The fastest way to add a degree symbol

The quickest method is to hold Alt and type 0176 on your numeric keypad, then release Alt. The degree symbol (°) appears when ready. This works in Word on Windows machines with a full keyboard that has a separate numeric pad on the right side.

If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad — common on laptops and compact keyboards — this method will not work. You will need one of the alternatives below instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Alt+0176 on the numeric keypad is the fastest method on Windows, but only works if your keyboard has a separate number pad.
  • The Insert Symbol dialog lets you search for the degree symbol by name and works on any keyboard, Windows or Mac.
  • You can create a keyboard shortcut or AutoCorrect entry so typing a short code automatically produces the degree symbol.
  • On a Mac, Option+Shift+8 produces the degree symbol without opening any menus.

Using the Insert Symbol dialog on any keyboard

Open your Word document and place your cursor where you want the degree symbol. Click the Insert tab at the top of the ribbon, then click Symbol (on the far right of the ribbon). A dropdown menu appears.

Click More Symbols at the bottom of that dropdown. A large dialog box opens showing hundreds of special characters. In the search field at the bottom, type degree. The degree symbol appears in the list. Click it once to select it, then click the Insert button. The symbol appears in your document at the cursor position.

This method works on any keyboard and any operating system. It takes a few more clicks than the Alt code, but it is reliable and does not require memorizing a number.

Setting up AutoCorrect for repeated use

If you type the degree symbol often — for temperatures, angles, or coordinates — you can set Word to replace a short code with the symbol automatically. Open Word and go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options.

In the AutoCorrect dialog, find the Replace tab. In the "Replace:" field, type a code you will remember, like deg or :degree:. In the "With:" field, insert the degree symbol (you can copy it from your document or use Insert Symbol to paste it here). Click Add, then OK.

Now whenever you type your code followed by a space or punctuation, Word replaces it with the degree symbol. This is especially useful if you work with temperatures or technical measurements regularly.

Creating a custom keyboard shortcut

You can assign the degree symbol to a key combination you choose. Open the Insert Symbol dialog again (Insert > Symbol > More Symbols), select the degree symbol, and look for a button labeled Shortcut Key near the bottom of the dialog.

Click that button. A small dialog appears asking you to press the key combination you want to use. Try something like Ctrl+Alt+D or Ctrl+Shift+; — anything that does not conflict with Word's built-in shortcuts. Word tells you if the combination is already in use. Once you assign it, click Assign, then Close.

From that point forward, pressing your chosen combination inserts the degree symbol anywhere in Word. This method requires a one-time setup but then works when ready without any menu navigation.

On a Mac: the Option key method

Mac keyboards do not have numeric keypads, so the Alt+0176 method does not explore. Instead, hold Option and Shift together, then press 8. The degree symbol appears. This is the Mac equivalent of the Windows Alt code and works just as quickly.

If you forget the combination, you can still use Insert > Symbol > More Symbols and search for "degree" the same way as on Windows. The AutoCorrect and custom shortcut methods also work identically on Mac Word.

Copying and pasting from another source

If you have already typed the degree symbol somewhere — in an email, a web page, or another document — you can straightforward copy it and paste it into Word. Highlight the symbol, press Ctrl+C (or Cmd+C on Mac), click in your Word document, and press Ctrl+V (or Cmd+V).

This is not the fastest method for a single symbol, but it is useful if you are working across multiple documents and one already contains the symbol you need. You can also bookmark the Insert Symbol dialog and return to it each time, which some people find simpler than memorizing codes.

Troubleshooting common problems

If Alt+0176 does not work on Windows, check that you are using the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard, not the number row at the top. The Num Lock key must be on — look for a light on your keyboard or check the status in the bottom right of your screen. If Num Lock is off, press it once and try again.

If the degree symbol appears as a different character or does not appear at all, your keyboard layout may be set to a language other than English. Check your language settings in Windows or Mac system preferences. You can also use the Insert Symbol dialog, which works regardless of keyboard layout.

On Mac, if Option+Shift+8 does not work, verify that you are holding both keys at the same time before pressing 8. Some Mac keyboards require you to press and hold Option first, then Shift, then 8 in quick succession rather than all at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the degree symbol in headers and footers?

Yes. Any method that works in the document body also works in headers, footers, and text boxes. Place your cursor in the header or footer, then use Alt+0176, Insert Symbol, your AutoCorrect code, or your custom shortcut the same way you would in the main document.

Will the degree symbol print correctly?

Yes. The degree symbol is a standard character and prints the same way it appears on screen. It will not change size, disappear, or convert to a different character when you print or save the document as a PDF.

What if I need the symbol in a table cell?

All methods work in table cells. Click inside the cell where you want the symbol and use your preferred method — Alt code, Insert Symbol, AutoCorrect, or keyboard shortcut. The symbol behaves the same way as it does in regular text.

Can I use these methods in other Microsoft programs?

Yes. The Alt+0176 code, Insert Symbol dialog, and keyboard shortcuts work in Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other Microsoft Office applications. AutoCorrect settings you create in Word may not transfer to other programs, so you may need to set them up separately if you use the degree symbol frequently in multiple applications.