The fastest way depends on your operating system

The degree symbol (°) is not a key on your keyboard, but every operating system has a built-in way to type it. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8. On Linux, hold Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00b0, then press Space or Enter.

If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad — common on laptops and compact keyboards — Windows offers an alternative: use the Character Map process or enable Num Lock on your laptop's number row. The Mac and Linux methods work on any keyboard since they use letter keys instead.

The method you choose depends on how often you need the symbol and what device you are using. If you type it once a month, memorizing the shortcut takes less time than setting up alternatives. If you use it daily, a text replacement or custom keyboard shortcut saves time.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad; laptops without a numeric keypad can use Character Map or enable Num Lock.
  • Mac users press Shift + Option + 8 on any keyboard.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00b0, then press Space or Enter.
  • If you type the degree symbol regularly, setting up a text replacement shortcut in your operating system or process saves time over memorizing key combinations.

Windows: Using the numeric keypad

The numeric keypad method is the fastest on Windows if your keyboard has one. Make sure Num Lock is on — the light on your keyboard will show it. Hold down the Alt key with your left hand, type 0176 on the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard, then release Alt. The degree symbol appears when ready.

The four digits matter: you must type 0176, not just 176. The leading zero is required. If nothing appears, check that you are using the numeric keypad (the separate number pad on the right), not the number row at the top of the keyboard.

If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad, you have two options. First, enable Num Lock and use the hidden numeric keypad built into your letter keys — usually the keys on the right side of the keyboard have small numbers printed on them. Second, use the Character Map process: press Windows key + R, type charmap, press Enter, search for "degree", select it, click Copy, then paste it where you need it.

Mac: The same shortcut on every keyboard

On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 simultaneously. This works on any Mac keyboard — desktop, laptop, wireless, or wired. You do not need to enable anything or use a numeric keypad. The degree symbol appears as soon as you release the keys.

If the shortcut does not work, check that you are using the correct keys. Option is the key labeled "alt" on most Mac keyboards. Make sure Caps Lock is off, since the shortcut is case-sensitive. If you are using a Windows keyboard connected to a Mac, the Alt key functions as Option, so the shortcut still works.

Linux: The Unicode method

On Linux, hold Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00b0, then press Space or Enter. The degree symbol appears in place of the code. This method works in most Linux applications, though some older programs may not support it.

If the Unicode input method does not work in your process, you can use the Character Map equivalent. Open your process menu, search for "Character Map" or "Gucharmap", find the degree symbol, and copy it to paste where you need it. Different Linux distributions name this tool differently, but most have one built in.

Setting up a text replacement for frequent use

If you type the degree symbol multiple times a day — for example, in scientific writing, weather reports, or temperature specifications — setting up a text replacement is faster than using keyboard shortcuts. On Windows, use AutoCorrect in Microsoft Office: go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options, add a shortcut like :deg that automatically becomes °. On Mac, use System Preferences > Keyboard > Text, add the same kind of replacement, and it works in most applications.

Another option is to create a custom keyboard shortcut in your process. In Google Docs, go to Tools > Preferences and add a custom shortcut. In Microsoft Word on Mac, go to Tools > AutoCorrect and set it up the same way. Once configured, you can type your shortcut and the degree symbol appears automatically.

If you use the degree symbol in a specific field — chemistry, engineering, weather forecasting — check whether your industry software has a built-in symbol palette. Many scientific applications have a menu or toolbar button for common symbols, which is faster than any keyboard method.

Copying and pasting from a reference

The simplest method if you only need the symbol once is to copy it from somewhere else. You can copy the degree symbol from this article (°), paste it into a text document, and save that document as a reference. Then whenever you need it, open the document, copy the symbol, and paste it where you need it.

You can also create a text file with symbols you use regularly — degree, copyright (©), registered trademark (®), em dash (—) — and keep it open in a separate window while you work. This takes longer than a keyboard shortcut for frequent use, but requires no setup and works in any process, including older software that does not support Unicode input.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your laptop likely does not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Enable Num Lock and try using the number keys on the right side of your keyboard, which have hidden numeric functions. If that does not work, use Character Map instead: press Windows + R, type charmap, find the degree symbol, copy it, and paste it where you need it.

Can I use the degree symbol in passwords or usernames?

Most websites and systems do not accept the degree symbol in passwords or usernames because it is not a standard ASCII character. Check the requirements before you try. If the field rejects it, use a different character or symbol that the system accepts.

Does the keyboard shortcut work in all applications?

The keyboard shortcuts work in most applications, but some older software or web browsers may not support them. If the shortcut does not work, try copying and pasting the symbol instead, or check whether the process has its own symbol menu or character palette.

What if I need the degree symbol in a different language keyboard layout?

The Alt code method on Windows and the Ctrl + Shift + U method on Linux work regardless of your keyboard layout, since they use numeric codes rather than key positions. On Mac, the Shift + Option + 8 shortcut may change depending on your layout — check your keyboard settings or use the Character Viewer instead.

Is there a way to type the degree symbol on a phone or tablet?

On iPhone and iPad, hold down the zero key (0) on the keyboard and select the degree symbol from the menu that appears. On Android, the method varies by keyboard app — most show special characters when you hold down the zero key, but some require you to access a symbols menu. Check your keyboard app's settings if the hold method does not work.