The fastest way to type a degree symbol

The simplest method is to hold Alt and type 0176 on your numeric keypad, then release Alt. The degree symbol (°) appears when ready. This works in Microsoft Word on Windows machines with a full keyboard that has a separate numeric pad on the right side.

If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad — common on laptops and compact keyboards — this method will not work. Read the section below for your keyboard type instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users with a numeric keypad can type Alt+0176 to insert a degree symbol in one keystroke.
  • Mac users should press Shift+Option+8 to type the degree symbol without opening any menus.
  • Laptop and compact keyboard users on Windows can insert the symbol through Word's Insert menu instead of using a keyboard shortcut.
  • Once you insert a degree symbol, you can copy it and paste it repeatedly rather than typing the code each time.
  • You can create a custom keyboard shortcut in Word so any method works the same way every time you need it.

How to insert a degree symbol on a Mac

On a Mac keyboard, hold Shift and Option together, then press 8. Release all three keys and the degree symbol appears. This works the same way in Word, Google Docs, email, and any other text field on your Mac.

The numeric keypad shortcut (Alt+0176) does not work on Mac. If you are switching from Windows to Mac, the Shift+Option+8 combination is the equivalent method to memorize.

Using Word's Insert menu on Windows laptops

If your keyboard lacks a numeric keypad, open the Insert tab at the top of Word. Click Symbol on the right side of the ribbon. A dropdown menu appears with two options: click More Symbols at the bottom.

A dialog box titled "Symbol" opens. In the font dropdown at the top left, make sure Wingdings is selected. Scroll down the large grid of symbols until you find the degree symbol (°), click it once to highlight it, then click the Insert button. Close the dialog when finished.

This method takes longer than a keyboard shortcut, but it works on any Windows machine regardless of keyboard layout. Once you insert the symbol this way, you can copy it from your document and paste it the next time you need it, which is faster than opening the menu again.

Creating a custom shortcut in Word

If you type degree symbols often, you can set up a custom keyboard shortcut so you do not have to remember Alt+0176 or navigate menus. Open the Insert menu, click Symbol, then More Symbols. Find and click the degree symbol to highlight it.

At the bottom of the Symbol dialog, you will see a button labeled Shortcut Key. Click it. A second dialog appears asking you to press the keys you want to use. Type your chosen combination — for example, Ctrl+Shift+D — and click Assign. From that point forward, pressing your custom shortcut in Word inserts the degree symbol.

Custom shortcuts only work in Word, not in other programs. If you need the symbol in email or other applications, the Alt+0176 method (Windows) or Shift+Option+8 (Mac) remains faster because it works everywhere.

Copying and pasting a degree symbol you already have

The fastest method if you have already typed a degree symbol once is to find it in your document, highlight it by clicking and dragging, and press Ctrl+C (Windows) or Command+C (Mac) to copy. Then click where you need the next symbol and press Ctrl+V (Windows) or Command+V (Mac) to paste.

This avoids typing codes or opening menus. If you work with degree symbols regularly, keep one in a blank document you can open quickly, copy from it, and paste into your work. This is especially useful if your keyboard does not support the Alt+0176 shortcut.

Using AutoCorrect to type a degree symbol automatically

Word can replace a short text string with a degree symbol every time you type it. Open File, click Options, then select Proofing from the left menu. Click AutoCorrect Options.

In the AutoCorrect dialog, type a short code in the Replace:deg or deg:. Click in the With field and paste a degree symbol there (copy one from your document first, or use Alt+0176 or Shift+Option+8 to type it). Click Add, then OK.

Now whenever you type :deg followed by a space or punctuation, Word replaces it with °. Choose a code that is unlikely to appear in your normal writing so Word does not replace it by accident. This method works across all your Word documents once you set it up.

Troubleshooting when the Alt code does not work

The Alt+0176 shortcut fails on Windows when you are using the number keys across the top of the keyboard instead of the numeric keypad. The numeric keypad is the separate block of number keys on the right side of full-size keyboards. Laptop keyboards and compact keyboards do not have this separate pad, so the shortcut cannot work on them.

If you have a full keyboard but the shortcut still does not work, check that Num Lock is turned on. A light on your keyboard indicates this, usually near the numeric keypad. If Num Lock is off, press the Num Lock key once to turn it on, then try Alt+0176 again.

On Mac, if Shift+Option+8 does not produce a degree symbol, your keyboard layout may be set to a non-English language. Check your System Preferences under Keyboard and Language to confirm your layout is set correctly for your region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I type a degree symbol in Google Docs the same way as Word?

Yes. The Alt+0176 shortcut (Windows) and Shift+Option+8 (Mac) work in Google Docs, Gmail, and most other text fields online. The Insert menu method only works in Microsoft Word, not in Google Docs or other programs.

What if I need to type Celsius or Fahrenheit with the degree symbol?

Type the number, insert the degree symbol using any method above, then type the letter C or F when ready after. For example: 72°F or 22°C. Word does not have a special combined character for temperature — you always type the degree symbol and letter separately.

Is there a way to type a degree symbol on a phone or tablet?

On most phones, hold down the zero key (0) on the number pad until a menu appears showing the degree symbol, then tap it. On tablets with Word installed, use the Insert menu the same way as on a computer. The keyboard shortcut methods do not work on mobile devices.

Why does my degree symbol look different from other people's?

The appearance depends on the font you are using. Some fonts display the degree symbol as a small raised circle, while others show it slightly larger or in a different position. The symbol itself is the same; only the visual style changes. If it looks wrong, change the font of that character to match the rest of your text.

Can I set up the same custom shortcut across all my Microsoft Office programs?

Custom shortcuts created in Word only work in Word. If you need the same shortcut in Excel or PowerPoint, you must set it up separately in each program using the same steps. The Alt+0176 and Shift+Option+8 methods work in all Office programs without extra setup.