The fastest way depends on your operating system

The degree symbol (°) is not a key on your keyboard, but you can type it in seconds using a keyboard shortcut. The method changes depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux, and the shortcut is different again if you are using a phone or tablet.

You do not need to install anything or switch keyboards. Every method here works with the keyboard you already have — you are just telling your device to display a character that exists in its character set but has no dedicated key.

Pick the section that matches your device and follow the exact steps. The shortcuts are short enough to memorize after a few uses.

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, hold Ctrl + Shift and type U, then 00B0, then press Space or Enter.
  • On iPhone and iPad, hold down the zero key in the number pad and swipe to the degree symbol.
  • On Android, long-press the zero key in the number pad to see the degree symbol option.

Windows: Using the Alt code

On Windows, the degree symbol uses an Alt code — a number combination that produces a specific character. The code for the degree symbol is 0176.

Here is the exact sequence: First, make sure Num Lock is on (you should see a light on your keyboard or a Num Lock indicator on your screen). Position your cursor where you want the degree symbol to appear. Hold down the Alt key on the left side of your keyboard. While holding Alt, type 0176 on the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard — not the number row at the top. Release Alt. The degree symbol appears.

The numeric keypad is essential. If you have a laptop without a dedicated numeric keypad, you may have a Fn key that activates number keys as a secondary function. Check your keyboard manual or look for small numbers printed on the letter keys. If your laptop has no numeric keypad at all, use the Character Map method instead: press Windows key + R, type charmap, press Enter, search for degree, double-click it, click Copy, then paste it where you need it.

Mac: Using the Option key shortcut

On Mac, the degree symbol shortcut is Shift + Option + 8. This works in any program — email, documents, web browsers, text editors.

Position your cursor where you want the degree symbol. Press and hold Shift, then press and hold Option (also called Alt on some Mac keyboards), then press 8. Release all three keys at once. The degree symbol appears when ready.

If this does not work, check that you are using the correct Option key. Mac keyboards have Option on both sides; either one works. If you still see nothing, your keyboard layout may be set to something other than U.S. English. Go to System Preferences, click Keyboard, click Input Sources, and make sure U.S. is selected.

Linux: Using the Compose key or Ctrl + Shift + U

On Linux, the most reliable method is Ctrl + Shift + U followed by the Unicode code point for the degree symbol.

Position your cursor where you want the symbol. Press and hold Ctrl and Shift together, then type the letter U (uppercase or lowercase). You should see a small u with an underline appear on screen. Type 00B0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol). Press Space or Enter. The degree symbol appears and the underlined u disappears.

Some Linux systems also support a Compose key, which varies by distribution. If Ctrl + Shift + U does not work, check your system settings for Compose key configuration. Alternatively, you can copy and paste the degree symbol from any web page or document that contains it.

iPhone and iPad: Using the number pad

On iPhone and iPad, the degree symbol is hidden on the zero key in the number pad.

Open any app where you can type — Notes, Mail, Messages, or a web form. Tap the number pad to show the numbers. Long-press (press and hold) the 0 key. A small menu appears showing the degree symbol and a few other variants. Slide your finger to the degree symbol and release. The symbol is inserted at your cursor.

If the menu does not appear, make sure you are pressing and holding, not just tapping. The hold needs to last about one second before the menu shows.

Android: Long-pressing the zero key

On Android, the degree symbol is also on the zero key, accessed the same way as iPhone.

Open any app where you can type. Tap the number pad to show the numbers. Long-press the 0 key until a menu appears. Tap the degree symbol from the menu. The symbol is inserted at your cursor.

If your keyboard app does not show the degree symbol on the zero key, you may be using a third-party keyboard app. Try switching to the default Android keyboard: go to Settings, tap System, tap Languages and input, tap On-screen keyboard, and select the default option. Then try the long-press again.

Copy and paste as a backup method

If none of the above shortcuts work on your device, you can always copy and paste the degree symbol from another source.

Find a degree symbol anywhere online — in a web page, a document, or even in this article. Select it, copy it (Ctrl + C on Windows or Linux, Command + C on Mac), then paste it into your document (Ctrl + V or Command + V). This takes slightly longer than a keyboard shortcut but works on any device with a keyboard and internet access.

You can also save the degree symbol in a text file on your computer and paste from there whenever you need it. Some people keep a small document open just for frequently used symbols.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Alt code not work on my Windows laptop?

The Alt code requires a numeric keypad, which many laptops do not have. If your laptop has no dedicated numeric keypad, use the Character Map method instead: press Windows key + R, type charmap, press Enter, search for degree, double-click the result, click Copy, then paste it where you need it.

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

Yes. On Windows, you can use AutoHotkey to create a custom shortcut. On Mac, go to System Preferences, Keyboard, Text, and add a new text replacement that converts a short phrase (like "deg") into the degree symbol. On Linux, this depends on your desktop environment and keyboard settings.

What is the difference between the degree symbol and the superscript zero?

The degree symbol (°) is a standalone character used for temperature and angles. The superscript zero (⁰) is a smaller zero raised above the line, used in some mathematical or chemical notations. They look similar but are different characters. Use the methods in this article for the degree symbol.

Does the degree symbol work in all programs?

Yes. The degree symbol is a standard character that works in email, web browsers, word processors, spreadsheets, text editors, and any other program that accepts typed text. It may display slightly differently depending on the font, but it will always be recognized and print correctly.

Can I type the degree symbol on a phone keyboard without switching to the number pad?

Not with a standard keyboard. You must switch to the number pad and long-press the zero key. Some third-party keyboard apps may offer a symbols menu where you can find it without switching pads, but the number pad method is the fastest on standard keyboards.