The fastest way: Alt code on Windows

On a Windows computer, hold down the Alt key and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the numbers across the top of your keyboard). Release Alt and the degree symbol ° appears. This works in Word, Google Docs, email, and most other programs.

The numeric keypad is the cluster of number keys on the right side of a full-size keyboard. If you are using a laptop without a dedicated numeric keypad, you may need to enable Num Lock first — usually by holding Fn and pressing Num Lock or a key marked with a lock icon. After that, the Alt code works the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type Alt + 0176 on the numeric keypad to insert a degree symbol when ready.
  • Mac users should press Option + Shift + 8 to type the degree symbol without opening any menus.
  • If you use the degree symbol often, you can add it to Word's AutoCorrect so typing a shortcut like (deg) replaces it automatically.
  • Word's Insert menu offers a Symbol dialog as a backup method, though it is slower than keyboard shortcuts.

Mac keyboard shortcut

On a Mac, press Option + Shift + 8 to type the degree symbol. This is faster than any menu method and works in Word, email, web browsers, and most other applications.

If you forget the combination, you can also open Word, go to Insert in the menu bar, select Symbol, and search for "degree" — but the keyboard shortcut is worth memorizing if you type it more than once a month.

Using Word's Insert menu

Open Word and place your cursor where you want the degree symbol. Click the Insert tab at the top, then click Symbol (usually on the right side of the ribbon). A dropdown menu appears — click "More Symbols" at the bottom.

In the Symbol dialog box, type "degree" in the search field at the bottom. The degree symbol appears in the list. Click it and then click Insert. Close the dialog when you are done. This method works but takes longer than a keyboard shortcut, so use it only if you cannot remember the Alt or Option combination.

Setting up AutoCorrect for repeated use

If you type the degree symbol regularly, you can set Word to replace a shortcut with the symbol automatically. Open Word and go to File, then Options, then Proofing, then AutoCorrect Options.

In the AutoCorrect dialog, type a shortcut in the "Replace" field — for example, (deg) or degr. In the "With" field, type or paste the degree symbol °. Click Add, then OK. Now whenever you type your shortcut followed by a space or punctuation, Word replaces it with the degree symbol. This saves time if you use it dozens of times in a document.

Copying and pasting from another source

If you have a degree symbol somewhere else — in an email, a web page, or another document — you can copy it and paste it into Word. Highlight the symbol, press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac), click in your Word document, and press Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac).

This method is useful if you are stuck and cannot remember the keyboard shortcut, but it is slower than typing Alt + 0176 or Option + Shift + 8. Use it as a backup, not your main approach.

Why the degree symbol matters for your keyboard choice

If you work with temperatures, angles, coordinates, or scientific measurements regularly, the ease of typing a degree symbol should factor into your keyboard decision. A full-size keyboard with a dedicated numeric keypad makes the Alt code method reliable and fast. A laptop keyboard without a numeric keypad requires you to enable Num Lock or use the Mac shortcut instead, which adds a step.

If you type the degree symbol dozens of times per day, setting up AutoCorrect in Word means your keyboard type matters less — the shortcut works the same way regardless. But if you switch between programs or devices often, knowing the native keyboard shortcut (Alt + 0176 on Windows, Option + Shift + 8 on Mac) is the most portable skill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Alt code work on a laptop keyboard?

It depends on whether your laptop has a numeric keypad. If it does not, you need to enable Num Lock first, which usually means holding Fn and pressing a key marked Num Lock. After that, the Alt + 0176 method works. If your laptop has no numeric keypad at all, use the Mac shortcut (Option + Shift + 8) or the Insert menu instead.

Can I use the degree symbol in Google Docs or email?

Yes. The Alt code (Windows) and Option + Shift + 8 (Mac) work in Google Docs, Gmail, Outlook, and most web-based programs. The Insert menu method is specific to Microsoft Word, but the keyboard shortcuts are universal across almost all applications.

What if I need the degree symbol in a different program?

The keyboard shortcuts work in Word, Google Docs, email, web browsers, spreadsheets, and most text editors. If a program does not recognize Alt + 0176 or Option + Shift + 8, copy the symbol from Word or a web page and paste it into that program instead.

Is there a way to type the degree symbol without using Alt or Option keys?

Yes — set up AutoCorrect in Word so a straightforward shortcut like (deg) replaces itself with the symbol. You can also copy and paste the symbol from another source. But the keyboard shortcuts are faster if you only need it occasionally.