The fastest way depends on your operating system

The degree symbol (°) is not a key on your keyboard, but every operating system has a built-in way to type it. 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, type u, then type 00b0 and press Space or Enter.

These methods work in almost any program — email, documents, spreadsheets, web forms. The numeric keypad method on Windows is the most reliable if your keyboard has one, because it does not depend on your keyboard layout or language settings.

If you type the degree symbol often, you can set up a faster shortcut. Windows lets you create text shortcuts in Settings. Mac users can add it to their text replacements. Both methods let you type something short (like "deg") and have it automatically become °.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows: Hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt to produce the degree symbol.
  • Mac: Hold Shift and Option together, then press 8 to type the degree symbol.
  • Linux: Hold Ctrl and Shift, type u, then type 00b0 and press Space to produce the degree symbol.
  • If you type the degree symbol regularly, create a text shortcut in your operating system settings so you can type it with fewer keystrokes.
  • The degree symbol works in any program — email, documents, web forms, and spreadsheets — without special software.

Windows: Using the numeric keypad

The numeric keypad method is the most straightforward on Windows. Make sure Num Lock is on (you will see a light on your keyboard or a Num Lock indicator on screen). Hold down the Alt key, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top), then release Alt. The degree symbol appears where your cursor was.

This method works on desktop keyboards and most full-size laptop keyboards with a numeric keypad. If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad — common on laptops and compact keyboards — use the character map instead. Press Windows key + R, type charmap, and press Enter. Search for "degree" in the character map window, select it, click Copy, then paste it where you need it.

Windows: Creating a keyboard shortcut

If you type the degree symbol often, set up a text shortcut so you do not have to remember Alt codes. Open Settings, go to System, then Typing. Scroll down to Text suggestions and turn on Replace text shortcuts. Click Add a new shortcut, type something short like "deg" in the Shortcut field, type ° in the Text field, and click Save.

Now whenever you type "deg" followed by a space or punctuation, Windows replaces it with °. You can create as many shortcuts as you want. This method works in most programs, including email, browsers, and documents.

Mac: Using the keyboard shortcut

On Mac, the degree symbol shortcut is Shift + Option + 8. Hold Shift and Option at the same time, then press 8. The degree symbol appears when ready. This works on any Mac keyboard, including laptop keyboards, because it does not rely on a numeric keypad.

If the shortcut does not work, check your keyboard layout. Go to System Settings, Keyboard, Input Sources, and confirm you are using a U.S. or similar English layout. Some international layouts use different shortcuts for the degree symbol.

Mac: Setting up text replacement

Create a text replacement so you can type the degree symbol faster. Open System Settings, go to Keyboard, then Text Replacement. Click the plus button, type "deg" in the Replace field, type ° in the With field, and click Done.

Now when you type "deg" in any Mac process, it automatically becomes °. You can set up multiple replacements for different symbols you use often. This works in Mail, Pages, Numbers, web browsers, and most other applications.

Linux: Using the compose key or Unicode input

On Linux, the method depends on your desktop environment and keyboard settings. The most common way is Unicode input: hold Ctrl and Shift, type u, then type 00b0, then press Space or Enter. The degree symbol appears.

Some Linux systems use a Compose key instead. If your system has one configured, press Compose, then o, then o (the letter o twice). Check your desktop environment's keyboard settings to see which method is available and how to enable it if it is not already on.

Typing the degree symbol in specific programs

Most programs accept the degree symbol using the methods above. In Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, you can also use the CHAR function: type =CHAR(176) in a cell and press Enter to produce °. This is useful if you need to insert many degree symbols in a spreadsheet.

In Microsoft Word, you can use Insert > Special Character, search for "degree", and click Insert. In Google Docs, go to Insert > Special characters, search for "degree", and click it to insert. These menu methods are slower than keyboard shortcuts but work if you forget the shortcut.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your laptop likely does not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Try using Num Lock with the number keys on the right side of your keyboard, or use the Character Map process instead. Open it by pressing Windows key + R, typing charmap, and searching for "degree".

Can I type the degree symbol on a keyboard without a numeric keypad?

Yes. On Windows, use the Character Map process. On Mac, use Shift + Option + 8. On Linux, use Ctrl + Shift + u, then 00b0. All of these work on any keyboard layout.

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

Try copying and pasting the symbol instead. Open a text editor, type the degree symbol using your operating system's method, copy it, then paste it into the web form. If that does not work, the form may have a character restriction — contact the website owner to report the issue.

Is there a way to type the degree symbol without memorizing a code?

Yes. Create a text shortcut in your operating system settings so you can type something short like "deg" and have it automatically become °. Windows, Mac, and Linux all support this. It is the fastest method if you type the symbol regularly.

Does the degree symbol work in all programs?

The degree symbol works in nearly all programs — email, documents, spreadsheets, web browsers, and chat applications. If a program does not accept it, the program itself has a character restriction, not your keyboard or operating system.