The fastest way depends on your operating system

The degree symbol (°) is not a dedicated key on any standard keyboard, but every operating system has a quick way to type it. On Windows, hold Alt and press 0176 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together, then press 8. On Linux, hold Ctrl and Shift, then press U, then type 00B0 and press Enter or Space.

If you use these symbols regularly — for temperature, angles, or coordinates — the fastest method is usually to set up a keyboard shortcut in your process. Most word processors and text editors let you create custom shortcuts that work only in that program, so you can assign the degree symbol to something straightforward like Ctrl+D or Ctrl+Shift+O.

For one-off uses, copy-paste is often faster than memorizing a key combination. You can keep a degree symbol in a text file or notes app and paste it whenever you need it, which takes two seconds and requires no memory.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt to insert the degree symbol.
  • Mac users press Shift+Option+8 to type the degree symbol without using the numeric keypad.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl+Shift, type U00B0, then press Enter or Space to insert the symbol.
  • Setting a custom keyboard shortcut in your word processor or text editor is faster than remembering operating system codes if you type the symbol more than a few times per week.
  • Copy-paste from a saved text file works on any device and requires no keyboard combination at all.

Windows: Using the numeric keypad method

The Alt code for the degree symbol is 0176. Open any program where you want to type — a word document, email, spreadsheet, or web form. Make sure Num Lock is on (the light on your keyboard should be lit). Hold down the Alt key on the left side of your keyboard, then type 0176 on the numeric keypad on the right side. Release Alt, and the degree symbol appears.

This method works in almost every Windows program, including web browsers. The numeric keypad is essential — typing 0176 on the number row above the letters will not work. If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad (common on laptops), use the Fn key: hold Alt+Fn, then type the numbers on the keys marked with numbers.

If Alt codes feel slow, Windows also has a Character Map utility. Press Windows key + R, type charmap, and press Enter. Search for "degree" in the search box, select it, click Copy, then paste it wherever you need it. This is slower for single uses but useful if you want to find and copy other symbols at the same time.

Mac: Using the Option key shortcut

On Mac, the degree symbol is Shift+Option+8. Open any program and position your cursor where you want the symbol. Hold Shift and Option (also called Alt) at the same time, then press 8. Release all keys, and the degree symbol appears when ready.

This shortcut works in every Mac process — Mail, Pages, Google Docs, web browsers, and text editors. Unlike Windows, you do not need a numeric keypad, so it works the same way on MacBook laptops and desktop keyboards. If you forget the shortcut, you can also use the Character Viewer: press Control+Command+Space, search for "degree", and double-click to insert it.

Mac users who type the degree symbol often find it worth adding to their text replacements. Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text, click the plus button, type a short code like "deg" in the Replace field, paste the degree symbol in the With field, and click Add. From then on, typing "deg" followed by a space automatically replaces it with °.

Linux: Using the Unicode input method

On Linux, the degree symbol uses Unicode input. Hold Ctrl+Shift, then type U00B0 (the U tells the system you are entering a Unicode code). Release Ctrl+Shift and press Enter or Space, and the degree symbol appears. This method works in most Linux applications, though some older programs may not support it.

If Unicode input does not work in your process, check your input method settings. In GNOME (the default desktop on many Linux distributions), go to Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources and make sure "IBus" or another input method manager is enabled. In KDE Plasma, the setting is under System Settings > Input Devices > Keyboard.

For frequent use on Linux, the easiest approach is usually to create a custom keyboard shortcut through your desktop environment's settings, or to add the degree symbol to your compose key configuration if your system uses one. Different Linux distributions handle this differently, so check your desktop environment's documentation for the exact steps.

Setting up a custom keyboard shortcut in your word processor

If you type the degree symbol more than a few times a week, a custom shortcut in your word processor saves time. In Microsoft Word, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. Click the AutoCorrect tab, type a code like "deg" in the Replace field, paste the degree symbol in the With field, and click Add. From then on, typing "deg" followed by a space automatically inserts °.

In Google Docs, the process is similar but called "Replace". Go to Tools > Preferences, type your code in the Replace field, paste the degree symbol in the With field, and click OK. In LibreOffice Writer, go to Tools > AutoCorrect Options, click the Replace tab, and follow the same steps.

You can also set a true keyboard shortcut (like Ctrl+Shift+D) in some programs. In Word, go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, click Keyboard Shortcuts at the bottom, search for the degree symbol in the list, select it, click in the Press New Shortcut Key field, press your desired combination, and click Assign. Not all programs support this, so check your process's help menu if the option is not visible.

Copy-paste: The simplest method for occasional use

If you only need the degree symbol once or twice, copy-paste is faster than any keyboard combination. Copy this symbol: °. Open your document or email, position your cursor, and paste it with Ctrl+V (Windows) or Command+V (Mac). Done in two seconds, no codes to remember.

For regular use, keep a text file on your desktop or in your notes app with a degree symbol saved in it. When you need one, open the file, select and copy the symbol, then paste it into your document. This works on any device, in any program, and requires no special knowledge of keyboard codes or shortcuts.

You can also search for "degree symbol" in any search engine and copy it from the results page. This is slightly slower than having it saved locally, but it works if you are on an unfamiliar computer or device.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Laptops usually do not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Instead, hold Alt+Fn and type the numbers on the keys that have number symbols printed on them (usually the right side of the keyboard). If that does not work, use the Character Map utility instead: press Windows+R, type charmap, find the degree symbol, and copy it.

Can I type the degree symbol on a phone or tablet?

On iPhone, hold down the 0 (zero) key and select the degree symbol from the popup menu. On Android, the method varies by keyboard app — try holding the 0 key, or open your keyboard settings and look for a symbols or special characters menu. Copy-paste from a web search also works on any mobile device.

What if I need to type the degree symbol in a web form that does not accept special characters?

Some forms reject the degree symbol or convert it to a different character. Try typing "deg" or the word "degrees" instead, or contact the form's creator to ask if they support the symbol. If the form is for a government or official agency, check their documentation for the correct way to enter temperature or angle measurements.

Is there a way to type the degree symbol without using Alt codes or special key combinations?

Yes — copy-paste is the simplest method. You can also set up text replacement in your operating system (Mac) or word processor (Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice) so that typing a short code like "deg" automatically inserts the symbol. Both methods are faster than memorizing keyboard combinations if you use the symbol regularly.