The fastest way: Alt code on Windows

On a Windows computer, hold down the Alt key and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of your keyboard). Release Alt and the degree symbol (°) appears. This works in Word, email, web forms, and almost any other program.

The numeric keypad is essential — typing 0176 on the regular number row at the top of the keyboard will not work. If your laptop does not have a dedicated numeric keypad, you may have a Fn key that activates a hidden one, usually marked with small numbers on the right side of the letter keys. Check your laptop manual or look for tiny numbers printed on keys like U, I, O, K, L, and P.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, Alt + 0176 on the numeric keypad produces a degree symbol when ready and works in any program.
  • On Mac, hold Option and press Shift + 8 to type the degree symbol without opening any menus.
  • Word's Insert menu offers a Symbol dialog where you can search for the degree symbol and insert it, though this is slower than keyboard shortcuts.
  • If you type temperatures or measurements often, you can create a Word AutoCorrect entry so a short code like "deg" automatically becomes °.

Mac keyboard shortcut

On a Mac, hold Option (also called Alt) and Shift together, then press 8. The degree symbol appears when ready. Like the Windows Alt code, this works everywhere on your Mac — Word, email, browsers, text editors.

If you forget the combination, you can also open the Character Viewer by pressing Control + Command + Space, then search for "degree" and double-click the symbol to insert it. This is slower than the keyboard shortcut but works if you only need it occasionally.

Using Word's Insert menu

Open the Insert tab at the top of Word, then click Symbol on the right side of the ribbon. A dropdown menu appears; click "More Symbols" at the bottom. The Symbol dialog opens with a search box at the bottom.

Type "degree" in the search box and the degree symbol appears in the list. Click it once to select it, then click Insert. The symbol is placed where your cursor was. Close the dialog when you are done. This method is reliable but slower than a keyboard shortcut, especially if you need the symbol multiple times in one document.

Setting up AutoCorrect for repeated use

If you type temperatures, angles, or other measurements with degree symbols regularly, you can set Word to replace a short code with the symbol automatically. Open File, then Options, then Proofing, then AutoCorrect Options.

In the Replace field, type a code like "deg" or "degree". In the With field, type or paste the degree symbol (you can copy one from anywhere, or use Alt + 0176 on Windows or Option + Shift + 8 on Mac). Click Add, then OK. Now whenever you type "deg" followed by a space or punctuation, Word replaces it with °.

Copying and pasting from elsewhere

If none of the above methods work on your device, you can copy the degree symbol from any source and paste it where you need it. Search online for "degree symbol" and copy the ° character from the results, then paste it into your Word document with Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac).

This is the slowest option and requires an internet connection, but it works on any device. Once you have pasted it once, you can copy it from your document and reuse it, so you do not need to search again.

Why the symbol matters for clarity

A real degree symbol (°) looks different from a superscript zero or the letter O, and using the correct symbol makes your document more professional and easier to read. Readers scanning a document with "98°F" understand the measurement when ready, while "98oF" or "98 degrees F" takes longer to parse and looks less polished.

If you are writing technical documents, scientific reports, or anything where precision matters, the degree symbol is worth the few seconds it takes to learn the keyboard shortcut. Once you memorize Alt + 0176 or Option + Shift + 8, you will use it without thinking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Alt code work on a laptop without a numeric keypad?

Not directly. You need to enable Num Lock on your laptop's hidden numeric keypad, usually by pressing Fn + Num Lock. Then use the keys marked with small numbers (often U, I, O, K, L, P) as your numeric keypad. Check your laptop manual for the exact keys, as this varies by brand.

Can I use the degree symbol in Google Docs or other online programs?

Yes. The Alt code (Windows) and Option + Shift + 8 (Mac) work in Google Docs, Gmail, web forms, and most online programs. The Insert menu method only works in Microsoft Word, not in other programs.

What if I need a degree symbol but I am on a phone or tablet?

On most phones, hold down the zero key (0) and a menu of symbols appears, including the degree symbol. On tablets, the method depends on whether you are using a physical keyboard or the on-screen keyboard — check your device manual for the specific steps.

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

Yes. The degree symbol (°) is a single character designed to sit next to numbers. A superscript zero is the number 0 made smaller and raised above the line. They look similar but are not the same, and using the real degree symbol is clearer and more professional.