The fastest way depends on what you are typing into

A degree symbol (°) is not on your keyboard as a single key, so you have to build it. The method that works fastest depends on whether you are in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, your web browser, or somewhere else entirely. Windows, Mac, and Linux each have their own shortcuts, and some programs have their own as well.

The good news: once you know which method works for your setup, it takes one or two seconds. You do not need to install anything or hunt through menus.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt — this works almost everywhere.
  • On Mac, hold Shift and Option together and press 8 — no numeric keypad required.
  • In Microsoft Word on any computer, type the degree symbol by typing 00B0 and then pressing Alt and X at the same time.
  • In Google Docs, use Insert > Special Characters, search for "degree", and click the symbol to insert it.
  • If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, use the on-screen character map (Windows) or Character Viewer (Mac) instead of Alt codes.

Windows: Alt code method (works almost everywhere)

On Windows, the Alt code for the degree symbol is Alt + 0176. This works in Word, email, web forms, and most other programs. You must use the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard, not the number row across the top.

Hold down the Alt key, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the small cluster of numbers on the right), then release Alt. The degree symbol appears when ready. If nothing happens, make sure Num Lock is on — there is usually a light on your keyboard that shows this.

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad (common on laptops), use the Windows Character Map instead. Press the Windows key, type "charmap", and open Character Map. Search for "degree", click the symbol, click Copy, then paste it where you need it.

Mac: Shift + Option + 8

On Mac, the keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol is Shift + Option + 8. Hold all three keys at the same time and press 8. The degree symbol appears right away.

This works in Mail, Word, Google Docs, web browsers, and almost any other program on your Mac. Unlike the Windows Alt code, you do not need a numeric keypad — the regular number row works fine.

If the shortcut does not work, check that you are using Option (also labeled Alt on some Mac keyboards) and not Command. Command + Shift + 8 does something different.

Microsoft Word on Windows or Mac

If you are in Microsoft Word, you can use a method that works on both Windows and Mac. Type 00B0 (that is zero, zero, capital B, zero), then press Alt + X at the same time. Word converts the code to a degree symbol.

This method is slower than the keyboard shortcuts above, but it is useful if you forget the shortcut or if you are switching between Windows and Mac. It only works in Word, not in other programs.

Google Docs and other web-based programs

In Google Docs, the easiest method is to use the Insert menu. Click Insert, then Special Characters. A search box opens. Type "degree" and the degree symbol appears in the results. Click it to insert it into your document.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut, but it is reliable and works the same way on Windows, Mac, and Linux. If you use Google Docs often, you can also set up a custom keyboard shortcut in the Tools menu under Preferences.

In other web-based programs (Gmail, web forms, etc.), the Insert menu method usually does not work. Use the Alt code (Windows) or Shift + Option + 8 (Mac) instead.

Linux: Ctrl + Shift + U, then 00B0

On Linux, the method depends on your desktop environment, but the most common way is the Unicode input method. Press Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00B0, then press Space or Enter. The degree symbol appears.

This works in most Linux programs, including web browsers and text editors. If it does not work, your system may have Unicode input disabled. Check your input settings or use the Character Map process instead (usually found under Accessories).

When keyboard shortcuts do not work: Character Map and Character Viewer

If you are on a laptop without a numeric keypad, or if the keyboard shortcut does not work in a particular program, use the built-in character tool instead.

On Windows: Press the Windows key, type "charmap", and open Character Map. In the search box, type "degree". Click the degree symbol in the results, then click Copy. Go back to your document and paste it (Ctrl + V).

On Mac: Press Command + Space to open Spotlight, type "character viewer", and open it. Search for "degree" in the search box. Double-click the degree symbol to insert it into your document, or click it once and then click Insert.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Laptops often do not have a separate numeric keypad. Try using Num Lock + the number keys on the right side of your keyboard, or use the Windows Character Map instead. Character Map works on any Windows computer without needing a numeric keypad.

Can I save the degree symbol as a keyboard shortcut in Word?

Yes. In Word, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. Click the AutoCorrect tab, type a shortcut (like "deg") in the Replace field, type the degree symbol in the With field, then click Add. From then on, typing "deg" and pressing Space will insert the degree symbol.

Does the degree symbol work in email?

Yes, in most email programs. Use the Alt code (Windows) or Shift + Option + 8 (Mac) in Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, and most other email clients. If it does not work, use the Character Map or Character Viewer to copy and paste it instead.

What if I need to type many degree symbols in one document?

Set up an AutoCorrect shortcut in Word, or use Find and Replace in Google Docs. In Google Docs, click Edit > Find and Replace, type your shortcut in the Find field, paste the degree symbol in the Replace field, then click Replace All. This is much faster than typing the symbol each time.

Is there a way to add the degree symbol to my keyboard layout?

Yes, but it requires changing your keyboard layout settings in your operating system. This is more complex than using a shortcut or Character Map, and most people find it easier to just use the methods above. If you type the degree symbol very often, ask your IT department or a tech-savvy friend to help you set up a custom layout.