The fastest way depends on your operating system

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8. On Linux, hold Ctrl + Shift and type u, then 00b0, then press Space. These are the direct keyboard routes that work in most programs without installing anything extra.

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad — common on laptops — Windows offers a character map tool instead. Linux and Mac users can also fall back to their built-in character pickers if the keyboard shortcut feels awkward. The method you choose depends on what you type most often and whether speed or memorability matters more to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users with a numeric keypad can type the degree symbol when ready using Alt + 0176, which works in nearly every program.
  • Mac users press Shift + Option + 8 to produce the degree symbol without needing special software or settings.
  • Linux users enter the Unicode code point by holding Ctrl + Shift, typing u00b0, then pressing Space.
  • Laptops without numeric keypads can use the character map tool on Windows or the character picker on Mac and Linux instead of memorizing codes.
  • Once you type a degree symbol, you can often copy and paste it rather than repeat the shortcut every time.

Windows: Using Alt codes with the numeric keypad

The numeric keypad method is the fastest on Windows if your keyboard has one. Make sure Num Lock is on — you will see a light on the key or on your keyboard. Hold down the Alt key, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top), then release Alt. The degree symbol appears when ready.

This works in Word, email, browsers, spreadsheets, and most text editors. The code 0176 is specific to the degree symbol and will not work if you use the number keys across the top of the keyboard instead of the keypad on the right side.

If you do not have a numeric keypad, open the Character Map tool by pressing Windows key + R, typing charmap, and pressing Enter. Search for "degree" or scroll to find the ° symbol, click it, click Copy, then paste it where you need it. This is slower than the Alt code but works on any Windows keyboard.

Mac: The Shift + Option + 8 shortcut

On Mac, the degree symbol shortcut is Shift + Option + 8. Hold all three keys at once and the symbol appears. This works in Mail, Pages, Numbers, web browsers, and most other programs without any setup.

If you forget the shortcut, open Spotlight by pressing Command + Space, type character viewer, and press Enter. Search for "degree" and double-click the symbol to insert it. You can also drag the symbol directly into a document if you use it often.

Linux: Unicode input with Ctrl + Shift + U

On most Linux systems, hold Ctrl + Shift, type u, then 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 method works in most text editors, browsers, and email clients, but some older programs or custom configurations may not support Unicode input. If the shortcut does not work, check your input method settings in your system preferences. GNOME and KDE both support this by default, but other desktop environments may need to be enabled in the keyboard settings.

Copy and paste once you have typed it once

Once you have the degree symbol on screen, the easiest path forward is often to copy it and paste it whenever you need it again. Highlight the symbol, press Ctrl + C (Windows and Linux) or Command + C (Mac), then paste it with Ctrl + V or Command + V wherever you need it next.

This is especially useful if you type the symbol many times in one document — for temperature readings, angles, or geographic coordinates. You avoid repeating the keyboard shortcut and reduce the chance of typing it wrong. Keep a straightforward text file with a single degree symbol saved somewhere you can find it quickly if you use it regularly across different programs.

Why the keyboard shortcut varies by system

Each operating system has its own input method because they handle character encoding differently. Windows uses Alt codes, which are a legacy system from older DOS keyboards. Mac uses modifier key combinations because Apple designed its keyboard layout around Option and Command keys. Linux uses Unicode input because it was built from the ground up to handle international characters and symbols.

The degree symbol itself is the same character (Unicode U+00B0) on all three systems — the difference is only in how you tell your keyboard to produce it. Once the symbol appears on screen, it is identical whether you typed it on Windows, Mac, or Linux.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if Alt + 0176 does not work on my Windows computer?

Make sure Num Lock is on and you are using the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard, not the number row at the top. If you still have trouble, try the Character Map tool instead: press Windows key + R, type charmap, and search for the degree symbol to copy and paste it.

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

Yes. In Microsoft Word, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options, then the AutoCorrect tab. Type a shortcut like "(deg)" in the Replace field and the degree symbol in the With field, then click Add. Now typing (deg) will automatically become °. This works only in Word, not system-wide.

Does the degree symbol shortcut work in all programs?

It works in most programs — Word, email, browsers, and text editors. Some older or specialized software may not recognize the input method. If a shortcut does not work, copy and paste the symbol instead, which works almost everywhere.

Is there a way to type the degree symbol without memorizing a code?

Yes. All three operating systems have character picker tools: Character Map on Windows, Character Viewer on Mac, and the character picker in your input method settings on Linux. These let you search for "degree" and click to insert it, though it is slower than the keyboard shortcut.