The fastest way to type a degree symbol depends on your device

The degree symbol (°) does not have its own key on most keyboards, but you can insert it in seconds using a keyboard shortcut, a menu, or a copy-paste method. The fastest route varies by whether you use Windows, Mac, or a web browser. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together and press 8. In a web browser or document where shortcuts do not work, you can copy the symbol from this page and paste it where you need it.

The method you choose depends on how often you need the symbol and whether your keyboard has a numeric keypad. If you type degree symbols regularly — for temperature readings, angles, or coordinates — a keyboard shortcut is fastest once you memorize it. If you need it only occasionally, copying and pasting takes the same amount of time and requires no memorization.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, press Alt + 0176 using the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard to insert a degree symbol.
  • On Mac, hold Shift + Option and press 8 to type the degree symbol without a numeric keypad.
  • In Google Docs, Word, or most web forms, you can copy the ° symbol from any webpage and paste it directly into your text.
  • If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, the copy-paste method works on any device and any program.
  • Some programs like Microsoft Word offer a symbol menu where you can search for and insert the degree symbol by name.

Windows: Using Alt codes with the numeric keypad

On Windows, the numeric keypad is the set of number keys on the far right of your keyboard, separate from the main typing area. To insert a degree symbol, hold down the Alt key and type 0176 on this numeric keypad, then release Alt. The symbol appears when ready where your cursor is positioned.

This method works in almost every Windows program — email, word processors, web browsers, spreadsheets, and text editors. The numeric keypad must be active; if the Num Lock light on your keyboard is off, press the Num Lock key once to turn it on, then try the shortcut again. If your keyboard has no separate numeric keypad (common on laptops), you may need to use the Fn key plus the number row, or use the copy-paste method instead.

Mac: Using the Option key shortcut

On Mac, hold Shift and Option together and press 8. This is faster than Windows because you do not need a separate numeric keypad. The degree symbol appears when ready in your document, email, or web form.

This shortcut works in nearly all Mac programs, including Safari, Mail, Pages, and Google Docs. If the symbol does not appear, make sure you are holding both Shift and Option at the same time — holding only Option will produce a different character. The shortcut is the same whether you use an Apple keyboard, a third-party keyboard, or a laptop keyboard.

Chromebook and Linux: Copy and paste from the web

Chromebooks and Linux machines do not have a standard keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol. The fastest method is to copy the symbol from any webpage and paste it into your document. You can copy the degree symbol ° from this page: highlight it, press Ctrl + C, then click where you want it in your document and press Ctrl + V.

Alternatively, you can search "degree symbol" in your web browser, copy it from the search results, and paste it into your work. This method takes about the same time as a keyboard shortcut and works on any device, any program, and any keyboard layout.

Microsoft Word and Google Docs: Using the symbol menu

In Microsoft Word, click the Insert menu at the top, then select Symbol. A window opens showing many special characters. Type "degree" in the search box, and the degree symbol appears in the results. Click it and then click Insert. The symbol is added to your document at the cursor position.

In Google Docs, the process is similar: click Insert, then Special Characters. A search box appears on the right side of the screen. Type "degree" and the symbol shows up. Click it to insert it into your document. This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works if you forget the shortcut or use a device where the shortcut does not function.

Web browsers and online forms: Copy and paste

If you are filling out a form in a web browser and the keyboard shortcut does not work, copy the degree symbol from this page and paste it directly into the form field. Highlight the ° symbol, press Ctrl + C (or Cmd + C on Mac), click in the form field, and press Ctrl + V (or Cmd + V on Mac). The symbol appears in the field exactly as it would if you had typed it.

This method works in every web browser and every online form, regardless of what device you use or what keyboard you have. It is also useful if you need to insert the symbol multiple times in the same document — copy it once, then paste it as many times as needed.

Troubleshooting when the shortcut does not work

If Alt + 0176 does not work on Windows, check that Num Lock is on. The Num Lock key is usually in the upper left corner of the numeric keypad. If Num Lock is off, the numeric keypad types numbers instead of executing Alt codes. Press Num Lock once to turn it on, then try the shortcut again.

If you are using a laptop without a separate numeric keypad, try holding Alt and Fn together while typing 0176 on the number row. If that does not work, use the copy-paste method instead — it is just as fast and works on any keyboard. On Mac, if Shift + Option + 8 does not work, make sure you are not accidentally holding Caps Lock, which can interfere with some keyboard shortcuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol on my own?

Yes, on Mac you can create a custom shortcut in System Preferences under Keyboard > Text. On Windows, you can use AutoHotkey, a free program that lets you assign any keystroke to any character. However, the built-in shortcuts are faster to set up and work everywhere without extra software.

Why does the degree symbol look different in some programs?

The symbol itself is the same, but different fonts display it slightly differently — some make it larger, some smaller, some position it higher or lower. This is normal and does not affect how the symbol works or how others read it. The symbol is the same character no matter how it appears on screen.

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

On iPhone, hold down the 0 (zero) key and a menu appears with the degree symbol as an option. Tap it to insert it. On Android, the method varies by keyboard app, but most show special characters when you hold down the 0 key or access a symbols menu. Copy and paste also works on phones and tablets.

What if I need to type degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit?

Type the degree symbol using any method above, then when ready type the letter C or F. For example, Alt + 0176 followed by C produces °C. No space is needed between the symbol and the letter. Some style guides prefer a space (° C), so check your organization's standard if you are writing for a specific purpose.

Can I paste the degree symbol into a text message or social media post?

Yes, copy the ° symbol from any webpage and paste it into text messages, social media posts, emails, or any other text field on your phone or computer. The symbol works everywhere text is accepted. It will display correctly on the recipient's device regardless of what phone or computer they use.