The fastest way depends on what you are typing into

A degree symbol (°) is not on your keyboard as a dedicated key, so you make it by combining keys or using a menu. The method that works fastest for you depends on whether you are writing in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, an email, a web form, or somewhere else. Windows, Mac, and Linux each have their own shortcuts, and some programs offer a third option through the Insert menu.

If you type degree symbols often — for temperature, angles, or coordinates — learning the keyboard shortcut for your operating system saves time. If you type one occasionally, the menu method works fine and requires no memorization.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt to insert a degree symbol.
  • On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 to type a degree symbol in any program.
  • In Microsoft Word on any system, type the degree symbol through Insert > Special Character, then search for "degree".
  • Google Docs, Gmail, and most web forms also have Insert menus where you can find the degree symbol without memorizing a code.
  • If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, Windows offers an on-screen keyboard or character map as an alternative.

Windows: Using the Alt code

On Windows, the degree symbol uses an Alt code — a number combination that produces a special character. Hold down the Alt key, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of your keyboard), then release Alt. The degree symbol appears when ready.

This method works in almost every Windows program: Word, email, web browsers, text editors, and spreadsheets. The numeric keypad is essential — the numbers across the top of the keyboard do not work for Alt codes.

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad (common on laptops), open the on-screen keyboard by pressing Windows key + period, or search "Character Map" in the Start menu. In Character Map, type "degree" in the search box, double-click the degree symbol, and click Copy. Then paste it where you need it.

Mac: The keyboard shortcut

On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 to type a degree symbol. This works in any program — Word, Mail, Notes, web browsers, and text fields. There is no numeric keypad requirement and no menu to navigate.

If you forget the shortcut, you can also open the Character Viewer by pressing Control + Command + Space, search for "degree", and double-click the symbol to insert it. The Character Viewer stays open, so if you need multiple degree symbols, this method is faster than typing the shortcut repeatedly.

Microsoft Word on Windows or Mac

In Microsoft Word, you can bypass keyboard shortcuts and use the Insert menu instead. Click Insert at the top, then click Symbol (or Special Character on Mac). A window opens showing available symbols. Type "degree" in the search box, click the degree symbol in the results, then click Insert.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but requires no memorization. If you use Word often and type degree symbols regularly, learning the Alt code (Windows) or Shift + Option + 8 (Mac) will save you time.

Google Docs and Gmail

In Google Docs, click Insert at the top, then select Special characters. Type "degree" in the search box, and click the degree symbol to insert it. In Gmail, the process is identical: click Insert special characters (the icon looks like Ω), search for "degree", and click to insert.

Google Docs and Gmail also support the keyboard shortcuts from your operating system — Shift + Option + 8 on Mac, or Alt + 0176 on Windows — so if you are switching between programs, using the same shortcut everywhere is faster than learning the Insert menu for each one.

Web forms and other programs

In web forms, email clients, and programs without an Insert menu, use your operating system's keyboard shortcut: Alt + 0176 on Windows or Shift + Option + 8 on Mac. These shortcuts work in almost every text field on the internet.

If a keyboard shortcut does not work in a specific program, copy and paste the degree symbol from another source. Type it in Notepad or a browser search box using your shortcut, copy it, then paste it into the program that is giving you trouble.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your laptop keyboard likely has no numeric keypad. Use the on-screen keyboard (Windows key + period) or Character Map (search in Start menu) instead. In Character Map, type "degree", double-click the symbol, click Copy, then paste it where you need it.

Can I make a degree symbol on a phone or tablet?

On iPhone, hold down the 0 key until a menu appears with the degree symbol, then tap it. On Android, the method varies by keyboard app — long-press the 0 key or search for "degree" in the symbol menu. Most phones also let you copy and paste a degree symbol from a web search.

Is there a difference between a degree symbol and a superscript zero?

Yes. A degree symbol (°) is a distinct character. A superscript zero (⁰) is a zero raised above the line. They look similar but are not the same. Use the degree symbol for temperature and angles; use superscript for mathematical notation.

What if I need to type degree symbols constantly in my job?

Learn the keyboard shortcut for your system — Alt + 0176 on Windows or Shift + Option + 8 on Mac. It takes 30 seconds to memorize and saves time every day. If you work in a specialized field like engineering or meteorology, some programs let you create custom keyboard shortcuts or autocorrect entries that expand a short code into a degree symbol.

Does the degree symbol work the same way in all Microsoft Office programs?

Yes. The Alt code (Windows) and Shift + Option + 8 (Mac) work in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The Insert > Symbol menu also works in all three. Choose whichever method feels fastest to you.