The fastest way depends on your operating system

The degree symbol (°) is not a key on your keyboard, so you need a keyboard shortcut or a menu option to insert it. The method changes depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux, and it also depends on what program you are typing in. Most people find one method that works for them and stick with it rather than memorizing all of them.

If you type the degree symbol often — for weather, cooking temperatures, angles in technical work, or scientific notation — it is worth learning the shortcut for your system. If you type it rarely, copying and pasting from a reference document is faster than hunting for the right key combination.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt to insert the degree symbol.
  • On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol in any program.
  • In Microsoft Word on any system, type the degree symbol by typing 00B0 and then pressing Alt + X.
  • If you do not have a numeric keypad, use your operating system's character map or emoji picker instead of memorizing a code.
  • Copying the symbol from a reference document and pasting it is a legitimate workaround if you type it infrequently.

Windows: Using the numeric keypad Alt code

On Windows, the degree symbol uses an Alt code — a number you type while holding the Alt key. The code for the degree symbol is 0176. This only works on the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard, not the number row at the top.

To type it: hold down Alt, type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. The degree symbol appears when ready. If nothing happens, make sure Num Lock is turned on — there is usually a light on your keyboard that shows whether it is active. If you have a laptop without a dedicated numeric keypad, you may need to use Fn + Alt codes, or use the Character Map instead (see below).

This method works in almost every Windows program: email, web browsers, text editors, spreadsheets, and word processors. It is the most reliable shortcut on Windows because it does not depend on the program you are using.

Mac: The Shift + Option + 8 shortcut

On Mac, the degree symbol shortcut is Shift + Option + 8. This is faster than the Windows Alt code because it is only three keys instead of holding Alt while typing four numbers. The shortcut works in any Mac program.

If you forget which number key to use, 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 cannot remember the combination.

Microsoft Word on any system: The Unicode method

If you use Microsoft Word (on Windows or Mac), there is a universal method that does not depend on your operating system. Type the code 00B0 (the Unicode for the degree symbol), then when ready press Alt + X. Word converts the code to the symbol.

This method is useful if you switch between Windows and Mac, or if you cannot remember your system's shortcut. It only works in Word, not in other programs, so it is not a replacement for learning your operating system's shortcut — but it is a useful backup.

Using Character Map or emoji picker if you have no numeric keypad

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad — common on laptops and compact keyboards — the Alt code method does not work. Instead, use your operating system's built-in character tool.

On Windows, open the Character Map by typing "charmap" into the search box. Search for "degree", click the degree symbol, click Copy, then paste it where you need it. On Mac, the Character Viewer (Control + Command + Space) does the same thing. Both tools are slower than a keyboard shortcut, but they work on any keyboard.

If you type the degree symbol often and your keyboard has no numeric keypad, consider remapping a key or using a text expansion tool like AutoHotkey (Windows) or TextExpander (Mac) to insert it with a custom shortcut.

Copying and pasting from a reference document

If you type the degree symbol only once or twice a month, the fastest method is often to keep a reference document open with the symbol already typed in it, then copy and paste as needed. This takes three seconds and requires no memorization.

Create a straightforward text file with the degree symbol in it, save it somewhere you can find it quickly, and copy from it whenever you need the symbol. This is not elegant, but it is practical — and it works on any device, in any program, without any special knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Alt code not work on my Windows laptop?

Your laptop likely does not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Try using Fn + Alt + 0176 instead, or use the Character Map tool. Some laptops require you to hold Fn and use the number keys that have a secondary numeric function printed on them.

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

Yes. On iPhone, hold down the 0 key and select the degree symbol from the menu that appears. On Android, open the emoji picker and search for "degree", or long-press the 0 key if your keyboard supports it. The method varies by keyboard app.

Is there a way to make the degree symbol my own custom shortcut?

Yes, on both Windows and Mac. Windows users can use AutoHotkey to remap any key combination to the degree symbol. Mac users can add it to their Text Replacements in System Preferences. Both methods let you type a short code (like "deg") and have it expand to the symbol automatically.

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

Try copying the symbol from Character Map or from a reference document and pasting it into the form. If the form rejects the symbol, contact the website owner — some forms have restrictions on what characters they accept, and the degree symbol may not be one of them.