The fastest way: Alt code on Windows

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top). Release Alt and the degree symbol (°) appears. This works in Word, Outlook, Google Docs, and most other programs.

The numeric keypad is the cluster of number keys on the right side of most full-size keyboards. If you have a laptop without a dedicated numeric keypad, you may need to enable Num Lock first — look for a key labeled Num Lock or Fn+Num Lock, depending on your model. Once Num Lock is on, a set of keys (usually on the right side of the letter keys) will act as a numeric pad.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type the degree symbol when ready by holding Alt and typing 0176 on the numeric keypad.
  • Mac users should press Shift+Option+8 to produce 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 and insert it with one click.
  • If you type the degree symbol often, you can create a custom keyboard shortcut or AutoCorrect entry in Word so it appears when you type a short code.

Mac keyboard shortcut

On Mac, press Shift+Option+8 (the 8 key on the number row, not a numeric keypad). The degree symbol appears when ready. This shortcut works in Word, Pages, Google Docs, and most Mac applications.

If the shortcut does not work, check that you are using the correct modifier keys. Shift is the key with the up arrow; Option is the key labeled Option or Alt on the right side of the space bar. Press all three at once, then release and type 8.

Using Word's Insert menu

Open the Insert tab at the top of Word. Click Symbol (on the right side of the ribbon). A dropdown menu appears; click More Symbols at the bottom. The Symbol dialog opens.

In the dialog, type "degree" in the search box at the bottom. The degree symbol (°) appears in the list. Click it once to select it, then click Insert. Close the dialog when you are done. This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works if you forget the Alt or Shift+Option code.

Setting up AutoCorrect for repeated use

If you type the degree symbol often, create an AutoCorrect entry so it appears when you type a short code. Open Word and go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options.

In the AutoCorrect dialog, click the AutoCorrect tab. In the "Replace" field, type a short code like deg or :degree:. In the "With" field, type or paste the degree symbol (°). Click Add, then OK. Now whenever you type your code followed by a space, Word replaces it with the degree symbol automatically.

Creating a custom keyboard shortcut in Word

For a faster solution, assign the degree symbol to a keyboard combination you choose. Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon. At the bottom left, click Keyboard Shortcuts: Customize.

In the Customize Keyboard dialog, scroll down the left panel to find Special Characters or Insert. In the right panel, find the degree symbol entry (it may be listed as "Degree Sign"). Click it, then click in the "New Shortcut Key" field and press the key combination you want — for example, Ctrl+Shift+D. Click Assign, then Close. Your new shortcut is now active in Word.

Copying and pasting the symbol

If you need the degree symbol once and do not want to remember a code, the simplest approach is to copy it from another source. Search online for "degree symbol," copy the ° character from the search results, and paste it into your Word document using Ctrl+V (Windows) or Command+V (Mac).

This method takes longer than a keyboard shortcut but requires no setup and works on any device. You can also keep a text file on your computer with symbols you use often, copy from it whenever you need them, and paste into Word.

Why the Alt code does not work on some keyboards

The Alt+0176 method fails on some laptops and external keyboards because they lack a dedicated numeric keypad. If you have a laptop, check whether Num Lock is enabled — press Num Lock or Fn+Num Lock and try again. If your keyboard still does not have a numeric pad, use the Mac shortcut (if on Mac), the Insert menu, or AutoCorrect instead.

Some gaming keyboards and compact keyboards remap the numeric pad or disable it entirely. If Alt codes do not work on your keyboard, switch to one of the other methods in this guide. The Insert menu and AutoCorrect work on any keyboard and any device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Alt+0176 not work on my laptop?

Your laptop likely does not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Try enabling Num Lock first by pressing the Num Lock key or Fn+Num Lock. If that does not work, use the Insert menu method or set up AutoCorrect instead — both work on any keyboard.

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

Yes. The Alt+0176 (Windows) and Shift+Option+8 (Mac) shortcuts work in Google Docs, Outlook, Excel, and most other programs. The Insert menu method is specific to Word, but the keyboard shortcuts are universal.

What if I need other special symbols like copyright or trademark?

Word's Symbol dialog (Insert > Symbol > More Symbols) shows hundreds of special characters. You can search by name, browse by category, or use Alt codes for common ones. The same AutoCorrect and custom shortcut methods work for any symbol you use often.

Does the degree symbol work in plain text or only in Word?

The degree symbol is a standard Unicode character and works in plain text, email, web forms, and most programs. The Alt and Shift+Option shortcuts produce the actual symbol, not a code, so it displays correctly everywhere.