The fastest way depends on your operating system

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

These shortcuts work in almost any program — email, documents, spreadsheets, web forms. The numeric keypad method on Windows is the most reliable if your keyboard has one, because it works even in older software that does not recognize other input methods.

If you do not have a numeric keypad (common on laptops), Windows offers alternatives that are slower but still work. The character map tool lets you search for the degree symbol and copy it. You can also type it in Word or Google Docs and copy the symbol to reuse it.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users with a numeric keypad should use Alt + 0176, which works everywhere.
  • Mac users press Option + Shift + 8 to type the degree symbol in any program.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl + Shift, type U00B0, then press Space to insert the symbol.
  • Laptop keyboards without a numeric keypad can use Windows Character Map or copy the symbol from a document.
  • Once you type the symbol once, you can copy and paste it instead of repeating the shortcut.

Windows: Using the numeric keypad

If your keyboard has a numeric keypad on the right side, this is the most reliable method. Hold down the Alt key, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top), then release Alt. The degree symbol appears when ready. Make sure Num Lock is on — most keyboards have a light that shows this.

This method works in every Windows program, including older software, web browsers, and text fields that do not support other special characters. It is the fastest once you memorize the code.

Windows: Without a numeric keypad

Laptop keyboards often omit the numeric keypad to save space. If your keyboard has Fn or NumLock keys, you may be able to enable a hidden numeric keypad. Check your keyboard manual or look for numbers printed in a different color on the letter keys — if you see them, hold Fn and press those keys to type the code.

If that does not work, open the Character Map tool. Press the Windows key, type "character map," and open the app. Search for "degree" in the search box, click the degree symbol in the list, click Copy, then paste it where you need it. This is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works on any Windows machine.

Another option: type the degree symbol once in Google Docs or Microsoft Word, copy it, and save it somewhere you can paste from — your notes app, a text file, or even a browser bookmark. This trades one slow step for many fast pastes.

Mac: The Option + Shift + 8 shortcut

On any Mac keyboard, press Option, Shift, and 8 at the same time. The degree symbol appears. This works in every Mac program — Mail, Pages, Google Docs, web forms, text editors, everything.

If you type the degree symbol often, you can add it to your Mac's text shortcuts. Go to System Settings, click Keyboard, then Text Replacement. Click the plus button, type ° in the "Replacement" field, and type a shortcut like "deg" in the "Shortcut" field. From then on, typing "deg" and pressing Space will insert the degree symbol.

Linux: The Ctrl + Shift + U method

On Linux, hold Ctrl and Shift together, type the letter U, then type 00B0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol), then press Space or Enter. The symbol appears. This works in most Linux programs and web browsers.

If that does not work in a specific program, try the same method your operating system uses for other special characters — many Linux desktop environments support compose keys or other input methods. Check your system settings under Keyboard or Input Method.

Using the degree symbol in specific programs

Microsoft Word and Google Docs both have built-in symbol menus. In Word, go to Insert, click Symbol, search for "degree," and click Insert. In Google Docs, go to Insert, click Special Characters, search for "degree," and click it. These methods are slower than keyboard shortcuts but useful if you forget the shortcut.

In spreadsheets like Excel or Google Sheets, you can type the degree symbol the same way as in any other program, or you can use a formula. In Excel, the formula =CHAR(176) returns the degree symbol, which you can concatenate with other text — for example, =A1&CHAR(176) adds a degree symbol after the value in cell A1.

On web forms and social media, the keyboard shortcut for your operating system works in the text field. If it does not, copy and paste the symbol from another source — your notes app, a search result, or a character map tool.

Why the degree symbol is not on your keyboard

Keyboards have a limited number of keys, so manufacturers include only the most common characters. The degree symbol is used mainly in scientific writing, temperature measurements, and angle notation — common enough to need a way to type it, but not common enough to deserve its own key.

Instead, operating systems use keyboard shortcuts and code systems to let you type thousands of special characters without adding thousands of keys. The numeric keypad code (Alt + 0176 on Windows) and Unicode input (Ctrl + Shift + U on Linux) are examples of this approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Alt + 0176 shortcut work on a laptop?

Only if your laptop has a numeric keypad or a way to enable one with the Fn key. Most modern laptops do not. If yours does not, use Character Map, copy and paste, or create a text shortcut in your operating system settings.

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

Yes. On iPhone, hold the 0 key and swipe to the degree symbol. On Android, long-press the 0 key or access the symbol keyboard. The exact method depends on your keyboard app — try long-pressing number keys first.

What if the Alt + 0176 shortcut types something else?

Make sure Num Lock is on and you are using the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard, not the number row at the top. If it still does not work, your keyboard or program may not support this method — use Character Map instead.

Is there a way to type the degree symbol without memorizing a code?

Yes. Create a text shortcut in your operating system settings (type "deg" and it becomes °), use the symbol menu in Word or Docs, or copy and paste it from somewhere you have already typed it. The keyboard shortcut is fastest once you use it a few times.