The fastest way depends on what you are typing into

A degree symbol (°) is not on your keyboard's main keys, but you can type it in seconds once you know which method works for what you are doing. The fastest route is usually your operating system's built-in character menu — Windows, Mac, and Linux all have one. If you type the symbol often, a keyboard shortcut is faster than hunting through menus each time.

The method that works also depends on whether you are typing into a word processor like Microsoft Word, a web form, a text message, or a spreadsheet. Some shortcuts work everywhere; others only in specific programs. Testing takes 30 seconds, and once you find what works for your setup, you will not have to think about it again.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt — this works in almost every program.
  • On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol when ready.
  • In Microsoft Word on any system, type the degree symbol by typing \00B0 and then pressing Alt + X.
  • If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, use your operating system's character map or emoji menu instead of memorizing a code.
  • Copy and paste the symbol (°) from this page or another source if you only need it once or twice.

Windows: Alt code method (works almost everywhere)

On Windows, the most reliable method is the Alt code. Hold down the Alt key on your keyboard, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of most keyboards), then release Alt. The degree symbol appears when ready. This works in Word, email, web browsers, text editors, and most other programs.

The numeric keypad is essential — typing 0176 on the number row at the top of the keyboard will not work. If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad (common on laptops), use the Num Lock key to set up the numeric keypad overlay, usually marked on the right side of the letter keys. Once Num Lock is on, those keys act as a number pad.

If your laptop has no numeric keypad at all, skip this method and use the Character Map instead (see the section below on character maps).

Mac: Shift + Option + 8

On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 at the same time. The degree symbol appears when ready. This shortcut works in almost every Mac program — Word, email, web browsers, text editors, and more. It is faster than any other method on Mac once you memorize it.

If the shortcut does not work in a specific program, that program may have its own text input system that overrides Mac shortcuts. In that case, use the Character Viewer instead (see below).

Microsoft Word on any system: the \00B0 method

In Microsoft Word (Windows or Mac), type \00B0 (backslash, two zeros, the letter B, zero), then when ready press Alt + X. Word converts the code to a degree symbol. This method is reliable and works even if your operating system shortcut does not.

This shortcut does not work in other programs — it is specific to Word. If you use Word often and the operating system shortcut is not working for you, this is the fastest alternative.

Character Map and Character Viewer (no memorization needed)

If you do not want to memorize a code or shortcut, your operating system has a built-in character menu. On Windows, search for "Character Map" in the Start menu, find the degree symbol in the grid, click it, then click Copy. Switch to your document and paste it. On Mac, press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer, search for "degree", click the symbol, then click Insert.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works on any keyboard, including laptops with no numeric keypad. If you only type the symbol once or twice, this is often faster than learning a shortcut.

Copy and paste from this page

The simplest option if you only need the symbol once: copy this degree symbol (°), switch to your document, and paste it. This works everywhere — email, web forms, text messages, spreadsheets, everything. It takes five seconds and requires no memorization.

If you type the degree symbol regularly (more than once a week), learning the keyboard shortcut for your system is worth the 30 seconds it takes to test it. After that, you will be faster than copying and pasting every time.

Why the symbol does not appear on your keyboard

The degree symbol is not common enough to earn its own key on a standard keyboard. Keyboards are designed for the letters and numbers most people type every day. Special characters like °, ©, and € are accessed through codes, shortcuts, or menus instead. This is true across Windows, Mac, and Linux — no standard keyboard has a dedicated degree key.

Some keyboards marketed for specific languages or regions do include the degree symbol as a dedicated key, but these are uncommon and usually more expensive. For most people, learning one shortcut is faster and cheaper than buying a new keyboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Alt code method work on a laptop?

Only if your laptop has a numeric keypad or Num Lock overlay. If it does not, use the Character Map instead. You can tell if your laptop has Num Lock by looking for a key labeled "Num Lock" or a number pad overlay printed on the right side of the letter keys.

Will the degree symbol look the same in every program?

Yes. The degree symbol is a standard character, so it looks nearly identical across Word, email, web browsers, and text editors. The font may change slightly (it might be slightly larger or smaller depending on the font you are using), but the symbol itself is the same.

Can I create a custom keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol?

Yes, in most programs. In Microsoft Word, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options, then the AutoCorrect tab. Type a shortcut (like "deg") in the "Replace" field and paste the degree symbol in the "With" field. Now typing "deg" followed by a space converts to °.

What if I need to type a degree symbol in a web form and the shortcut does not work?

Copy the symbol (°) from this page and paste it into the form. If the form rejects special characters, contact the website owner — they may need to update their form to accept the symbol.

Is there a keyboard shortcut for Chromebook?

Chromebooks do not have a standard Alt code. Use the Character Map by pressing Ctrl + ; (semicolon), search for "degree", and click Insert. Or copy the symbol (°) from this page and paste it.