The fastest way: copy and paste from the character map

Open the Windows Character Map process (search "character map" in your Start menu), type "degree" in the search box, and double-click the ° symbol. It appears in the "Characters to copy" field at the bottom. Click Copy, then paste it into your Excel cell with Ctrl+V. This takes about 20 seconds and works on any keyboard layout.

On a Mac, open Spotlight (Command+Space), search for "Character Viewer", find the degree symbol in the search results, and double-click it to insert it directly into your cell. You do not need to copy and paste separately.

If you use the degree symbol often, you can keep Character Map open in a window while you work and copy from it each time you need it. This is slower than a keyboard shortcut but faster than searching for it repeatedly.

Key Takeaways

  • The degree symbol (°) can be inserted by copying it from Character Map on Windows or Character Viewer on Mac and pasting it into your cell.
  • On Windows, Alt+0176 typed on the numeric keypad inserts the degree symbol directly, but only if your keyboard has a numeric keypad and Num Lock is on.
  • You can also type the symbol as part of a formula using CHAR(176), which is useful if you are building a temperature column or other repeated data.
  • If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad or Alt codes do not work, Character Map is the most reliable method across all Windows machines.

Using Alt codes on a numeric keypad

If your keyboard has a numeric keypad on the right side, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top). Release Alt and the degree symbol appears. This only works if Num Lock is turned on — check the Num Lock light on your keyboard or press the Num Lock key to toggle it.

This method does not work on laptop keyboards without a dedicated numeric keypad, even if you use Fn+number combinations. It also does not work if you type the numbers on the main keyboard row. The numeric keypad is required.

Once you know the Alt code, this is the fastest method if you have the hardware for it. You can insert the symbol without leaving your spreadsheet or opening any other process.

Building the symbol into a formula with CHAR(176)

If you are creating a column of temperatures or other measurements that all need the degree symbol, use a formula instead of typing it manually each time. In your cell, type =A1&CHAR(176) where A1 is the cell containing your number. This concatenates the number with the degree symbol.

For example, if cell A1 contains "98.6", the formula =A1&CHAR(176) displays "98.6°" in your new cell. You can copy this formula down to every row in your column, and each number automatically gets the degree symbol attached.

This approach is most useful when you have dozens of temperature readings or other repeated measurements. It saves time compared to inserting the symbol manually into each cell and makes it straightforward to update all the numbers at once if you need to change them.

Why Alt codes and keyboard shortcuts may not work

Alt codes work only on Windows machines with a numeric keypad, and only when Num Lock is on. Laptops, external keyboards without a numeric section, and non-Windows systems do not support this method. If you try Alt+0176 and nothing happens, your keyboard does not have the hardware for it.

Some keyboard layouts and language settings also disable Alt codes entirely. If you are using a non-English keyboard layout or a specialized input method, Alt codes may not function even on a desktop keyboard with a numeric pad. Character Map works regardless of your keyboard layout or language setting.

Excel also does not have a built-in keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol the way it does for other special characters. You cannot straightforward press Ctrl+Shift+something to get it. This is why Character Map and the CHAR(176) formula are the most reliable methods across different machines and setups.

Storing the symbol for repeated use

If you insert the degree symbol frequently, create a cell in a hidden column or a separate reference sheet and paste the symbol there once. Then whenever you need it, copy from that cell instead of opening Character Map each time. Name the cell something like "DegreeSymbol" so you remember where it is.

Alternatively, if your version of Excel supports it, you can add the degree symbol to your AutoCorrect settings. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options, click the Replace tab, type a shorthand like "deg" in the Replace field, paste the degree symbol in the With field, and click Add. From then on, typing "deg" followed by a space automatically replaces it with °.

AutoCorrect is faster than copying and pasting once it is set up, but it takes a few minutes to configure. It is worth doing if you work with measurements or temperatures regularly.

Pasting from other sources

If you find a degree symbol anywhere online — in an email, a web page, or a document — you can copy it directly and paste it into Excel. Highlight the symbol, press Ctrl+C, click your Excel cell, and press Ctrl+V. This works as long as the symbol is actually a degree symbol (°) and not a superscript "o" or some other lookalike character.

Be careful when copying from web pages, because some sites use a different character that looks like a degree symbol but is not. If you paste it and it looks wrong or does not format correctly, go back to Character Map or the CHAR(176) formula instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I type the degree symbol on a Mac?

On a Mac, hold Shift+Option and press 8 to insert the degree symbol directly. This works on any Mac keyboard without needing Character Viewer. If that combination does not work, use Character Viewer (Command+Space, search "degree") to find and insert it.

What if the degree symbol looks wrong or does not print correctly?

This usually means the symbol came from a different source or your printer does not support it. Copy the symbol from Character Map instead, which guarantees you have the standard degree symbol. If printing is still an issue, check your printer settings or try printing to PDF first to see if the symbol appears correctly there.

Can I use the superscript "o" instead of the degree symbol?

No. A superscript "o" (ᵒ) and a degree symbol (°) are different characters. The degree symbol is the correct choice for temperatures and measurements. A superscript "o" looks similar but is technically wrong and may cause problems if someone copies your data into another program or uses it for calculations.

Does the CHAR(176) formula work in all versions of Excel?

Yes. CHAR(176) works in Excel on Windows, Mac, and online versions. It is one of the most reliable methods because it does not depend on your keyboard, language settings, or operating system.

What if I need the degree symbol in a cell that already has a formula?

Use the concatenation method: if your formula is =A1*2, change it to =A1*2&CHAR(176) to add the degree symbol at the end. The & operator joins the formula result with the symbol. Make sure the formula calculates what you want before you add the symbol.