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

The degree symbol does not have its own key on most keyboards, so you need a keyboard shortcut or a character menu. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, hold Shift + Option and press 8. On Linux, hold Ctrl + Shift and type 00b0, then press Space. Each method works in almost any program — email, documents, spreadsheets, web forms.

If you use the degree symbol often, you can also set up a text replacement so that typing a short code (like "deg") automatically expands to °. This saves time if you write about temperature, angles, or geographic coordinates regularly.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad to produce the degree symbol.
  • Mac users hold Shift + Option and press 8 to type the degree symbol.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl + Shift, type 00b0, and press Space to insert the degree symbol.
  • Text replacement shortcuts let you type a short code that expands to the degree symbol automatically, which is faster if you use it regularly.

Windows: Alt code method

The numeric keypad is the row of number keys on the right side of most full-size keyboards. If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad — common on laptops and compact keyboards — you can use the Character Map process instead (search for "Character Map" in the Windows Start menu), find the degree symbol, click it, click Copy, and paste it where you need it.

The Alt code 0176 works in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, email clients, web browsers, and most other programs. Hold Alt down the entire time you type the numbers, then release. If nothing appears, make sure Num Lock is on (a light on the keyboard usually indicates this).

Mac: Shift + Option + 8

This shortcut works in any Mac process — Mail, Pages, Google Docs, web forms, text editors. Hold Shift and Option at the same time, then press 8. The degree symbol appears when ready. If you are using a Mac keyboard without a numeric keypad, this is your main method.

If the shortcut does not work, check that you are holding both Shift and Option. Some third-party keyboards or non-English keyboard layouts may map these keys differently, so test it in a straightforward process like Notes first.

Linux: Ctrl + Shift + U method

Linux uses Unicode input for special characters. Hold Ctrl and Shift, type 00b0 (the Unicode code point for the degree symbol), then press Space or Enter. The symbol appears in place of the code you typed. This works in most Linux applications, including Firefox, text editors, and office software.

If this method does not work, your Linux distribution or desktop environment may have a different input method. Check your system settings under "Input Method" or "Language and Region" to confirm Unicode input is enabled.

Using text replacement to type it faster

If you type the degree symbol multiple times a day, set up a text replacement so that a short code expands to °. On Windows, use AutoHotkey (free, open-source software) to create a hotstring. On Mac, go to System Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacement, click the plus button, type your shortcut in the "Replace" field (for example, "deg"), paste the degree symbol in the "With" field, and click Add.

In Google Docs, you can use Tools > Preferences to set up custom shortcuts. In Microsoft Word, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options, click the "AutoCorrect" tab, type your shortcut in "Replace", paste the degree symbol in "With", and click Add. Once set up, typing "deg" (or whatever code you choose) automatically becomes °.

Copying and pasting from a reference

The simplest method if you only need it once is to copy the degree symbol from this page or any other source and paste it where you need it. Highlight the symbol °, press Ctrl+C (or Cmd+C on Mac), click where you want it, and press Ctrl+V (or Cmd+V on Mac). This works on any device and in any program that accepts pasted text.

Keep a document or note with the degree symbol saved somewhere you can reach it quickly — your phone notes, a bookmark, or a text file on your desktop. When you need it, open that file, copy the symbol, and paste it into your work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Alt + 0176 not work on my Windows laptop?

Laptops often do not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Use the Character Map process instead: search for "Character Map" in the Start menu, find the degree symbol, click it, click Copy, and paste it where you need it. Or enable Num Lock and use the number keys on the right side of your keyboard if your laptop has them.

Can I type the degree symbol on a phone or tablet?

On iPhone, hold the 0 key and swipe to the degree symbol. On Android, open the keyboard, switch to the symbols view (usually marked with ?123), and look for the degree symbol — it may be on a second page of symbols. If you cannot find it, copy and paste from a web search instead.

What if I need the degree symbol in a web form and copy-paste does not work?

Try the keyboard shortcut for your operating system first. If the form blocks pasted text, use the Alt code (Windows), Shift + Option + 8 (Mac), or Ctrl + Shift + U 00b0 (Linux) instead. If none of these work, contact the website's support — the form may have a technical issue.

Is there a keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol on Chromebook?

Chromebooks run Linux, so hold Ctrl + Shift, type 00b0, and press Space. Alternatively, copy the degree symbol from a web page and paste it into your document or form.