The degree symbol (°) on Windows, Mac, and Linux

The degree symbol does not have its own key on most keyboards, so you need to use a keyboard shortcut or a special character menu. The method depends on what operating system you use and what program you are typing in.

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of your keyboard), then release Alt. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together and press 8. On Linux, hold Ctrl and Shift, type u, then type 00b0 and press Space or Enter.

If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad — common on laptops — Windows offers an on-screen keyboard or you can copy the symbol from another source and paste it where you need it.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad; laptops without a numeric keypad can use the on-screen keyboard or copy-paste instead.
  • Mac users hold Shift and Option together and press 8 to produce the degree symbol.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl and Shift, type u, then 00b0, and press Space or Enter.
  • Most word processors and text editors support these shortcuts, but some web forms and specialized software may not.
  • If a shortcut does not work, you can search "degree symbol" online, copy it, and paste it into your document.

Windows keyboard shortcut with a numeric keypad

If your keyboard has a numeric keypad on the right side, this is the fastest method. Hold down the Alt key, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top), and then release Alt. The degree symbol will appear where your cursor is.

Make sure Num Lock is on — most keyboards have a light that shows this. If the numbers do not appear when you type, press Num Lock once to turn it on, then try the shortcut again.

Windows on a laptop or keyboard without a numeric keypad

Laptops and compact keyboards often do not have a dedicated numeric keypad. You have two reliable options: use the on-screen keyboard or copy and paste the symbol.

To use the on-screen keyboard, press the Windows key, type "osk", and press Enter. A keyboard will appear on your screen. Click Num Lock to turn it on, then click Alt and hold it while clicking the numbers 0, 1, 7, 6 in order on the on-screen keypad. The degree symbol will appear in your document.

To copy and paste, open a web browser, search for "degree symbol", right-click the symbol in the search results, select Copy, then go back to your document and right-click and select Paste. This works in almost every program.

Mac keyboard shortcut

On a Mac, hold Shift and Option at the same time, then press 8. Release all three keys. The degree symbol will appear when ready.

This shortcut works in most Mac applications — word processors, email, web browsers, and text editors. If it does not work in a specific program, that program may not support this keyboard shortcut, and you can use copy-paste instead.

Linux keyboard shortcut

On Linux, hold Ctrl and Shift together, type the letter u, then type 00b0 (zero, zero, b, zero), and press Space or Enter. The degree symbol will appear.

This method works in most Linux text editors and applications. Some older programs or web-based tools may not recognize it, in which case copy-paste is your backup.

Copy and paste method (works everywhere)

If keyboard shortcuts are not working in a particular program, copy and paste is the most reliable fallback. Open any web browser, search for "degree symbol", and you will see the symbol in the search results. Right-click it and select Copy (or on Mac, Command-click and select Copy).

Go back to the program where you need the symbol, right-click where you want it, and select Paste. On Mac, you can also use Command-V to paste. This method works in web forms, specialized software, and any program that supports pasting text.

You can also bookmark a page with the degree symbol so you do not have to search for it each time. Some people keep a text file with commonly used symbols saved on their computer for quick access.

Using character maps and special character menus

Most word processors have a built-in menu for inserting special characters. In Microsoft Word, click Insert, then select Symbol, and search for "degree". In Google Docs, click Insert, then Special Characters, and type "degree" in the search box. Click the symbol to insert it.

These menus are slower than keyboard shortcuts but useful if you forget the shortcut or if you need other special characters at the same time. They also work the same way on Windows, Mac, and Linux, so if you are switching between devices, learning the menu method gives you one approach that works everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your keyboard probably does not have a numeric keypad. Laptops use the number row at the top instead, and the Alt code only works with the numeric keypad on the right. Use the on-screen keyboard (search for "osk" in Windows) or copy and paste the symbol instead.

Does the degree symbol work in web forms and text boxes?

Usually yes, but not always. Keyboard shortcuts work in most web browsers and online documents like Google Docs. If a shortcut does not work, try copy-paste. Some older or specialized web forms may reject the symbol, in which case you may need to type the word "degrees" instead.

Can I use these shortcuts in email?

Yes. Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, and most other email programs support keyboard shortcuts and copy-paste. The method is the same as in any other program — use the shortcut for your operating system, or search for the symbol online and paste it.

What if I need the degree symbol frequently?

Save the symbol in a text file on your computer, or use the autocorrect feature in your word processor. In Microsoft Word, you can set up autocorrect so that typing "deg" automatically becomes "°". In Google Docs, you can use search and replace to do the same thing.

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

Yes. The degree symbol (°) is a distinct character designed for temperatures and angles. A superscript zero (⁰) looks similar but is technically different. For temperatures and measurements, use the degree symbol. Most people will not notice the difference on screen, but the degree symbol is the correct choice.