The fastest way: Option + Shift + 8

On a Mac, hold Option (also called Alt), then Shift, then press 8. This produces the degree symbol: °. It works in any program — email, documents, spreadsheets, web forms — without any setup or special software.

This keyboard shortcut is the same across all Mac models and macOS versions. You do not need to change your keyboard layout or install anything. The symbol appears when ready where your cursor is positioned.

Key Takeaways

  • The degree symbol on a Mac is typed with Option + Shift + 8, and this works in every program without setup.
  • If you type the degree symbol often, you can create a text replacement in System Settings so typing a short code produces it automatically.
  • The Character Viewer app lets you search for and insert the degree symbol by name if you forget the keyboard shortcut.
  • Some programs like Microsoft Word have their own symbol menus where you can find and insert the degree symbol without memorizing a shortcut.

Setting up a text replacement for frequent use

If you type the degree symbol regularly — for temperature readings, angles, or coordinates — you can set up a text replacement so a short code produces it automatically. Open System Settings, go to Keyboard, then Text Replacement. Click the plus button to add a new replacement.

In the "Replace" field, type a short code like deg or :degree:. In the "With" field, paste the degree symbol (°). Now whenever you type that code followed by a space, your Mac replaces it with the symbol. The replacement works across all your programs.

Using the Character Viewer when you forget the shortcut

If you do not remember Option + Shift + 8, the Character Viewer app can find the symbol for you. Press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer. Type degree in the search box at the top.

The degree symbol appears in the results. Double-click it to insert it at your cursor position. You can also click the symbol once and then click the Insert button at the bottom right. The Character Viewer stays open so you can insert the symbol multiple times without reopening it.

Finding the symbol in Microsoft Word or Google Docs

Microsoft Word has a built-in symbol menu. Click Insert at the top, then Symbol, then More Symbols. Search for degree or scroll through the list. Click the degree symbol and then click Insert. Word remembers your recent symbols, so it may appear in the main Symbol menu next time.

Google Docs does not have a dedicated symbol menu, but you can use the keyboard shortcut Option + Shift + 8 the same way you would in any other program. If you use Google Docs on a Windows computer instead, the shortcut is different — you would use Alt + 0176 on the numeric keypad.

Copying and pasting from another source

If you have the degree symbol in another document or webpage, you can copy it and paste it wherever you need it. Select the symbol, press Command + C to copy, then click where you want it and press Command + V to paste. This works if you are working in a program where the keyboard shortcut does not work for some reason.

You can also keep the degree symbol in a text file or note for quick reference. Open Notes, type the symbol once using Option + Shift + 8, and save it. Whenever you need the symbol, open that note, copy it, and paste it into your work.

Why the shortcut is Option + Shift + 8

The degree symbol sits on the 8 key because of how Mac keyboards map special characters. On a standard Mac keyboard, holding Option changes what each key produces. Option + 8 alone produces the diaeresis (¨), and adding Shift changes it to the degree symbol (°). This layout is consistent across all Mac keyboards regardless of language or region.

If you use a keyboard from another country, the shortcut may be different because the physical key layout changes. A French AZERTY keyboard or German QWERTZ keyboard may require a different combination. Check your keyboard's documentation or use the Character Viewer to find the symbol if the standard shortcut does not work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the degree symbol shortcut work on an external keyboard connected to my Mac?

Yes. The Option + Shift + 8 shortcut works on any keyboard connected to a Mac, whether it is built into a MacBook or an external USB or wireless keyboard. The shortcut is tied to your Mac's operating system, not the physical keyboard hardware.

Can I use the degree symbol in file names?

Yes, you can type the degree symbol in file names on a Mac. Type it the same way — Option + Shift + 8 — when you are naming or renaming a file. The symbol appears in the file name and works across all programs that read the file.

What if I need a different temperature symbol, like Celsius or Fahrenheit?

The degree symbol (°) works for both Celsius and Fahrenheit — you type it after the number, like 72°F or 22°C. There is no separate symbol for each scale. If you need the actual letters C or F, just type them normally after the degree symbol.

Is there a way to make the degree symbol appear on my keyboard so I can see it?

No, the degree symbol does not appear printed on Mac keyboards because it is produced by a modifier key combination, not a single key. The keyboard layout is designed to keep the physical keys straightforward while letting modifier keys unlock hundreds of characters. The Character Viewer is the closest visual reference.