The fastest way: Alt code on Windows

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. The degree symbol (°) appears when ready in your cell. This works in any Excel version and in any cell where you can type — formulas, labels, temperature data, angle measurements, anywhere.

The numeric keypad is the key requirement. The number row at the top of your keyboard will not work. If your laptop has no dedicated numeric keypad, look for a Num Lock key; pressing it usually converts part of your keyboard (often the right side of the letter keys) into a temporary numeric pad. Check your keyboard's labels — they are usually printed in small text on the keys themselves.

Once you have typed the symbol, press Enter to confirm the cell entry. The degree symbol stays in place and prints normally.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type Alt+0176 on the numeric keypad to insert a degree symbol when ready in any Excel cell.
  • Mac users should press Option+Shift+8 to type the degree symbol without opening any menus.
  • The Insert Symbol dialog works on both Windows and Mac but requires more clicks than keyboard shortcuts.
  • Degree symbols in formulas or calculations do not affect the numeric value — they are formatting only.
  • If your laptop has no numeric keypad, enable Num Lock to convert part of your keyboard into one.

Mac keyboard shortcut

On Mac, press Option+Shift+8 simultaneously. The degree symbol appears in your cell. This is faster than any menu route and works the same way across all Excel versions for Mac.

If that combination does not work, your keyboard layout may differ. Check Apple's keyboard documentation for your specific language or region, as some layouts assign the symbol to different key combinations.

Using the Insert Symbol dialog

Both Windows and Mac users can reach the degree symbol through the menu. On Windows, click the Insert tab, then select Symbol (on the far right of the ribbon). On Mac, click Insert in the menu bar, then choose Special Characters.

A dialog box opens. Type "degree" in the search field, and the symbol appears in the results. Click it, then click Insert. The symbol lands in your active cell. This method takes longer than a keyboard shortcut but works if you forget the key combination or your keyboard layout is unfamiliar.

Copying and pasting a degree symbol

If you have already typed a degree symbol somewhere in your spreadsheet, you can copy it and paste it elsewhere. Click the cell containing the symbol, copy it (Ctrl+C on Windows, Command+C on Mac), then click the cell where you want it and paste (Ctrl+V or Command+V).

This is useful if you are filling many cells with the same symbol — for example, labeling a column of temperatures. Type it once, copy it, then paste it into each cell that needs it. You can also paste it into the formula bar if you are building a formula that includes the symbol as text.

Using the degree symbol in formulas and calculations

A degree symbol is text formatting, not a number, so it does not affect calculations. If you type 98.6° in a cell, Excel treats the numeric part (98.6) as the value and ignores the symbol for math purposes. You can add and subtract cells containing degree symbols without error.

If you want to display a number with a degree symbol but keep the cell value as a pure number for calculations, use a custom number format instead. Right-click the cell, select Format Cells, click the Number tab, choose Custom, and enter a format code like 0"°". This displays the symbol without storing it in the cell, keeping your data clean for formulas.

Degree symbols in cell labels and headers

Degree symbols work the same way in headers and labels as they do in data cells. Type the symbol using your keyboard shortcut, or copy and paste it from elsewhere in the sheet. Many users add it to column headers (like "Temperature °C" or "Angle °") to make the unit clear without taking up extra space.

If you use the same label repeatedly, consider storing it in a named cell or creating a template. For example, name a cell DegreeLabel and set its value to "Temperature °C", then reference it in your headers. This saves time if you create many similar sheets.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your laptop likely has no dedicated numeric keypad. Press Num Lock to enable the numeric pad overlay on your keyboard (usually the right side of the letter keys), then try Alt+0176 again. If Num Lock is already on, try using the numeric keypad on an external USB keyboard instead.

Can I use the degree symbol in Excel formulas?

Yes. The symbol is text, so it does not break formulas. You can concatenate it with numbers using the ampersand (&) — for example, =A1&"°" combines the value in A1 with a degree symbol. The formula still calculates normally.

Does the degree symbol print the same way it appears on screen?

Yes, in almost all cases. The symbol prints as it displays in Excel. If your printer uses an unusual font or your document uses a very old font, the symbol may look slightly different, but it will still be recognizable.

What if I need a different symbol, like a superscript 2 or 3?

Use the Insert Symbol dialog (Insert > Symbol on Windows, Insert > Special Characters on Mac) and search for "superscript" or the specific symbol you need. You can also use keyboard shortcuts for common ones — for example, Alt+0178 for superscript 2 on Windows.