The fastest way: type the degree symbol directly
The quickest method depends on your keyboard. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, hold Shift + Option and press 8. The degree symbol (°) appears in the cell where your cursor is.
This works in any cell, whether you are entering a temperature, an angle measurement, or a coordinate. The symbol inserts exactly where you type it, so you can put it after a number (98°) or use it alone. If your laptop has no numeric keypad, the Windows Alt code will not work — use one of the methods below instead.
Key Takeaways
- Windows users can type Alt + 0176 on the numeric keypad; Mac users hold Shift + Option and press 8.
- The Insert menu method works on any device: go to Insert > Special Character, search for "degree", and click Insert.
- You can create a custom keyboard shortcut in Excel to type the degree symbol faster than any other method.
- Once you insert the symbol once, you can copy it and paste it into other cells to avoid retyping the code.
Using the Insert menu when keyboard codes do not work
If you are on a laptop without a numeric keypad or the Alt code does not work, use Excel's built-in character menu. Click the cell where you want the symbol, then go to the Insert tab at the top. Click Special Character (or Symbol in older versions of Excel).
A dialog box opens. Type "degree" in the search field. The degree symbol appears in the results. Click it once to select it, then click the Insert button. The symbol appears in your cell. Close the dialog when you are done. This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works on any computer, and you only need to do it once per spreadsheet if you copy and paste the symbol afterward.
Copy and paste the symbol to save time
Once you have inserted the degree symbol anywhere in your spreadsheet, you can reuse it. Click the cell containing the symbol, copy it (Ctrl + C on Windows, Command + C on Mac), then click the cell where you want it and paste (Ctrl + V or Command + V). This is faster than typing the Alt code or opening the Insert menu every time.
You can also keep a single degree symbol in a blank cell at the edge of your spreadsheet as a reference. Whenever you need it, copy from that cell. This is especially useful if you work with temperature data, geographic coordinates, or angle measurements regularly.
Create a custom keyboard shortcut for repeated use
If you insert the degree symbol often, set up a custom shortcut. Go to File > Options (Windows) or Excel > Preferences (Mac). Look for Proofing or AutoCorrect Options. Click AutoCorrect.
In the AutoCorrect dialog, find the Replace tab. In the "Replace" field, type a code you will remember (like "deg" or "°°"). In the "With" field, paste or type the degree symbol. Click Add, then OK. Now whenever you type your code and press Space or Enter, Excel replaces it with the degree symbol automatically. You can set up multiple shortcuts this way — for example, "temp" could auto-replace with "°C" or "°F".
Entering the symbol as part of a formula or number
The degree symbol works inside formulas and in cells with numbers. If you are building a temperature column, you can type =A1&"°" to combine a number in cell A1 with the degree symbol. The ampersand (&) joins text and numbers together. This is useful when you have raw data in one column and want to add the symbol in another without editing each cell individually.
You can also use this method to create a formula that adds the symbol to a range of cells at once. For example, if column A contains temperatures, you can create a formula in column B that adds the degree symbol to each one, then copy the formula down. This saves time when you are working with large datasets.
Troubleshooting when the symbol does not appear
If the degree symbol does not show up after you type the Alt code, make sure you are using the numeric keypad, not the number row at the top of the keyboard. The number row will not work. Also check that Num Lock is on — a light on your keyboard usually indicates this. If Num Lock is off, the Alt code will not register.
On Mac, if Shift + Option + 8 does not work, your keyboard layout may be different. Try going to System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources and checking which layout is active. If you are using a non-English layout, the key combination may differ. In that case, the Insert menu method is more reliable.
If the symbol appears as a box or a question mark, your font may not support the degree character. Try changing the cell font to Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman — these fonts include the symbol. Right-click the cell, choose Format Cells, click the Font tab, and pick a different font from the list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I insert a degree symbol in a cell that already has text or numbers?
Yes. Click the cell, then double-click it to enter edit mode. Position your cursor where you want the symbol (after a number, for example) and use any of the methods above — the Alt code, the Insert menu, or a paste. The symbol inserts at the cursor position.
Will the degree symbol print correctly if I print my spreadsheet?
Yes, as long as your printer and the font you chose both support the character. Arial, Calibri, and Times New Roman print the degree symbol on any standard printer. If you are printing to PDF, the symbol will also appear correctly in the PDF file.
What is the difference between the degree symbol and the superscript zero?
The degree symbol (°) is a single character designed for temperatures and angles. A superscript zero is a regular zero made smaller and raised. They look similar but are different characters. Use the degree symbol for actual measurements — it is the correct choice and looks more professional.
Can I use the degree symbol in Excel formulas or calculations?
The degree symbol is a text character, not a number, so it does not affect calculations. If you have a formula that adds or multiplies numbers, the symbol can sit next to the number without breaking the math. For example, =A1+B1&"°" adds the values in A1 and B1, then attaches the symbol to the result.