The fastest way depends on what you are typing on

The degree symbol (°) is not on your keyboard as a single key, but you can type it in seconds using a keyboard shortcut. The method changes depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or a Chromebook, and whether you are typing in a document, email, or web form. Most people find their system's shortcut faster than hunting through menus.

You do not need to install anything or change your keyboard settings. The shortcut works in nearly every program — Microsoft Word, Google Docs, email clients, web browsers, and text editors all recognize it the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt to produce the degree symbol.
  • On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol in any program.
  • On Chromebook, press Ctrl + Shift + U, then type 00b0 and press Space or Enter.
  • If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, Windows offers an alternative: Ctrl + / + 4 using the regular number row.
  • The symbol works in spreadsheets, documents, and web forms without any special formatting or font changes.

Windows: Using the Alt code

On Windows, the degree symbol uses an Alt code — a number combination that produces a special character. Hold down the Alt key on the left side of your keyboard, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the block of numbers on the right), then release Alt. The symbol appears when ready.

The numeric keypad is essential for this method. If your keyboard does not have one — common on laptops and compact keyboards — use the alternative: hold Ctrl and press the forward slash (/), then press 4. This produces the degree symbol in most Windows programs, though some older applications may not recognize it.

The Alt code method works in Word, Outlook, Notepad, web browsers, and nearly every other program. It does not matter what font you are using or what language your keyboard is set to.

Mac: Using the Option key shortcut

On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol. This works in any program — Mail, Pages, Google Docs, web browsers, and text editors. The shortcut is the same whether you use an Apple keyboard or a third-party keyboard connected to your Mac.

If the shortcut does not work, check that you are using the Option key (also labeled Alt on some keyboards) on the right side of the space bar, not the Command key. The Shift key must be held at the same time.

Chromebook: Using the Unicode input method

On Chromebook, press Ctrl + Shift + U to start Unicode input mode. The screen shows a small "u" with an underline. Type 00b0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol), then press Space or Enter. The symbol appears and the input mode closes.

This method works in Google Docs, Gmail, web forms, and most other Chromebook programs. If it does not work in a particular app, that app may not support Unicode input — try copying and pasting the symbol from another source instead.

Linux: Using Ctrl + Shift + U

On Linux, the process is the same as Chromebook: press Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00b0, then press Space or Enter. This works in most text editors, web browsers, and office applications.

Some Linux distributions or desktop environments may require slightly different steps. If the Unicode method does not work, check your system's input method settings or use the compose key if your keyboard has one configured.

When the shortcut does not work

If the shortcut produces nothing or the wrong symbol, the most common causes are using the wrong key (Alt vs. Option, or the wrong numeric keypad) or the program not supporting special character input. Try these steps: first, confirm you are using the correct key for your system. Second, try the shortcut in a different program — if it works in Notepad or a web browser, the problem is with the original program, not your keyboard.

If you are in a web form that does not accept the symbol, copy and paste it instead. Open a new browser tab, type the degree symbol using your shortcut, select it, copy it (Ctrl + C or Command + C), go back to the form, and paste it (Ctrl + V or Command + V).

Copying and pasting as a backup

If you type the degree symbol often and the keyboard shortcut is not working for you, the simplest backup is to keep one in a text file or notes app. Type it once using the shortcut, copy it, and save it somewhere you can find it quickly. Then whenever you need it, open that file, copy the symbol, and paste it into your document or form.

You can also search online for "degree symbol" and copy it directly from a search result. This is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works in any program and on any device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the degree symbol not on my keyboard?

The degree symbol is rarely used compared to letters and numbers, so keyboard manufacturers do not give it its own key. Instead, it is accessed through a shortcut or menu. This is the same reason you do not have dedicated keys for copyright (©) or trademark (™) symbols.

Does the degree symbol work in spreadsheets like Excel or Google Sheets?

Yes. Use the same keyboard shortcut in Excel, Google Sheets, or any other spreadsheet program. The symbol appears in the cell just like any other character and can be formatted, copied, and sorted normally.

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

On most phones, hold down the zero (0) key on the number pad and a degree symbol option appears. On some Android keyboards, you may need to switch to the symbols view first. On iPad, the process is similar to Mac — hold Option and press 8, though this varies by keyboard app.

What if I need to type Celsius or Fahrenheit with the degree symbol?

Type the number, then use your keyboard shortcut to add the degree symbol, then type the letter (C or F). For example: 72°F or 22°C. No space is needed between the symbol and the letter.

Is there a way to make the degree symbol easier to type?

If you type it very often, you can create a keyboard shortcut or text replacement in your system settings. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text and add a replacement (for example, type "deg" to replace with "°"). On Windows, you can use AutoCorrect in Word or a third-party tool like AutoHotkey.