The quickest way to type a degree symbol

The degree symbol (°) appears on most keyboards only through a keyboard shortcut or special character menu — it is not a dedicated key. The fastest method depends on what device and program you are using.

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8. On a Chromebook or Linux machine, press Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00b0, then press Space or Enter. If you do not have a numeric keypad or prefer not to memorize codes, every operating system also lets you insert the symbol from a character menu without typing anything.

The symbol works the same way in every program — email, documents, spreadsheets, web forms. Once you pick a method, it works everywhere on that device.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users with a numeric keypad can type the degree symbol fastest by holding Alt and typing 0176.
  • Mac users press Shift + Option + 8 to produce the degree symbol in any program.
  • Chromebook and Linux users enter the Unicode code by pressing Ctrl + Shift + U, typing 00b0, then pressing Space.
  • Every operating system includes a character menu or symbol picker that lets you find and insert the degree symbol without memorizing a code.
  • The degree symbol works identically in email, documents, spreadsheets, and web forms once you insert it.

Windows: Using the numeric keypad shortcut

The numeric keypad method is the fastest on Windows if your keyboard has one. Position your cursor where you want the degree symbol to appear. Hold down the Alt key on the left side of your keyboard, then type 0176 using only the numbers on the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard. Release Alt, and the degree symbol appears.

The numeric keypad is the separate block of number keys on the right side of most desktop keyboards. Laptop keyboards often do not have a dedicated numeric keypad. If your laptop keyboard has numbers across the top row only, this method will not work — use the character menu instead.

If you type the degree symbol often, you can add it to your autocorrect settings so that typing a short code (like deg) automatically replaces itself with °. Open any program where you type regularly, such as Word or Google Docs. Go to Tools or Edit menu, find AutoCorrect or AutoCorrect Options, and create a new entry that replaces your chosen shorthand with the degree symbol pasted from the character menu.

Windows: Using the character menu when you have no numeric keypad

If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad, use the character menu built into Windows. Click in the document or text field where you want the symbol. On Windows 10 or 11, press Windows key + Period (the key with a dot on it). A panel opens showing emoji and special characters. Type degree in the search box at the top, and the degree symbol appears in the results. Click it to insert it.

On older versions of Windows, open the Start menu and search for Character Map. Click the program to open it. Scroll down or search for degree to find the symbol. Double-click it, then click the Copy button. Go back to your document and paste it where you need it.

Mac: The keyboard shortcut method

On Mac, the degree symbol shortcut is consistent across all programs. Position your cursor where you want the symbol. Press Shift + Option + 8 simultaneously. The degree symbol appears when ready. This works in email, documents, web forms, and any other text field.

If you find this shortcut hard to remember, you can create a text replacement in System Preferences so that typing a short phrase automatically becomes the degree symbol. Open System Preferences, go to Keyboard, then Text. Click the plus button to add a new entry. In the Replace field, type something straightforward to remember like deg. In the With field, paste the degree symbol (you can get it from the character menu first). Now whenever you type deg followed by a space, it becomes °.

Chromebook and Linux: The Unicode input method

Chromebooks and Linux machines use a Unicode input method. Click in the text field where you want the degree symbol. Press Ctrl + Shift + U together. A small u with an underline appears. Type 00b0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol). Press Space or Enter, and the degree symbol replaces the code.

This method works in most programs on Linux and Chromebooks, though some older applications may not support it. If the Unicode method does not work in a particular program, use the character menu instead. On Chromebook, press Ctrl + Shift + Space to open the emoji and symbol picker, then search for degree.

Using the character menu on any device

Every operating system includes a built-in character or symbol menu that does not require memorizing codes. This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works when you forget the code or your keyboard does not support it.

On Windows 10 and 11, press Windows key + Period. On Mac, press Control + Command + Space. On Chromebook, press Ctrl + Shift + Space. A panel opens. Type degree in the search box. Click the degree symbol in the results to insert it into your document.

You can also access character menus through the process menu in most programs. In Microsoft Word, go to Insert menu and look for Symbol or Special Characters. In Google Docs, go to Insert, then Special Characters. In most other text editors, check the Edit menu for a similar option.

Copying and pasting the symbol

If you need the degree symbol only once or twice, the simplest approach is to copy it from somewhere else and paste it where you need it. You can copy the symbol from this article: °. Highlight it, press Ctrl + C (or Command + C on Mac), go to your document, and press Ctrl + V (or Command + V on Mac) to paste it.

You can also type the degree symbol once using any method above, then copy it and save it in a text file on your computer for future use. This works well if you use the symbol occasionally but not often enough to memorize a shortcut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the degree symbol not appear when I type the Alt code?

The Alt code method only works on Windows with a numeric keypad, and you must use the numbers on the right side of the keyboard, not the row across the top. If your laptop has no numeric keypad, use the character menu instead. Also make sure Num Lock is on — the numeric keypad will not work without it.

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

On iPhone and iPad, hold down the zero key (0) on the keyboard, and a menu appears with the degree symbol as an option. Tap it to insert it. On Android phones, the method varies by keyboard app, but most include a symbols or special characters menu accessible by pressing the ?123 or similar button, then looking for the degree symbol or searching for it.

Does the degree symbol work in all programs and websites?

The degree symbol works in nearly all modern programs, email clients, and websites. Older or specialized software may occasionally have trouble displaying it, but this is rare. If a website or form rejects the symbol, try copying and pasting it instead of typing the keyboard shortcut.

What is the difference between the degree symbol and the superscript zero?

The degree symbol (°) is a distinct character designed for temperatures and angles. A superscript zero is the number 0 made smaller and raised above the line. They look similar but are different characters. Use the degree symbol for temperatures and angles, not a superscript zero.

Can I add the degree symbol to my keyboard layout?

Advanced users can remap keys or create custom keyboard layouts to assign the degree symbol to a dedicated key, but this requires system-level changes and is not practical for most people. The keyboard shortcuts and character menus described above are simpler and work on any device without customization.