The degree symbol (°) on Windows, Mac, and Linux

The degree symbol does not have its own key on most keyboards, so you make it using a keyboard shortcut or a special character menu. The method depends on what operating system you use and what program you are typing in.

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of your keyboard), then release Alt. The symbol appears when ready. If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad — common on laptops — you may need to enable Num Lock first, usually by pressing Fn + Num Lock or a key marked with a lock icon.

On Mac, hold Shift and Option together, then press 8. Release all three keys and the degree symbol appears. This works in almost every program on macOS.

On Linux, the method varies by desktop environment. In most cases, hold Ctrl + Shift and type u, then type 00b0, then press Space or Enter. If that does not work, check your system settings under Input Methods or Keyboard to see what your distribution uses.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt to produce the degree symbol.
  • On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol in any program.
  • On Linux, the method depends on your desktop environment, but Ctrl + Shift + u, then 00b0, then Space works on most systems.
  • If your laptop has no numeric keypad, enable Num Lock first or use your operating system's character menu as a backup.
  • The degree symbol works the same way in email, word processors, spreadsheets, and web browsers once you learn your system's shortcut.

Using the character menu when you forget the shortcut

Every operating system includes a built-in character or symbol menu you can open without memorizing a code. This is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works when you cannot remember the combination.

On Windows 11, press Windows key + period (.) to open the emoji and symbol picker. Type "degree" in the search box and click the symbol. On Windows 10, the same key combination opens a similar menu, though the layout is slightly different.

On Mac, press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer. Search for "degree" and double-click the symbol to insert it into your document.

On Linux, right-click in most text fields and look for an "Insert Special Character" option, or open your system's character map process from the applications menu. Search for "degree" and double-click to insert it.

Copying and pasting the degree symbol

If you use the degree symbol often, the fastest method is to copy it once and paste it whenever you need it. You can copy the symbol from this page or from any document where it already appears.

Highlight the degree symbol with your mouse or trackpad, then press Ctrl + C on Windows or Linux, or Command + C on Mac. Move to where you want to use it and press Ctrl + V or Command + V to paste. Many people keep a text file with commonly used symbols open in a separate window for quick copying.

Some programs, like Microsoft Word and Google Docs, also let you create AutoCorrect shortcuts. You can tell the program to replace a short code — like typing "deg" — with the degree symbol automatically. Look in the Tools or Settings menu under AutoCorrect or AutoReplace to set this up.

Why the degree symbol matters for different types of work

The degree symbol is essential in certain fields. Scientists and engineers writing temperature data, angles, or coordinates need it constantly. If you work in these areas, learning the keyboard shortcut saves time compared to hunting through menus.

Writers and editors working on documents about weather, geography, or technical topics also use it regularly. Knowing the shortcut means you do not break your typing rhythm to hunt for a symbol.

If you only need the degree symbol occasionally, copying and pasting or using the character menu is fine. The choice depends on how often you type it and whether the interruption bothers you.

Degree symbol on mobile phones and tablets

On iPhone and iPad, hold down the zero (0) key on the keyboard. A small menu appears with the degree symbol as one of the options. Tap it to insert it.

On Android, the method depends on your keyboard app. On most phones, switch to the symbols keyboard (usually marked with ?123) and look for the degree symbol. If you do not see it, try holding down the zero key like on iPhone. Some Android keyboards require you to long-press the 0 key to see additional symbols.

On both platforms, you can also copy the symbol from a web search result and paste it into your document, which works the same way as on a computer.

Troubleshooting when the shortcut does not work

If Alt + 0176 does not work on Windows, check that you are using the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard, not the number row at the top. The top row numbers do not work for Alt codes. If your laptop has no separate numeric keypad, press Num Lock first — usually Fn + Num Lock — to set up the hidden numeric keypad, often built into the letter keys.

If Shift + Option + 8 does not work on Mac, make sure you are holding all three keys at the same time. Pressing them in sequence does not work. If it still fails, try using the Character Viewer instead, which is more reliable.

If the character menu method does not work, your keyboard layout may be set to a language other than English. Check your system settings under Language or Keyboard to confirm you are using the correct layout for your region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the degree symbol in email and online forms?

Yes. The degree symbol works in Gmail, Outlook, web forms, and social media the same way it works in word processors. Type it using your system's keyboard shortcut or character menu, and it will appear in your message or form field.

What if I need to type degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius?

Type the degree symbol, then when ready type the letter F or C with no space between them. For example: 72°F or 25°C. Some style guides prefer a space (72 °F), so check your organization's guidelines if you are writing for a specific publication or company.

Does the degree symbol work in spreadsheets like Excel or Google Sheets?

Yes. Use the same keyboard shortcut or character menu method in any cell. The symbol displays and prints normally. If you are doing calculations with temperature or angle data, the degree symbol is purely visual — it does not affect the numbers themselves.

Is there a way to type the degree symbol without using Alt codes on Windows?

Yes. Use the Character Viewer (Windows key + period), copy and paste from another document, or set up an AutoCorrect shortcut in your program. The Alt code is fastest once you memorize it, but these alternatives work if you prefer not to use number pad codes.

Why does my keyboard shortcut work in some programs but not others?

Some older or specialized programs do not recognize standard keyboard shortcuts. If a shortcut fails, switch to the character menu or copy-paste method instead. Web-based programs sometimes have their own limitations, so trying the character menu is usually the quickest fix.