The fastest way to type a degree symbol

The degree symbol (°) appears in Microsoft Word through three methods, and the fastest depends on your keyboard. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8. If neither works for you — some laptops lack a numeric keypad — use the Insert menu instead, which works the same way on both systems.

The Alt code method is fastest once you memorize it. The keyboard shortcut on Mac is equally quick if you use Word regularly. The Insert menu is slower but never fails, even on unfamiliar computers.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type a degree symbol by holding Alt and typing 0176 on the numeric keypad, then releasing Alt.
  • Mac users press Shift + Option + 8 to produce the degree symbol without opening any menu.
  • The Insert menu method works on any computer: click Insert, then Symbol, find the degree symbol, and click Insert.
  • The degree symbol is different from the letter O or the superscript zero, and Word will not auto-correct one to the other.

Using the Alt code on Windows

The numeric keypad is the row of numbers on the right side of most full-size keyboards, separate from the number row above the letters. Laptop keyboards often do not have a numeric keypad, so this method may not work on your device.

Hold down the Alt key on the left side of your keyboard. While holding Alt, type 0176 using only the numeric keypad on the right — the numbers above the letters will not work. Release Alt. The degree symbol should appear where your cursor was.

If nothing appears, check that Num Lock is on. A light on your keyboard or a key labeled Num Lock indicates whether it is active. If Num Lock is off, press it once to turn it on, then try the Alt code again.

Using the keyboard shortcut on Mac

Mac keyboards do not have a numeric keypad, so the Alt code does not work. Instead, press Shift, Option, and 8 at the same time. Release all three keys. The degree symbol appears when ready.

This shortcut works in Word, Google Docs, email, and most other Mac applications. If you type the degree symbol often, this is faster than opening a menu each time.

Using the Insert menu when Alt codes do not work

Open your Word document and click where you want the degree symbol to appear. Click the Insert tab at the top of the ribbon. In the ribbon, find and click Symbol — it usually appears on the right side of the Insert tab and looks like the Greek letter Omega (Ω).

A dropdown menu appears. Click More Symbols at the bottom of that menu. A larger window opens showing many symbols. In the search box at the top, type degree. The degree symbol appears in the list. Click it once to select it, then click the Insert button. Close the window.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut, but it works on any computer, including shared or unfamiliar devices where you may not know whether Alt codes are enabled.

Why the degree symbol matters in Word

Word does not automatically convert the letter O, the number 0, or a superscript zero into a degree symbol. If you type "98O" or "980" or use a superscript zero, it will not look like a temperature reading or a coordinate. Only the actual degree symbol (°) produces the correct appearance.

This matters most in scientific writing, weather reports, geographic coordinates, and any document where precision in appearance affects readability. A reader scanning a page should see the symbol when ready, not have to guess whether you meant a letter or a number.

Saving the degree symbol for repeated use

If you type the degree symbol many times in a single document, you can copy it once and paste it repeatedly. Type or insert the degree symbol once using any method above. Click right before it and drag to select it. Press Ctrl + C on Windows or Command + C on Mac to copy it. Then each time you need it, click where you want it and press Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac) to paste.

This avoids repeating the Alt code or menu steps. It is especially useful if you are writing a document with many temperatures or measurements.

Troubleshooting when the symbol does not appear

If you use the Alt code and nothing happens, first check that Num Lock is on. If Num Lock is on and the code still does not work, your keyboard may have Alt codes disabled by your system administrator — this is common on work computers. Switch to the Insert menu method instead.

If you use the Mac keyboard shortcut and nothing appears, make sure you are pressing Option, not Alt. Some external keyboards label the key differently. If the shortcut still does not work, use the Insert menu. If the Insert menu method does not show a degree symbol, your font may not include it — try changing to a common font like Calibri or Times New Roman first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a superscript zero instead of a degree symbol?

No. A superscript zero looks similar but is technically a different character. In formal writing, scientific documents, and professional reports, the actual degree symbol is expected. A superscript zero may be acceptable in casual writing, but it is not correct.

Does the degree symbol work in all fonts?

The degree symbol is included in nearly all fonts, including the default fonts in Word. If it does not appear, try changing your font to Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman. If it still does not appear, the font itself may be corrupted — choose a different font.

What if I need to type a degree symbol on a laptop without a numeric keypad?

Use the keyboard shortcut for your system (Shift + Option + 8 on Mac) or use the Insert menu. Some Windows laptops have a hidden numeric keypad accessed by holding Fn and using the number keys, but this varies by model — the Insert menu is more reliable.

Can I create a keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol?

Yes. In Word, go to File, then Options, then Proofing, then AutoCorrect Options. Click the AutoCorrect tab. In the "Replace" field, type something short like "deg", and in the "With" field, paste a degree symbol. Click Add, then OK. Now typing "deg" followed by a space will automatically insert the degree symbol.

Is the degree symbol the same in Celsius and Fahrenheit?

Yes. The degree symbol is the same regardless of temperature scale. You type it the same way whether you are writing 25°C or 77°F.