The fastest way: Alt code on Windows

On a Windows computer, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of your keyboard), then release Alt. The degree symbol (°) appears when ready. This works in Word, email, web forms, and most other programs.

The numeric keypad is essential — typing 0176 on the regular number row above the letters will not work. If your keyboard does not have a dedicated numeric keypad, you may have a Num Lock key that activates a hidden one. Check your keyboard manual or look for numbers printed in a different color on the right side of your letter keys.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type Alt+0176 on the numeric keypad to insert a degree symbol when ready in Word or any other program.
  • Mac users should press Shift+Option+8 to type the degree symbol without opening any menus.
  • Word's Insert menu offers a Symbol dialog where you can search for the degree symbol by name and insert it, though this is slower than keyboard shortcuts.
  • If you type the degree symbol often, you can create a custom AutoCorrect entry so that typing a short code (like "deg") automatically becomes °.

Mac keyboard shortcut

On a Mac, press Shift+Option+8 simultaneously. The degree symbol appears right where your cursor is. This shortcut works in Word, Google Docs, email, and anywhere else you type on a Mac.

If you forget the shortcut, you can also open Word's Insert menu, select Symbol, search for "degree" in the search box, and click Insert — but the keyboard shortcut is much faster once you use it a few times.

Using Word's Symbol menu

Open the Insert tab at the top of Word. Click Symbol (on the right side of the ribbon), then click More Symbols. A dialog box opens. Type "degree" in the search field at the bottom, and the degree symbol appears in the list. Click it and then click Insert.

This method works on both Windows and Mac, but it requires several clicks and is slower than a keyboard shortcut. It is useful if you cannot remember the shortcut or if you need to find a different symbol at the same time.

Creating an AutoCorrect shortcut

If you type the degree symbol regularly, you can set up Word to insert it automatically when you type a short code. Open File, then Options (Windows) or Preferences (Mac). Look for Proofing, then click AutoCorrect Options.

In the dialog that opens, type a short code in the ReplaceWith field, type or paste the degree symbol (°). Click Add, then OK. Now whenever you type "deg" followed by a space or punctuation, Word automatically replaces it with °.

This approach takes a few minutes to set up but saves time if you use the symbol dozens of times in a document. You can create AutoCorrect entries for any symbol or phrase you type often.

Copying and pasting from another source

If you have already typed the degree symbol somewhere else — in an email, a web page, or another document — you can copy it and paste it into Word. Highlight the symbol, press Ctrl+C (Windows) or Command+C (Mac) to copy, then click in Word where you want it and press Ctrl+V (Windows) or Command+V (Mac) to paste.

This is not the fastest method for a single symbol, but it can be useful if you are working from a template or reference document that already contains the symbol you need.

Why the degree symbol matters for your work

The degree symbol is essential for writing about temperature, angles, coordinates, or academic credentials. Using the actual symbol (°) instead of a lowercase "o" or the letter "O" makes your document look professional and ensures the text is readable on any device or when printed.

If you work in fields like science, engineering, geography, or education, you may type this symbol multiple times per document. Learning the keyboard shortcut or setting up AutoCorrect saves you time and keeps your focus on writing rather than hunting through menus.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You are likely using the number row above the letters instead of the numeric keypad on the right. The Alt code only works with the dedicated numeric keypad. If your keyboard does not have one, try the Symbol menu instead, or check if your keyboard has a Num Lock key that activates a hidden numeric pad.

Can I use the degree symbol in a web form or email?

Yes. The Alt code (Windows) and Shift+Option+8 (Mac) work in most email clients, web browsers, and online forms. If a form rejects the symbol, try copying it from another source and pasting it instead.

What if I need other symbols like copyright or trademark?

Windows has Alt codes for hundreds of symbols — for example, Alt+0169 for copyright (©) and Alt+0153 for trademark (™). Mac uses different shortcuts for each symbol. The Symbol menu in Word lets you search for any symbol by name, which is the easiest way to find one you do not use often.

Does the degree symbol look the same in all fonts?

The symbol looks slightly different depending on the font you are using, but it is always recognizable. Some fonts make it larger or smaller relative to the text, but the shape remains the same. If the symbol looks wrong in your document, check that you inserted the actual degree symbol (°) and not a lowercase "o" or superscript zero.