterisk). The degree symbol appears when ready. This shortcut works in Word, Mail, web browsers, and most other Mac programs.

If the shortcut does not work, check that you are using the correct keys. The Option key is next to the Command key. Make sure Caps Lock is off — Shift + Option + 8 is the correct combination, and holding Caps Lock changes the behavior of the Shift key on some Mac keyboards.

Using Word's Insert menu

Open the Insert tab at the top of Word. Click Symbol, then choose More Symbols. A dialog box opens. In the search field at the bottom, type "degree" and Word highlights the degree symbol. Click it and then click Insert. Close the dialog.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but useful if you forget the Alt or Mac code. The dialog also shows you the keyboard shortcut for future reference, so you can learn it by using this route a few times.

Creating an AutoCorrect shortcut in Word

If you type the degree symbol regularly — for temperatures, angles, or coordinates — you can set up Word to expand a short code into the symbol automatically. Type the degree symbol once using any method above. Select it, then go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options.

In the Replace field, type a code like "deg" or "°°" (something you will not type by accident). In the With field, paste the degree symbol. Click Add, then OK. Now whenever you type "deg" followed by a space or punctuation, Word replaces it with °.

Copying and pasting from another source

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

This is not faster than a keyboard shortcut, but it works if you are stuck and cannot remember the code. Once you paste it, you might as well set up the AutoCorrect entry above so you do not have to search for it again.

Why the degree symbol matters for your keyboard choice

If you work with temperatures, scientific measurements, or geographic coordinates, the degree symbol is something you will type often. A full-size keyboard with a dedicated numeric keypad makes the Alt code faster and more reliable than on a laptop keyboard where you have to enable Num Lock and use embedded numbers.

If you use a Mac, the keyboard shortcut is equally fast on any Mac keyboard, so keyboard size matters less. On Windows, consider whether you type the degree symbol enough to justify keeping a numeric keypad within reach — either a full external keyboard or a separate numeric pad attached to a laptop.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your laptop keyboard probably does not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Look for Num Lock (usually a key with a light indicator). Press it to enable the numeric keypad, then try Alt + 0176 using the embedded numbers. If that still does not work, use the Insert > Symbol menu instead.

Can I type the degree symbol on a phone or tablet?

On most phones, hold down the 0 key in the number row and a menu appears with the degree symbol as an option. On tablets with Word installed, the process varies by device — the Insert > Symbol menu works on most, though it is slower than on a desktop.

Is there a difference between the degree symbol and the superscript o?

Yes. The degree symbol (°) is a single character designed for temperatures and angles. A superscript o is the letter o made smaller and raised. They look similar but are not the same. Use the degree symbol for measurements — it is the correct character and takes less space.

What if I need to type degrees, minutes, and seconds for coordinates?

The degree symbol is Alt + 0176 on Windows or Shift + Option + 8 on Mac. Minutes use the single quote (') and seconds use the double quote ("). Together they look like 40° 26' 46" for a full coordinate. You can also set up AutoCorrect entries for each if you type coordinates often.