The fastest way depends on your operating system

The degree symbol (°) is not a dedicated key on any standard 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 whether you are typing in a document, spreadsheet, or web form.

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together and press 8. On Linux, hold Ctrl and Shift, type u, then type 00b0 and press Space or Enter. Each method works in nearly any process — email, word processors, browsers, spreadsheets — without installing anything.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row) to produce the degree symbol.
  • Mac users press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol in any process.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl + Shift, type u, then 00b0, then press Space to insert the degree symbol.
  • If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, Windows offers an on-screen keyboard or Character Map process as alternatives.
  • Some applications like Microsoft Word and Google Docs offer a menu-based Insert Symbol option that does not require memorizing a shortcut.

Windows: Using the numeric keypad shortcut

The numeric keypad is the separate block of number keys on the right side of most full-size keyboards. To type the degree symbol, position your cursor where you want the symbol to appear, then hold down the Alt key. While holding Alt, type 0176 on the numeric keypad using the keys labeled with numbers 0 through 9. Release Alt, and the degree symbol appears.

This method works in Word, Excel, Google Docs, email clients, web browsers, and most other applications. The numeric keypad must be active — if Num Lock is off, the keys will not produce numbers. Check the Num Lock indicator light on your keyboard, or press the Num Lock key to toggle it on.

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad (common on laptops and compact keyboards), use the Character Map process instead. Press the Windows key, type "charmap", and open Character Map. Search for "degree" or scroll to find the ° symbol, click it, click Copy, then paste it where you need it. Alternatively, use the on-screen keyboard: press Windows key, type "osk", open On-Screen Keyboard, and click the degree symbol if visible, or use the Alt+0176 method through the on-screen numeric pad.

Mac: The Shift + Option + 8 shortcut

On Mac keyboards, the degree symbol is accessed through a three-key combination. Position your cursor in the document or field where you want the symbol. Hold Shift and Option (also called Alt) at the same time, then press the 8 key on the number row at the top of the keyboard. Release all three keys, and the degree symbol appears.

This shortcut works in all Mac applications — Mail, Pages, Numbers, Google Docs, web browsers, and text editors. Unlike Windows, you do not need a separate numeric keypad; the number row at the top of the keyboard works fine. If you type the symbol frequently, you can add it to your Mac's text replacement shortcuts: go to System Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacement, click the plus button, type "deg" in the Replace field, paste the ° symbol in the With field, then click Add. After that, typing "deg" will auto-replace with the degree symbol.

Linux: The Ctrl + Shift + U method

Linux systems use a Unicode input method to access special characters. Position your cursor where you want the degree symbol. Hold Ctrl and Shift together and press U. Type 00b0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol), then press Space or Enter. The symbol appears and replaces the code you typed.

This method works in most Linux applications and desktop environments, though some older or specialized applications may not support it. If the Unicode method does not work, your system may use a different input method. Check your desktop environment's settings — GNOME, KDE, and other Linux desktops have their own character input tools accessible through the system menu or by right-clicking in a text field.

Using the Insert menu in Word and Google Docs

If you do not want to memorize a keyboard shortcut, Microsoft Word and Google Docs both offer a menu-based approach. In Microsoft Word, click the Insert tab at the top, then click Symbol (on the right side of the ribbon). A dropdown menu appears; click More Symbols. In the window that opens, type "00b0" in the Character Code field at the bottom, or scroll through the list to find the degree symbol. Click it, then click Insert, then Close.

In Google Docs, click Insert at the top, then Special Characters. A panel opens on the right. Type "degree" in the search box, and the degree symbol appears. Click it to insert it into your document. This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but requires no memorization and works the same way every time.

When you need the symbol repeatedly

If you type the degree symbol often — for temperature readings, angles, coordinates, or scientific notation — storing it as a quick-access item saves time. In Word, after you insert the degree symbol once using Insert > Symbol, it appears in the Recently Used section at the top of the Symbol menu, so you can insert it with one click instead of searching again.

On Mac, the text replacement method mentioned earlier (typing "deg" to auto-expand to °) is the fastest approach for frequent use. On Windows, you can create a text replacement in many applications: in Word, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options, then add an entry that replaces a short code like "(deg)" with the degree symbol. On Linux, your input method settings may offer similar customization depending on your desktop environment.

Copying and pasting from another source

The simplest method if you have no keyboard shortcut memorized is to copy the degree symbol from somewhere else. Type the symbol into a search engine, find it in the results, select it, copy it (Ctrl+C on Windows or Linux, Command+C on Mac), then paste it (Ctrl+V or Command+V) wherever you need it. Keep a text file with the symbol saved on your computer so you can copy from it anytime without searching.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works on any device, in any process, and requires no special knowledge. It is useful as a backup if you forget the shortcut or are using an unfamiliar computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Laptops often lack a dedicated numeric keypad. Use the Character Map process instead: press Windows key, type "charmap", open it, search for "degree", click the symbol, click Copy, then paste it where you need it. Alternatively, enable Num Lock and use the number keys on the right side of your keyboard if your laptop has them.

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

On iPhone, hold down the 0 (zero) key and select the degree symbol from the popup menu. On Android, the method varies by keyboard app; try holding the 0 key, or access the symbol through the keyboard's special characters menu. On both, copying and pasting from a web search is often faster.

Is there a difference between the degree symbol and the superscript o?

Yes. The degree symbol (°) is a single character designed for temperature and angles. A superscript o is the letter o made smaller and raised, which looks similar but is technically different. Use the degree symbol for scientific and technical writing; superscript o is rarely correct.

How do I type the degree symbol in Excel or Google Sheets?

The keyboard shortcuts work the same way in spreadsheets as in documents. On Windows, use Alt+0176. On Mac, use Shift+Option+8. On Linux, use Ctrl+Shift+U, then 00b0. You can also use Insert > Special Characters in Google Sheets, or Insert > Symbol in Excel.

What if I need both the degree symbol and a letter, like °C or °F?

Type the degree symbol using your keyboard shortcut, then when ready type the letter. For example, on Mac, press Shift+Option+8 to insert °, then type C or F. The symbol and letter appear together as one unit in the cell or document.