The fastest way depends on your operating system

The degree symbol (°) is not a dedicated key on any standard keyboard, but you can type it in seconds using a keyboard shortcut. The method changes depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux, and whether you are typing in a document, email, or web form.

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 type 00b0 and press Space or Enter. Each method works in nearly every process — word processors, browsers, spreadsheets, and text editors.

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad (common on laptops), Windows offers an alternative: use the Character Map process or copy the symbol from another source and paste it where you need it.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad to produce the degree symbol.
  • Mac users press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol in any process.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl + Shift, type u, then type 00b0 and press Space to insert the degree symbol.
  • Laptops without a numeric keypad can use Windows Character Map or copy and paste the symbol instead.
  • The degree symbol works in emails, documents, web forms, and spreadsheets without any special setup.

Windows: Using the numeric keypad shortcut

The numeric keypad method is the fastest on Windows if your keyboard has one. Make sure Num Lock is on (the Num Lock light should be lit on your keyboard). Position your cursor where you want the degree symbol to appear, then hold down the Alt key and type 0176 on the numeric keypad — not the number row at the top of the keyboard. Release Alt and the symbol appears.

This works in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Outlook, web browsers, and nearly every other process. The numeric keypad is usually on the right side of a full-size keyboard and is marked with numbers 0–9 and a plus sign, minus sign, asterisk, and forward slash.

If your keyboard is a laptop or compact model without a numeric keypad, you may have a secondary number pad accessed by holding Fn while typing. Check your keyboard's documentation or look for numbers printed in a different color on the letter keys. If that does not work, use the Character Map method instead.

Windows: Using Character Map when you have no numeric keypad

Character Map is a built-in Windows process that lets you find and copy any symbol, including the degree symbol. Press the Windows key, type charmap, and press Enter. The Character Map window opens.

In the search field at the bottom, type degree and the degree symbol appears in the grid above. Click it once to select it, then click the Copy button. Go to your document or email and paste it with Ctrl + V. You can also double-click the symbol to add it to the "Characters to copy" field, then copy from there.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works on any Windows machine, regardless of keyboard type. You can also bookmark or save the degree symbol somewhere you use it often — copy it once and paste it as many times as you need.

Mac: The Shift + Option + 8 shortcut

On Mac, the degree symbol shortcut is consistent across all keyboards and applications. Press Shift + Option + 8 simultaneously. The degree symbol appears when ready wherever your cursor is positioned.

This works in Pages, Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Mail, web browsers, and any text field. Unlike Windows, Mac does not require a numeric keypad or any special setup. If you type the degree symbol often, you can add it to your Mac's text shortcuts so that typing a short code (like "deg") automatically expands to the degree symbol. Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacement and create a new entry.

Linux: The Ctrl + Shift + U method

On Linux, the degree symbol uses a Unicode input method. Hold Ctrl + Shift and press u, then type 00b0 (the Unicode code point for the degree symbol), then press Space or Enter. The symbol appears in your document.

This method works in most Linux applications, including text editors, browsers, and office suites. Some desktop environments or applications may require slightly different steps — if the method above does not work, check your system's input method settings or use your process's Insert > Special Character menu instead.

Using the Insert menu in word processors and email

If you forget the keyboard shortcut, most word processors and email clients have a menu option for special characters. In Microsoft Word, go to Insert > Symbol, search for "degree," and click Insert. In Google Docs, go to Insert > Special characters, search for "degree," and click the symbol to insert it. In Outlook, the Insert menu also has a Symbol option.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works on any computer and any process. Once you insert the symbol this way, you can copy it and paste it elsewhere, or you can take the time to learn the keyboard shortcut for your operating system so you do not have to open a menu next time.

Typing temperature and angle measurements with the degree symbol

The degree symbol is most commonly used for temperature (72°F or 22°C) and angles (a 90° angle). Type the number first, then when ready use your keyboard shortcut to add the degree symbol, then type the unit letter if needed. For example: type 98, press Shift + Option + 8 (on Mac) or Alt + 0176 (on Windows), then type F for Fahrenheit.

In spreadsheets like Excel or Google Sheets, you can type the degree symbol the same way. If you are working with many temperature or angle values, consider using a formula or find-and-replace to add the symbol to multiple cells at once, rather than typing it for each entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your laptop likely does not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Try holding Fn while typing the numbers, or use Character Map instead. Some laptops have a secondary keypad on the right side of the keyboard (usually on keys like U, I, O, P, J, K, L, and M) that activates when you hold Fn.

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

Windows does not have a built-in text replacement feature like Mac, but you can use third-party tools like AutoHotkey to create custom shortcuts. Alternatively, copy the degree symbol once and save it in a text file or note-taking app so you can paste it quickly whenever you need it.

Does the degree symbol work in web forms and text fields?

Yes. The degree symbol is a standard Unicode character and works in email, web forms, social media, and any text field that accepts typed text. It may display slightly differently depending on the font, but it will always be readable.

What if I need to type many degree symbols in a document?

Learn the keyboard shortcut for your operating system — it is faster than using menus or Character Map. If you use the symbol very often, consider setting up a text replacement (Mac) or AutoHotkey macro (Windows) so that typing a short code expands to the degree symbol automatically.

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

On iPhone and iPad, hold down the zero key (0) on the keyboard and select the degree symbol from the popup menu. On Android, the method varies by keyboard app — try holding the zero key or accessing the symbols menu. Some Android keyboards require you to switch to the symbols view and search for the degree symbol.