The fastest way to type a degree symbol depends on your device

The degree symbol (°) appears in temperatures, angles, and geographic coordinates. On Windows, hold Alt and press 0176 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8. On Linux, hold Ctrl + Shift and press U, then type 00B0 and press Space. On phones and tablets, the degree symbol usually lives in the secondary character menu — long-press the zero key on most keyboards, or swipe to the numbers and symbols panel.

If your keyboard lacks a numeric keypad or you find these shortcuts hard to remember, every operating system offers a character map tool where you can search for the degree symbol and copy it directly. This method works the same way on every device and requires no memorization.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type the degree symbol by holding Alt and pressing 0176 on the numeric keypad, then releasing Alt.
  • Mac users press Shift + Option + 8 to produce the degree symbol without opening any additional tools.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl + Shift, type U00B0, and press Space to insert the degree symbol.
  • Every operating system includes a character map or symbol picker where you can search for and copy the degree symbol if you cannot remember the keyboard shortcut.

Windows: Using the Alt code

The numeric keypad method is the fastest on Windows. Make sure Num Lock is on — the Num Lock key is usually in the upper left of the numeric keypad, and a light on your keyboard will indicate when it is active. Then hold down the Alt key, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top of your keyboard), and release Alt. The degree symbol appears when ready.

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad — common on laptops — use the Character Map tool instead. Press the Windows key, type "Character Map", and open the app. Type "degree" in the search box, select the degree symbol from the results, click Copy, and paste it where you need it. This method works on any Windows computer regardless of keyboard layout.

Mac: The keyboard shortcut

On Mac, the degree symbol shortcut is Shift + Option + 8. Hold all three keys at once and release them together. The symbol appears in your document or text field when ready. This shortcut works the same way on every Mac keyboard, whether you are using a built-in laptop keyboard or an external one.

If you forget the shortcut, open Spotlight by pressing Command + Space, type "Character Viewer", and press Enter. Search for "degree" in the window that opens, double-click the degree symbol, and it inserts into your document. You can also add the degree symbol to your favorites in Character Viewer so it appears at the top of the list next time.

Linux: The Unicode input method

On Linux, hold Ctrl + Shift and press U. You will see a small "u" appear in your text field. Type 00B0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol) and press Space. The degree symbol replaces the "u" and the code you typed. This method works in most text editors and web browsers on Linux systems.

If the Ctrl + Shift + U method does not work in your process, open the character map tool by searching for "Character Map" or "Gucharmap" in your applications menu. Search for "degree", select it, and click Copy. Then paste it into your document. The exact name and appearance of this tool varies by Linux distribution, but every distribution includes one.

Phones and tablets: The long-press method

On iPhones and iPads, open the keyboard and long-press the zero key (0). A menu appears showing the degree symbol and other variations. Tap the degree symbol to insert it. On Android phones, the method depends on your keyboard app — most show the degree symbol when you long-press the zero key, but some require you to tap the numbers panel first, then long-press zero.

If long-pressing does not work on your Android device, tap the question mark or symbols button on your keyboard (usually labeled "?123" or similar), then look for a second symbols panel. The degree symbol often appears there. You can also copy it from a web search and paste it into your message or document.

Using the character map when shortcuts fail

Every operating system includes a built-in tool for finding and copying any symbol, including the degree symbol. On Windows, search for "Character Map". On Mac, press Command + Space and search for "Character Viewer". On Linux, search for "Character Map" or "Gucharmap". On phones, you can search the web for "degree symbol", copy it from the search results, and paste it into your document.

The character map method takes slightly longer than a keyboard shortcut, but it requires no memorization and works the same way every time. If you use the degree symbol regularly, you can save it to a notes app or document so you can copy it quickly without opening the character map each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Alt + 0176 not work on my Windows laptop?

Your laptop keyboard likely does not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Use Character Map instead: press the Windows key, type "Character Map", open the app, search for "degree", select it, click Copy, and paste it into your document. This works on any Windows computer.

Can I save the degree symbol so I do not have to look it up every time?

Yes. Copy the degree symbol once and paste it into a notes app, a text file, or even a sticky note on your desktop. Then you can copy it from there whenever you need it. Some text editors also let you create shortcuts — for example, typing "deg" and pressing a key to expand it to the degree symbol.

Does the degree symbol work in all programs?

The degree symbol works in any program that accepts text input, including email, word processors, spreadsheets, web browsers, and messaging apps. It displays the same way on all devices, so recipients will see it correctly regardless of what they use to read your message.

What if I need the degree symbol but my keyboard is in a different language?

The character map method works regardless of your keyboard language setting. Open Character Map (or Character Viewer on Mac), search for "degree", and copy it. You can also use the Unicode method on Linux (Ctrl + Shift + U, then 00B0) in any language.