The fastest way: hold Option and press Shift+8
On a Mac keyboard, the degree symbol (°) appears when you hold the Option key and press Shift+8 at the same time. This is the quickest method if you type the symbol regularly — it works in any process, from email to spreadsheets to word processors.
The key combination is the same whether you use an external keyboard or your Mac's built-in keyboard. If you find yourself using the degree symbol often (for temperature, angles, or coordinates), this shortcut is worth memorizing because it is faster than reaching for the mouse.
Key Takeaways
- Hold Option and press Shift+8 to type the degree symbol on any Mac keyboard in any process.
- If you cannot remember the shortcut, use the Character Viewer by pressing Control+Command+Space, then search for "degree".
- In Microsoft Word, you can type the Unicode value 00B0 and press Option+X to convert it to the degree symbol.
- Some external keyboards may require you to use the Fn key in addition to Option if the number row behaves differently.
Using the Character Viewer when you forget the shortcut
If you do not remember the Option+Shift+8 combination, macOS includes a built-in tool called the Character Viewer. Press Control+Command+Space to open it, then type "degree" in the search box at the top. The degree symbol appears in the results — click it once to insert it into whatever document or field you are working in.
The Character Viewer is slower than the keyboard shortcut, but it is reliable and works everywhere. You can also browse the symbol by category if you prefer — it lives under "Letterlike Symbols" in the organized view. This method is useful if you only need the symbol occasionally and do not want to memorize another key combination.
The Unicode method in Microsoft Word
If you work in Microsoft Word on a Mac, you can use the Unicode input method. Type 00B0 (the Unicode value for the degree symbol), then press Option+X. Word converts the numbers into the degree symbol automatically.
This method only works in Word, not in other applications. It is useful if you type the degree symbol many times in a single document and want a different approach than the standard keyboard shortcut. Some people find it easier to remember a number sequence than a key combination, though most Mac users stick with Option+Shift+8 because it works everywhere.
What to do if your external keyboard does not respond
If you use an external keyboard and the Option+Shift+8 shortcut does not produce the degree symbol, the keyboard may have a different layout or the number row may be remapped. Try pressing Fn+Option+Shift+8 instead — the Fn key tells some external keyboards to treat the number row as actual numbers rather than function keys.
If that does not work, check the keyboard's manual or software to see whether it has a custom layout. Some gaming keyboards and programmable keyboards override the standard Mac shortcuts. In that case, the Character Viewer method (Control+Command+Space) will always work as a backup, since it does not depend on the keyboard layout.
Typing the degree symbol on a Mac laptop versus external keyboard
The Option+Shift+8 shortcut works identically on a Mac laptop keyboard and on most external keyboards connected to a Mac. The difference appears only with specialized external keyboards — mechanical keyboards, gaming keyboards, or keyboards designed for Windows — which may have different key mappings or require the Fn key.
If you switch between a laptop and an external keyboard, test the shortcut on each one. If one of them does not work, the Character Viewer is your reliable fallback. You can also remap keys in System Settings if you use an external keyboard regularly and want to change how it behaves, though that is beyond what most people need to do for a single symbol.
Why the degree symbol matters for your workflow
The degree symbol appears in many types of work: temperature readings, geographic coordinates, angle measurements, and academic writing. Knowing how to type it quickly means you do not have to copy and paste it from another source or interrupt your work to hunt for it in a menu.
If you work with data that includes temperatures or coordinates, or if you write about science or geography, learning the Option+Shift+8 shortcut saves time over weeks and months. For occasional use, the Character Viewer is fast enough. The goal is to pick a method that fits how often you need the symbol and stick with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the degree symbol shortcut work on iPad?
No. iPad uses a different keyboard system. On iPad, hold down the zero key (0) on the on-screen keyboard and a menu appears with the degree symbol as an option. You can also use the Character Viewer equivalent by tapping the emoji button, though it is slower.
Can I add the degree symbol to my Mac's autocorrect?
Yes. Go to System Settings, then Keyboard, then Text Replacement. Click the plus button, type a shortcut (like "deg"), and paste the degree symbol in the replacement field. Now whenever you type "deg" followed by a space, your Mac replaces it with °. This works in most applications except some web browsers.
What if I need the degree symbol in a web form and the shortcut does not work?
Try the Character Viewer method first (Control+Command+Space). If that does not work in the web form, copy the degree symbol from another source — type it in a text editor using Option+Shift+8, copy it, then paste it into the web form. Some older web forms have limited character support, so pasting is more reliable than typing.
Is there a difference between the degree symbol and the ring above character?
Yes, but most people do not notice. The degree symbol (°) is specifically for temperature and angles. The ring above (˚) is a diacritical mark used in some languages. For temperature and coordinates, use Option+Shift+8. If you need the ring above for a language-specific character, the Character Viewer will show you the difference.