The degree symbol (°) on Windows, Mac, and Linux

The degree symbol does not have its own key on most keyboards, so you need to use a keyboard shortcut or a special input method. The method you use depends on your operating system and what program you are typing in.

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of your keyboard), then release Alt. The symbol appears when ready. This works in most programs — Word, email, browsers, spreadsheets. If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, you can use the Num Lock key to enable the number pad on the right side of your letter keys, or use the Character Map program instead.

On Mac, hold Shift and Option together, then press 8. Release all keys. The degree symbol appears. This shortcut works in nearly every Mac program without exception.

On Linux, the method varies by desktop environment. In most Linux distributions, hold Ctrl and Shift together, then type U and 00B0, then press Space or Enter. If that does not work, open your system's Character Map or Input Method settings and search for "degree sign" to insert it directly.

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, type U00B0, then press Space to insert the degree symbol.
  • If your keyboard lacks a numeric keypad, use Windows Character Map to copy and paste the degree symbol instead.
  • The degree symbol works in email, word processors, spreadsheets, and web forms on all operating systems.

Using Character Map on Windows when you have no numeric keypad

If your keyboard is a laptop keyboard or a compact external keyboard without a numeric keypad, the Alt + 0176 method will not work. Instead, open the Character Map program by typing "Character Map" into your Windows search box and pressing Enter.

In the Character Map window, type "degree" in the search box at the bottom. The degree symbol (°) appears in the list. Click on it once to select it, then click the Copy button. Go back to your document or email and paste it using Ctrl + V. You can copy multiple degree symbols at once and paste them wherever you need them.

Many people keep a text file with commonly used symbols saved on their desktop so they can copy and paste without opening Character Map each time. This is faster than the keyboard shortcut if you type the degree symbol often.

Using the degree symbol in specific programs

Microsoft Word and Google Docs both have symbol insertion menus. In Word, go to Insert > Symbol > More Symbols, search for "degree", and click Insert. In Google Docs, go to Insert > Special characters, type "degree" in the search box, and click the symbol to insert it. These methods work even if your keyboard shortcut is not working for some reason.

Spreadsheets like Excel and Google Sheets accept the degree symbol the same way as Word does. You can also use the keyboard shortcut (Alt + 0176 on Windows, Shift + Option + 8 on Mac) directly in a cell. The symbol will display and print normally.

Email programs including Outlook, Gmail, and Apple Mail all accept the degree symbol through keyboard shortcuts or copy-paste. If you are typing a temperature or angle measurement in an email, use whichever method is fastest for you — the symbol will send and display correctly on the recipient's end.

Web forms and text fields in browsers accept the degree symbol, though some older forms may have character restrictions. If a form rejects the symbol, try copying it from Character Map or using the keyboard shortcut again. If it still does not work, the form itself may not support special characters.

Why the degree symbol matters for different work

If you work in science, engineering, weather reporting, or manufacturing, you will type the degree symbol regularly. Using the correct symbol (°) instead of a lowercase letter o or the letter O makes your documents look professional and ensures that data is read correctly by other programs and devices.

Some software that reads temperature data, angle measurements, or geographic coordinates expects the actual degree symbol character, not a substitute. Using the real symbol prevents errors when your data moves between programs or gets imported into databases.

Storing the degree symbol for quick access

If you type the degree symbol many times per day, create a keyboard shortcut or text expansion in your operating system. On Windows, you can use AutoHotkey (a free program) to assign a custom shortcut like Ctrl + Alt + D to insert the degree symbol automatically. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text and create a text replacement that turns a short code (like ":deg") into the degree symbol.

In Google Docs, you can create a custom keyboard shortcut by going to Tools > Preferences and assigning a key combination to insert the degree symbol. This saves time if you are writing reports or data sheets that use the symbol repeatedly.

Troubleshooting when the degree symbol does not appear

If you type the keyboard shortcut and nothing happens, check that Num Lock is on (on Windows with Alt + 0176). The Num Lock key is usually in the upper left of the numeric keypad and has a light that shows when it is active. If Num Lock is off, the number pad acts as arrow keys instead, and the shortcut will not work.

If you are on Mac and Shift + Option + 8 does not work, check that you are using the correct keys. Some external keyboards have different key layouts. Try using the Character Map method instead: open Spotlight (Command + Space), type "Character Viewer", and search for "degree" to insert it directly.

If the symbol appears as a box or a question mark, your program or font does not support the degree symbol. This is rare with modern software, but if it happens, try copying the symbol from a working program and pasting it into the one that is not working. If that fails, the program may need an update.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a regular O or o instead of the degree symbol?

Visually, it looks similar on screen, but the degree symbol is a different character. If your data gets imported into scientific software, a database, or a calculator, using the letter O instead of the degree symbol (°) can cause errors. Use the real symbol when the measurement matters.

Does the degree symbol work in all fonts?

The degree symbol works in virtually all modern fonts. Very old or decorative fonts might not include it, but standard fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri, and Helvetica all have the degree symbol. If you see a box or question mark, try changing the font.

What if I need to type the degree symbol on a phone or tablet?

On iPhone and iPad, hold down the 0 (zero) key on the number row and the degree symbol appears as an option. On Android, open the number pad, long-press the 0 key, and select the degree symbol from the menu. On some Android keyboards, you may need to access the symbols panel and search for it.

Is there a difference between the degree symbol and the ring above character?

Yes. The degree symbol (°) is U+00B0. The ring above (˚) is a different character used in some languages. For temperatures and angles, always use the degree symbol. Most keyboards and programs make this distinction clear in their symbol menus.

Can I create a keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol on Windows without extra software?

Windows does not have a built-in way to create custom keyboard shortcuts for symbols without using third-party software like AutoHotkey. The easiest built-in method is to use Alt + 0176 on the numeric keypad, or to save the symbol in a text file and copy it when needed.