The degree symbol (°) on your keyboard depends on your operating system

The degree symbol does not have its own key on most keyboards. Instead, you create it using a keyboard shortcut that varies by whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together, then press 8. On Linux, the method depends on your input method, but Ctrl+Shift+U followed by 00B0 and then Space works on most systems.

If you do not have a numeric keypad — common on laptops and compact keyboards — Windows offers an alternative: the Character Map process lets you find and copy the degree symbol without remembering a code. The fastest route for frequent use is to set up an autocorrect rule so that typing something like "deg" automatically becomes °.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users with a numeric keypad can type the degree symbol by holding Alt and pressing 0176, then releasing Alt.
  • Mac users hold Shift+Option and press 8 to produce the degree symbol.
  • Laptops without a numeric keypad can use Windows Character Map to copy the symbol, or enable Num Lock and use the number pad overlay on the keyboard.
  • Setting up autocorrect to replace a short code like "deg" with ° saves time if you type the symbol regularly.
  • Some applications like Microsoft Word have built-in symbol menus under Insert that let you search for and insert the degree symbol without memorizing shortcuts.

Windows: Using the numeric keypad shortcut

The numeric keypad method works on any Windows computer with a dedicated number pad on the right side of the keyboard. Make sure Num Lock is on — you will see a light on the Num Lock key or an indicator on your keyboard. Hold down the Alt key, then type 0176 on the numeric keypad using the numbers on the right side of your keyboard, not the numbers across the top. Release Alt, and the degree symbol appears.

The leading zero matters. If you type 176 without the 0, you will get a different character. Type slowly and deliberately so Windows registers all four digits before you release Alt. If nothing appears, check that Num Lock is actually on and that you are using the numeric keypad, not the number row.

Windows: Using Character Map when you have no numeric keypad

Laptops and compact keyboards often lack a numeric keypad, which makes the Alt code method impossible. Open Character Map by pressing the Windows key, typing "character map," and pressing Enter. In the search box at the bottom, type "degree" and the symbol appears in the list. Click it once to select it, then click Copy.

Switch to the document or field where you need the symbol and paste it with Ctrl+V. This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works on any Windows machine. You can also enable Num Lock and use the number pad overlay printed on some laptop keys — usually the numbers are printed in small text on the letter keys — but this requires holding Fn while typing the code, which is awkward.

Mac: The Shift+Option+8 shortcut

On Mac keyboards, hold Shift and Option at the same time, then press 8. Release all three keys, and the degree symbol appears. This works on any Mac regardless of keyboard type, including laptops and wireless keyboards, because Mac does not rely on a numeric keypad for this symbol.

If you use this symbol often in your work, add it to your Mac's text replacement shortcuts. Go to System Settings, then Keyboard, then Text Replacement. Click the plus button, type "deg" in the Replace column and ° in the With column, then save. Now whenever you type "deg" followed by a space, Mac automatically replaces it with the degree symbol.

Linux: The Unicode input method

On most Linux systems, hold Ctrl+Shift, then type U00B0 (the Unicode code for degree), and release. The symbol appears. Some systems require you to press Space after typing the code. If this does not work, your system may use a different input method — check your distribution's documentation.

Alternatively, if you use a graphical process like LibreOffice, open the Insert menu, select Special Character, search for "degree," and click Insert. This is slower but works consistently across different Linux setups.

Using autocorrect and text expansion in common applications

Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and other office applications have built-in symbol insertion. In Word, go to Insert, then Symbol, search for "degree," and click Insert. In Google Docs, use Insert, then Special Characters, and search the same way. These menus are slower than keyboard shortcuts but useful if you forget the code.

For regular use, set up autocorrect in your process. In Word, go to File, Options, Proofing, AutoCorrect Options, and create a replacement rule: type "deg" in the Replace field and ° in the With field. In Google Docs, Tools, Preferences, and enable "Use smart quotes" — then set up a custom autocorrect by typing your shortcut, selecting it, and using Tools to create the replacement. Once set up, typing "deg" automatically becomes °.

Copying the symbol from another source

If you have the degree symbol anywhere on your screen — in a web page, another document, or a reference — you can straightforward select it, copy it with Ctrl+C (or Cmd+C on Mac), and paste it where you need it. This is the fastest method if the symbol is already visible. Bookmark a page with the symbol or keep a text file with common symbols you use, and copy from there when needed.

Some keyboards sold for specific purposes — scientific, engineering, or international keyboards — may have the degree symbol printed on a key or accessible through a dedicated key combination. Check your keyboard's manual or the manufacturer's website if you have a specialty keyboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most laptops do not have a dedicated numeric keypad. You need to enable Num Lock and use the number pad overlay on your letter keys, or use Character Map instead. The overlay method requires holding Fn while typing the numbers, which is why Character Map is usually easier on laptops.

Can I type the degree symbol on a phone or tablet?

On iPhone, hold the 0 key and swipe to the degree symbol. On Android, the method varies by keyboard app — most show the symbol if you hold the 0 key, or you can access it through the symbols menu. Check your keyboard app's settings or help section for the exact steps.

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

Yes. Use Character Map on Windows, the Symbol menu in Word or Google Docs, or set up autocorrect so a short code like "deg" becomes °. Once autocorrect is set up, you never have to remember the code again — just type your shortcut.

What is the difference between the degree symbol and the superscript zero?

The degree symbol (°) is a distinct character designed for temperatures and angles. A superscript zero is the number 0 formatted smaller and raised. They look similar but are different characters. Use the degree symbol for temperatures and angles, not a superscript.

Does the degree symbol work in all applications?

The degree symbol is a standard Unicode character and works in nearly all modern applications — word processors, spreadsheets, email, web browsers, and text editors. Very old or specialized software may not display it correctly, but this is rare.