The fastest way depends on your operating system

The degree symbol (°) is not a key on your keyboard, so you type it using a combination of keys or a menu option. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together and press 8. On Linux, hold Ctrl and Shift, then press U, then type 00B0 and press Space or Enter. Each method works reliably once you know which one your system uses.

If you use these symbols often — for temperature, angles, or coordinates — it is worth memorizing the shortcut for your device. If you use them rarely, you can also copy and paste the symbol from a reference page or use your operating system's character map or emoji picker.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row) to produce the degree symbol.
  • Mac users press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol without using the numeric keypad.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl + Shift, type U, then 00B0, then press Space to insert the degree symbol.
  • If you cannot remember the shortcut, you can copy the symbol (°) from any web page and paste it into your document.
  • Some applications like Microsoft Word and Google Docs also let you insert the symbol through the Insert menu without memorizing a keyboard shortcut.

Windows: Using the Alt code method

On Windows, the degree symbol uses what is called an Alt code. Make sure your Num Lock key is on (you will see a light on your keyboard or an indicator on screen). Then hold down the Alt key on the left side of your keyboard and type 0176 using only the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard — the number row at the top will not work.

Release the Alt key, and the degree symbol will appear. This method works in most Windows applications including Notepad, Word, email clients, and web browsers. If it does not work, check that Num Lock is on and that you are using the numeric keypad, not the number row.

If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad (common on laptops), you may need to enable a function key to set up the numeric keypad area. Look for a key labeled Fn and a number pad symbol, usually on the right side of your keyboard. Hold Fn and press that key, then try the Alt + 0176 method again.

Mac: Using the Option key shortcut

On Mac, press and hold Shift and Option (also called Alt) at the same time, then press the 8 key. Release all three keys, and the degree symbol will appear. This works in most Mac applications including Pages, Mail, web browsers, and text editors.

If you are using a Mac keyboard, the Option key is usually to the left of the Command key at the bottom of the keyboard. Make sure you are holding Shift as well — Shift + Option + 8 is the correct combination. Option + 8 alone will produce a different character.

Linux: Using the Unicode input method

On Linux, hold Ctrl and Shift together, then type the letter U (uppercase). Release those keys, then type 00B0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol). Press Space or Enter, and the symbol will appear. This method works in most Linux applications and web browsers.

Some Linux distributions or desktop environments may use a different input method. If Ctrl + Shift + U does not work, check your system settings under Input Methods or Keyboard Shortcuts. You can also search your system documentation for "Unicode input" to confirm the correct method for your setup.

Using copy and paste if you forget the shortcut

If you cannot remember the keyboard shortcut for your device, the simplest backup is to copy the degree symbol from somewhere else and paste it into your document. You can copy this symbol: °. Paste it into your document using Ctrl + V on Windows or Linux, or Command + V on Mac.

You can also search online for "degree symbol" and copy it from any search result or reference page. Once you have pasted it once, many applications will remember it in your clipboard, so you can paste it again without searching. This method is slower than using a keyboard shortcut, but it works when you are unsure of the correct key combination.

Using the Insert menu in Word, Google Docs, and similar programs

Microsoft Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice, and similar applications have a menu option to insert special characters without using a keyboard shortcut. In Word, click Insert, then Symbol, then select the degree symbol from the list and click Insert. In Google Docs, click Insert, then Special Characters, then search for "degree" and click the symbol to insert it.

This method is the slowest of the options, but it requires no memorization and works the same way on any device. It is useful if you type the degree symbol only occasionally or if you are working on an unfamiliar computer. Once you have inserted it this way a few times, you may find it faster to memorize the keyboard shortcut for your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most laptops do not have a dedicated numeric keypad. You need to enable the numeric keypad function, usually by holding Fn and pressing a key marked with a keypad symbol. After that, Alt + 0176 should work. If your laptop still does not have a numeric keypad area, use the copy-and-paste method or the Insert menu instead.

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

Yes. On iPhone, hold the 0 (zero) key and a menu will appear with the degree symbol as an option. On Android, the method varies by keyboard app, but most show the degree symbol if you hold the 0 key or search for it in the symbol menu. Check your keyboard app's settings or help section for the exact steps.

Is there a way to make the degree symbol easier to type if I use it all the time?

Yes. You can create a keyboard shortcut or text replacement in your operating system. On Mac, go to System Settings, Keyboard, Text Replacements, and add a shortcut like "deg" that expands to °. On Windows, you can use AutoCorrect in Word or a third-party tool like AutoHotkey. This way, typing a short code will automatically insert the degree symbol.

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

The degree symbol (°) is a distinct character designed for temperature 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.