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

The degree symbol does not have its own key on most keyboards, so you need a keyboard shortcut or a menu option to produce it. The method depends on your operating system and what program you are using.

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of your keyboard), then release Alt. This works in most programs — Word, email, browsers, spreadsheets. The numeric keypad must be on; if your laptop does not have one, you may need to use Num Lock or a function key to enable it.

On Mac, hold Shift and Option together, then press 8. Release all three keys at once. This works in nearly every Mac program without extra steps.

On Linux, the method varies by desktop environment. In most GNOME or KDE systems, hold Ctrl and Shift, then type U followed by 00B0, then press Space or Enter. Some Linux programs also accept the Windows Alt code method.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad to produce the degree symbol.
  • Mac users press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol in any program.
  • If your laptop has no numeric keypad, enable Num Lock through a function key or use your operating system's character map instead.
  • The degree symbol is Unicode character U+00B0, which some programs accept if you type the code directly.

Using the character map when keyboard shortcuts do not work

If the keyboard shortcut does not work in a specific program, your operating system has a built-in character map that lets you find and paste the degree symbol.

On Windows, open the Character Map app (search for "charmap" in the Start menu). Type "degree" in the search box or scroll down the list until you see the ° symbol. Click it, then click Copy. Go back to your document and paste it with Ctrl + V.

On Mac, open the Character Viewer (press Control + Command + Space, or go to Edit > Emoji & Symbols in most programs). Search for "degree" in the search box at the top. Double-click the ° symbol to insert it directly into your document, or click it once and then click the Insert button.

Laptops without a numeric keypad

Many laptops do not have a dedicated numeric keypad on the right side. If you need to use the Alt + 0176 method on Windows, you can enable Num Lock on your laptop's built-in number row.

Look for a key labeled Num Lock, Fn Lock, or a number pad icon. It is usually near the top right of the keyboard or on the F11 or F12 key. Press it once to turn on Num Lock, then use the Alt + 0176 shortcut. The number row at the top of your keyboard will now act as a numeric keypad. Press Num Lock again to turn it off when you are done.

If your laptop does not have Num Lock, use the character map method instead — it works on any Windows computer regardless of keyboard layout.

The degree symbol in spreadsheets and data entry

If you type the degree symbol often in Excel, Google Sheets, or similar programs, you can set up an auto-correct rule so that a short code expands to the symbol automatically.

In Excel, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. In the Replace field, type something short like "deg" or "°°". In the With field, paste the degree symbol (you can copy it from the character map first). Click Add, then OK. Now whenever you type "deg" and press Space or Tab, Excel replaces it with °.

In Google Sheets, go to Tools > Preferences and check the "Use the same settings for all spreadsheets" box. Then go to Tools > Preferences again and look for the AutoCorrect section. Add your shortcut the same way — type the code you want to use, then paste the degree symbol in the replacement field.

Copying and pasting the degree symbol

The simplest method if you only need the symbol once or twice is to copy it from somewhere else and paste it into your document. You can copy the degree symbol from this article — just highlight it, press Ctrl + C (or Command + C on Mac), then go to your document and press Ctrl + V (or Command + V).

You can also search online for "degree symbol" and copy it from a search result, or keep a text file on your computer with symbols you use often. Paste it whenever you need it.

Mobile phones and tablets

On iPhone and iPad, open the keyboard and look for the 123 key to switch to the number pad. On most keyboards, the degree symbol appears on the second page of symbols — swipe left on the symbol keys or tap the arrow to see more options. Tap the ° symbol to insert it.

On Android, open the keyboard and tap the ?123 key to show numbers and symbols. Swipe left or tap the arrow to see additional symbols. The degree symbol is usually on the second or third page. Tap it to insert it into your text.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your Num Lock may be off, or your laptop may not have a numeric keypad. Press the Num Lock key (often Fn + F11 or similar) to turn it on, then try the shortcut again. If that does not work, use the Character Map app instead — search for "charmap" in the Start menu, find the degree symbol, and copy it to your document.

Can I use the degree symbol for temperature, angles, and coordinates?

Yes, the ° symbol works for all three. For temperature, write "98.6°F" or "37°C". For angles, write "45°" or "90°". For coordinates, write "40°N" or "73°W". The symbol is the same in all cases.

What if I need a superscript zero instead of a degree symbol?

A superscript zero (⁰) looks similar but is a different character. If you need a true degree symbol for temperature or angles, use the ° symbol. If you need a superscript zero for mathematical notation, select the zero and use your program's superscript button (usually in the Format menu or toolbar).

Does the degree symbol work in email and web forms?

Yes, the degree symbol works in Gmail, Outlook, and most web forms. Use the keyboard shortcut or character map method the same way you would in any other program. If a form rejects it, contact the website owner — most modern forms accept the symbol without issue.