The fastest way depends on your operating system

The degree symbol (°) is not a key on your keyboard, so you cannot type it the way you type a letter. Instead, you use a keyboard shortcut or a menu. Which shortcut works depends on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux, and what program you are typing in.

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of your keyboard). Release Alt and the ° appears. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together, then press 8. On Linux, hold Ctrl and Shift, then press U, type 00B0, and press Space.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt to insert the degree symbol.
  • Mac users hold Shift and Option at the same time, then press 8 to type the degree symbol.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl and Shift, type U, then 00B0, then press Space.
  • If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, you may need to use Fn key combinations or copy-paste the symbol instead.
  • Some programs like Microsoft Word and Google Docs offer menu options to insert special characters without memorizing shortcuts.

Windows: Using the numeric keypad

The numeric keypad is the block of number keys on the far right of most full-size keyboards. If you have a laptop or compact keyboard without a numeric keypad, this method will not work — skip to the section below on alternative methods.

To type the degree symbol on Windows, press and hold the Alt key. While holding Alt, type 0, then 1, then 7, then 6 on the numeric keypad. The order matters. Release the Alt key, and the ° symbol appears where your cursor was. This works in most Windows programs, including Notepad, Word, email clients, and web browsers.

If nothing appears, check that you used the numeric keypad on the right, not the number row at the top of the keyboard. The number row will not work for this shortcut. Also make sure Num Lock is on — look for the Num Lock light on your keyboard, usually near the numeric keypad.

Mac: Using Shift and Option

On Mac, the shortcut is simpler because you do not need a numeric keypad. Hold down Shift and Option (also called Alt) at the same time, then press 8. Release all three keys, and the ° appears.

This works in most Mac programs, including Mail, Pages, Google Docs, and web browsers. If you forget which number to press, you can also go to the menu bar, select Edit, then Special Characters (or Emoji & Symbols on newer Macs), search for "degree", and click the symbol to insert it.

Linux: Using Ctrl, Shift, and Unicode

Linux uses a Unicode input method. Hold Ctrl and Shift together, then type U. You will see a small u with an underline appear on screen. Type 00B0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol), then press Space or Return. The symbol appears and replaces the underlined u.

This method works in most Linux text editors and web browsers. If it does not work, your system may have Unicode input disabled. Check your input method settings in your system preferences.

Laptops and compact keyboards without a numeric keypad

If your keyboard is missing the numeric keypad, the Windows Alt+0176 method will not work. Instead, try one of these alternatives.

Some laptops have a Fn key that unlocks a hidden numeric keypad. Look for small numbers printed on the letters J, K, L, U, I, O, P, and M — these are usually printed in a different color. If you see them, hold Fn and Alt together, then type the numbers on those keys as if they were the numeric keypad. This varies by laptop brand, so check your keyboard manual if you are not sure.

If your laptop has no numeric keypad and no Fn unlock, use the copy-paste method instead: find a degree symbol online, copy it, and paste it where you need it. You can also use the Character Map program on Windows (search for "Character Map" in the Start menu), find the degree symbol, and copy it from there.

Using menus in Word, Google Docs, and other programs

If you do not want to memorize keyboard shortcuts, most office and writing programs have a menu for inserting special characters.

In Microsoft Word, go to the Insert menu, click Symbol, then click More Symbols. Search for "degree" or scroll to find it, then click Insert. In Google Docs, go to Insert, then Special characters, search for "degree", and click it to insert. In Apple Pages, go to Edit, then Special Characters, search for "degree", and double-click it.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut, but it works on any device and you do not need to remember numbers or key combinations.

Copy and paste as a backup

If you use the degree symbol often and your keyboard shortcuts are not working, the simplest solution is to copy it once and paste it whenever you need it. Copy the symbol below, then paste it into a document you use often (like a Notes file or a text file on your desktop). When you need the degree symbol, open that document, copy it, and paste it where you need it.

Degree symbol to copy: °

This method works on any device, any operating system, and any program. It is slower than a keyboard shortcut, but it requires no memorization and never fails.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You may have used the number row at the top of the keyboard instead of the numeric keypad on the right. The number row will not work. Also check that Num Lock is on — the Num Lock key is usually near the numeric keypad and has a light that shows when it is active. If you still have trouble, your keyboard may not have a numeric keypad, in which case use the copy-paste method instead.

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

Yes, but the method depends on your device. On iPhone, hold down the zero key (0) and a menu of symbols appears — tap the degree symbol. On Android, open your keyboard settings and look for a symbols or special characters menu. On both, you can also copy the symbol from a website and paste it. The keyboard shortcut methods above work only on computers.

What if I need to type a degree symbol in a web form and the shortcut does not work?

Try the copy-paste method: copy the symbol (°) from this page and paste it into the form. If the form rejects the symbol, it may not support special characters. Contact the website owner or try typing "degrees" as text instead, for example "98 degrees" instead of "98°".

Is there a keyboard shortcut that works on all computers?

No. Windows, Mac, and Linux all use different shortcuts because they handle keyboard input differently. The copy-paste method is the only one that works everywhere, but it is slower. If you switch between devices often, copy-paste is your most reliable option.