The fastest way depends on your operating system

You can type a degree symbol (°) on Windows, Mac, or Linux without installing anything extra. The method changes based on what you use, but each takes under five seconds once you know the steps. Most people find the quickest route is a keyboard shortcut rather than hunting through menus.

If you type temperatures, angles, or geographic coordinates regularly, learning your system's shortcut saves time every single day. The symbol itself is the same across all platforms — it is just how you summon it that differs.

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 Linux with a US keyboard, hold Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00b0, then press Space or Enter.
  • If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, Windows offers a Character Map program where you can copy and paste the symbol.
  • You can also type the degree symbol by copying it from any document and saving it in a text file for quick reuse.

Windows: Using the Alt code method

On Windows, the degree symbol uses an Alt code — a number combination you hold Alt down for. Make sure you use the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard, not the number row at the top.

Hold down the Alt key, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the zero matters), then release Alt. The degree symbol appears when ready. If nothing happens, check that Num Lock is turned on — a light on your keyboard or screen shows its status. On laptops without a dedicated numeric keypad, you may need to hold Fn while typing the numbers, or use the Character Map method instead.

This works in email, word processors, spreadsheets, and most text fields online. It does not work in some web browsers or specialized programs, but those are rare.

Mac: The Shift + Option + 8 shortcut

On Mac, the degree symbol is simpler: press Shift, Option, and 8 all at the same time. Release them all together and the symbol appears. This works in any program — email, documents, web forms, everything.

If you type the degree symbol often, you can also add it to your Mac's text shortcuts so that typing a short code (like "deg") expands to the symbol automatically. Open System Settings, go to Keyboard, then Text Replacement, and create a new entry with the degree symbol as the replacement.

Linux: The Ctrl + Shift + U method

On Linux with a US keyboard layout, hold Ctrl and Shift together, then type u (lowercase). While still holding those keys, type 00b0. Release everything and press Space or Enter. The degree symbol appears.

This method works in most Linux applications and web browsers. If it does not work, your system may use a different input method — check your keyboard settings to confirm you are using the standard Unicode input system.

Windows without a numeric keypad: Using Character Map

If your Windows keyboard has no numeric keypad, the Alt code method will not work. Instead, use the Character Map program built into Windows. Press the Windows key, type "character map", and open the program.

In the search box at the bottom, type "degree" and the symbol appears in the list. Click it once to select it, then click the Copy button. Now you can paste the degree symbol anywhere with Ctrl + V. Many people keep a text file with commonly used symbols saved so they can copy from it whenever needed.

Copying and pasting from another source

The simplest method if you are not typing the symbol often: find it somewhere online or in a document you already have, select it, copy it with Ctrl + C (or Cmd + C on Mac), and paste it where you need it with Ctrl + V (or Cmd + V on Mac).

You can also create a text file on your computer with the degree symbol in it, then open that file whenever you need to copy the symbol. Save it somewhere straightforward to find, like your Desktop or Documents folder. This takes longer the first time but requires no memorization.

When the shortcut does not work

Some programs and websites block keyboard shortcuts or do not recognize Alt codes. If your shortcut produces nothing, try the copy-and-paste method instead — it works almost everywhere. If you are in a web form that seems to reject the symbol, try typing it in a plain text editor first, then copying it into the form.

Occasionally a program uses a different keyboard layout than you expect. If you are on Windows and the Alt code does not work, check that your keyboard layout is set to US English in your language settings. On Mac, confirm you are using the US keyboard layout in System Settings under Keyboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. On iPhone, hold down the 0 (zero) key on the number pad and a menu appears with the degree symbol as an option. On Android, the method varies by keyboard app, but most show the symbol if you long-press the 0 key or access the symbols menu.

Why does Alt + 0176 not work on my laptop?

Laptops often require you to hold Fn (function key) while typing the numbers on the numeric keypad, which is usually overlaid on the letter keys. Check your keyboard manual or try the Character Map method instead, which works on all Windows machines.

Is there a way to make the degree symbol appear automatically when I type something?

Yes. On Mac, use Text Replacement in Keyboard settings to expand a short code into the symbol. On Windows, you can use AutoCorrect in Microsoft Word to replace a code with the symbol, though this only works in Word and not other programs.

What if I need to type many degree symbols in a document?

The fastest approach is to type one degree symbol, copy it, then paste it repeatedly. Alternatively, set up an auto-replace shortcut in your program (Word, Google Docs, etc.) so a short code expands to the symbol each time you type it.

Does the degree symbol look different on different computers?

The symbol is the same across all systems, but the font you are using may make it appear slightly larger or smaller. If it looks wrong, check that you are using a standard font like Arial or Times New Roman rather than a specialty font that may not include the symbol.