The degree sign (°) is on your keyboard, but the path to it depends on your operating system

The degree symbol does not have its own dedicated key on most keyboards. Instead, you reach it through a keyboard shortcut, a character menu, or by typing a code. The fastest method depends on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux, and what program you are typing in. Once you know your system's shortcut, you can insert the ° symbol as quickly as any other character.

You will encounter the degree symbol when writing temperatures, angles, coordinates, or compass directions. Knowing the quickest path on your device saves time if you type it regularly, and understanding the fallback methods means you can always find it even on an unfamiliar computer.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad to produce the degree symbol.
  • On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol in any program.
  • In Google Docs, Sheets, and other web programs, use Insert > Special Characters and search for "degree" to find and insert the symbol.
  • Some programs like Microsoft Word have their own Insert menu for symbols, which works across Windows and Mac.
  • If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, you may need to enable Num Lock or use your operating system's character map instead.

Windows: Using the Alt Code

On Windows, the most direct method is the Alt code. Hold down the Alt key on your keyboard, then type 0176 using the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard. Release Alt, and the degree symbol appears. This works in almost every Windows program — email, word processors, spreadsheets, browsers, and text editors.

The numeric keypad is essential for this method. If your keyboard does not have one (common on laptops), enable Num Lock by pressing the Num Lock key, then use the numbers embedded in your letter keys. On some laptops, you may need to hold Fn while typing the numbers. If Num Lock is on, the embedded number keys will work for the Alt code instead of typing letters.

If the Alt code does not work, your program may not support it, or Num Lock may be off. Check the Num Lock indicator light on your keyboard. If you still cannot get it to work, use the Character Map program instead: press Windows Key + R, type charmap, and search for "degree" in the window that opens. Click the degree symbol, then click Copy and paste it where you need it.

Mac: Using the Keyboard Shortcut

On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol. This shortcut works in any program — Mail, Pages, Google Docs, browsers, and text editors. It is faster than the Windows Alt code because you do not need to remember a number sequence.

If the shortcut does not work, check that you are using the correct keys. Option is the key also labeled Alt on some Mac keyboards. Make sure Shift and Option are both held down while you press 8. If you still have trouble, you can use the Character Viewer instead: press Control + Command + Space, search for "degree," and double-click the symbol to insert it.

Google Docs, Sheets, and Other Web Programs

In Google Docs and Google Sheets, the easiest method is the Insert menu. Click Insert in the menu bar, then select Special Characters. A search box appears. Type "degree" and the degree symbol shows up when ready. Click it to insert it at your cursor.

This method works in any web browser on any operating system, so it is useful if you forget the keyboard shortcut or are on an unfamiliar computer. The same Insert > Special Characters path works in many other web-based programs and online editors. If your program does not have an Insert menu, try right-clicking where you want the symbol and look for a "Special Characters" or "Symbols" option.

Microsoft Word and Other Office Programs

In Microsoft Word on both Windows and Mac, click Insert in the menu bar, then select Symbol. A window opens showing available symbols. Look for the degree symbol in the list, or type 00B0 in the Character Code field at the bottom to jump directly to it. Click Insert, then close the window.

This method also works in Excel and PowerPoint. If you use these programs frequently, you can set up an AutoCorrect entry so that typing a specific shortcut (like "deg") automatically replaces it with the degree symbol. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options, then add your custom shortcut.

Linux: Using the Compose Key or Character Code

On Linux, the method depends on your desktop environment and keyboard settings. Many Linux systems support the Compose key. If your system has one enabled, press Compose, then o, then o (the letter o twice) to produce the degree symbol. Some systems use a different key combination — check your system settings under Keyboard or Input Method.

If Compose is not set up, use Ctrl + Shift + U, then type 00b0, then press Space or Enter. This Unicode input method works in most Linux programs. If neither method works, open the Character Map process (often called Gucharmap) and search for "degree," then copy and paste the symbol where you need it.

When You Need the Degree Symbol Repeatedly

If you type the degree symbol often — for temperature readings, angles, or coordinates — set up a faster method. In Windows, you can create a text expansion tool using AutoHotkey, a free program that lets you define custom shortcuts. For example, you could set it so that typing "deg" automatically becomes °.

On Mac, you can do the same with the built-in Text Replacements feature. Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text, then add a new entry where the Replace field is "deg" and the With field is the degree symbol (paste it from Character Viewer). Now whenever you type "deg" followed by a space, it automatically becomes °.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Laptops often lack a dedicated numeric keypad. Enable Num Lock (usually Fn + Num Lock), then use the embedded number keys. On some laptops, you may need to hold Fn while typing the numbers. If this still does not work, use the Character Map program instead by pressing Windows Key + R and typing charmap.

Can I copy and paste the degree symbol from somewhere?

Yes. You can copy the ° symbol from this article or from any web page and paste it into your document. This works on any device and any program, though it is slower than using a keyboard shortcut if you need the symbol often.

Is the degree symbol the same in Celsius and Fahrenheit?

Yes, the ° symbol is the same for both temperature scales. You type it the same way regardless of whether you are writing 25°C or 77°F. The symbol itself has no built-in meaning — it just indicates degrees.

What if I need a superscript zero instead of a degree symbol?

A superscript zero (⁰) and a degree symbol (°) look similar but are different characters. If your program requires a superscript zero, select the zero and use Format > Text > Superscript (or the equivalent in your program). The degree symbol is usually what you want for temperature and angles.