The fastest way: Alt code on Windows

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of your keyboard), then release Alt. The degree symbol ° appears when ready. This works in Word, Outlook, and most other programs.

The numeric keypad is essential — the numbers across the top of your keyboard will not work. If your laptop does not have a dedicated numeric keypad, you may have a hidden one activated by holding Fn and pressing Num Lock. Check your keyboard for a small lock icon on one of the keys; that is usually where the hidden numeric pad lives.

If you use this symbol often, the Alt code becomes muscle memory within a few days. It is faster than any menu once you have typed it three or four times.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type Alt+0176 on the numeric keypad to insert a degree symbol when ready.
  • Mac users should press Shift+Option+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 by name if you forget the keyboard shortcut.
  • Once you insert a degree symbol, you can copy it and paste it again rather than repeating the full process each time.

The Mac keyboard shortcut

On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 simultaneously. The degree symbol appears right where your cursor is. This shortcut works in Word, Pages, email, and anywhere else you type on a Mac.

Unlike the Windows Alt code, this is a true keyboard combination — you hold all three keys at once, not in sequence. If nothing appears, make sure you are using the Option key (next to the Command key), not Alt.

Using Word's Insert menu when you forget the shortcut

If you do not remember the keyboard shortcut, open Word and go to the Insert tab at the top. Click Symbol (on the far right of the ribbon), then click More Symbols.

A dialog box opens. In the search field at the bottom, type degree. Word finds the degree symbol when ready. Click it once to select it, then click Insert. The symbol appears in your document at the cursor position.

After you insert it this way once, Word remembers it. The degree symbol will appear in the Recently Used section of the Symbol menu next time, so you can insert it without searching again.

Copy and paste the symbol repeatedly

Once you have typed or inserted a degree symbol anywhere in your document, you can reuse it without repeating the process. Highlight the degree symbol with your mouse, press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac) to copy it, then click where you need it and press Ctrl + V or Command + V to paste.

This is the fastest method if you need the symbol multiple times in one document. Copy it once, then paste as many times as you need. You can even keep it copied for use in other documents later the same day.

Typing the degree symbol in a temperature or angle context

In Word, you can also type the number, then the degree symbol, with no space between them. For example, 98°F or 45° for an angle. Word does not automatically convert these — you must insert the degree symbol yourself using one of the methods above.

Some people type a lowercase o instead (like 98oF), but this is not correct formatting. The actual degree symbol is smaller and sits higher than a letter. Using the real symbol makes your document look professional and is the standard in scientific and technical writing.

If your numeric keypad is not working on Windows

If Alt+0176 does not work, check that Num Lock is turned on. Look for a light on your keyboard near the Num Lock key — if it is dark, press Num Lock to set up it. On laptops, you may need to hold Fn while pressing Num Lock.

If Num Lock is on and the code still does not work, try the Insert menu method instead. It works on any Windows computer regardless of keyboard layout or settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol?

Yes. In Word, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. Click the AutoCorrect tab, then type a shortcut (like :deg) in the "Replace" field and paste a degree symbol in the "With" field. Click Add, then OK. Now whenever you type :deg followed by a space, Word replaces it with °.

Why does Alt+0176 not work on my laptop?

Most laptops do not have a dedicated numeric keypad. You need to set up the hidden numeric pad by holding Fn and pressing Num Lock, then use Alt+0176 with those hidden number keys. If this does not work, use the Insert > Symbol menu instead — it works on any computer.

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

Yes. The degree symbol (°) is a single character designed for temperatures and angles. A superscript zero is a regular zero made smaller and raised. They look similar but are not the same. Always use the actual degree symbol for professional documents.

Can I copy a degree symbol from the internet and use it in Word?

Yes. If you find a degree symbol online, you can copy it and paste it into Word just like any other text. This works but is slower than using the keyboard shortcut or Insert menu, so it is only useful if you are already online and need the symbol once.