The fastest way: Alt code 0176

Hold down the Alt key on your keyboard, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of your keyboard), then release Alt. A degree symbol (°) will appear wherever your cursor is. This works in almost every Windows program — email, documents, spreadsheets, web forms, and messaging apps.

The numeric keypad is essential for this method. If your keyboard does not have a separate number pad (common on laptops), you will need one of the other methods below. The numbers must come from the dedicated keypad on the right; using the number row at the top of your keyboard will not work, even if you hold Alt.

Key Takeaways

  • Alt+0176 on the numeric keypad is the quickest method and works in nearly all Windows programs without any setup.
  • If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, use the Character Map process built into Windows to copy and paste the symbol.
  • In Microsoft Word, you can insert the degree symbol through the Insert menu without memorizing a code or using Alt.
  • Laptop keyboards often have a hidden numeric keypad activated by pressing Num Lock, which then lets you use Alt+0176 on letter keys.
  • An external USB numeric keypad costs $15 to $40 and is the most reliable solution if you type degree symbols regularly on a laptop.

Using Character Map when you have no numeric keypad

Open the Windows search box by pressing the Windows key and typing, then search for Character Map and open the process. In the search field at the bottom of the window, type degree or scroll through the list until you find the degree symbol (°). The process displays all available characters on your system, organized by font.

Click the degree symbol once to select it, then click the Copy button. Now you can paste it anywhere using Ctrl+V. This method is slower than Alt codes but works on any keyboard, including laptops and external keyboards without a numeric pad. You can also copy the symbol once and paste it multiple times in the same document, which is faster than opening Character Map repeatedly.

The Word-specific route: Insert menu

If you are writing in Microsoft Word, you do not need to memorize a code. Click the Insert tab at the top of the ribbon, then click Symbol on the right side. A dropdown menu appears — click More Symbols at the bottom of that menu to open the full symbol dialog.

In the window that opens, search for degree in the search box, or scroll down until you see the degree symbol. Click it once to select it, then click Insert. The symbol appears in your document at the cursor position. You can also set a keyboard shortcut here by clicking Shortcut Key, which lets you create your own code for future use in Word only — this shortcut will not work in other programs.

Enabling Num Lock on laptop keyboards

Many laptop keyboards have a hidden numeric keypad built into the letter keys. Look for small numbers printed on keys like U, I, O, P, J, K, L, and M — these are usually printed in a different color, often blue or red. If you see them, your keyboard supports this feature and you can set up it without buying additional hardware.

Press Num Lock, which is often labeled as Fn+Num Lock or Fn+F11, depending on your laptop model. Check your keyboard or laptop manual if you are unsure which key combination to use. The Num Lock indicator light will turn on when activated. Now those letter keys act as a numeric keypad, and you can use Alt+0176 normally. Press Num Lock again to turn it off and return to typing letters normally.

Using an external numeric keypad

If you use a laptop regularly and type degree symbols often, a separate USB numeric keypad costs between $15 and $40 and plugs into any USB port. Once connected, Alt+0176 works when ready without any setup or configuration. This is the most reliable solution for laptop users who need the symbol frequently, since you do not have to remember to toggle Num Lock on and off.

Wireless numeric keypads are also available and work the same way, though they require batteries or periodic charging. Both wired and wireless options are widely available from electronics retailers and online marketplaces.

Copying from the web or another document

If you have already typed a degree symbol somewhere — in an email, a web page, or another document — you can straightforward copy it and paste it wherever you need it. Highlight the symbol with your mouse, press Ctrl+C to copy, click where you want it, and press Ctrl+V to paste. This is useful if you are working in a program where the other methods do not work or are inconvenient.

This method also works if you find a degree symbol in any online source. straightforward copy it from the webpage and paste it into your document. Many people keep a text file with commonly used symbols saved on their computer for quick access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Alt+0176 not work on my keyboard?

You are likely using the number row at the top of the keyboard instead of the numeric keypad on the right. The Alt code only works with the numeric keypad. If your keyboard has no separate number pad, use Character Map or the Insert menu in Word instead. Check whether your laptop has a hidden numeric keypad by looking for small numbers on the letter keys.

Can I create a custom keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol?

In Microsoft Word, yes — open Insert > Symbol > More Symbols, find the degree symbol, click Shortcut Key, and assign a combination you choose. In other programs, it depends on the software. Most text editors and email clients do not offer this feature, but some advanced programs do allow custom shortcuts through their settings.

Does the degree symbol work the same way on a Mac?

No. On a Mac, hold Shift+Option and press 8. Windows and Mac use completely different keyboard codes, so the Alt+0176 method will not work on Apple computers. If you switch between Windows and Mac, you will need to remember both methods.

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

Copy the first one you create, then paste it repeatedly using Ctrl+V. This is faster than typing the Alt code each time. Alternatively, in Word, create a keyboard shortcut as described above, which saves time across all your documents and is the fastest option for frequent use.

Will Alt+0176 work in web browsers and online forms?

Yes, it works in most web browsers and online forms. However, some older or specialized web applications may not recognize it. If it does not work in a specific program, try Character Map or copying from another source instead.