The degree symbol (°) on Windows, Mac, and Linux

The degree symbol does not have its own key on most keyboards, but you can type it in seconds using a keyboard shortcut or character menu. The method depends on what operating system you use and what program you are working in.

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 shortcuts work in most programs — email, documents, spreadsheets, web forms — though some applications have their own character insertion menus.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of the keyboard), then release Alt to produce °.
  • Mac users press Shift + Option + 8 as a single key combination to type the degree symbol.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl + Shift, type u, then 00b0, then press Space to insert the degree symbol.
  • If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, Windows offers a Character Map program that lets you copy and paste the symbol instead.
  • Some programs like Microsoft Word have their own Insert menu where you can search for and insert special characters without memorizing shortcuts.

Windows: Using the Alt code method

The numeric keypad is the cluster of number keys on the far right of most full-size keyboards. If you have a laptop or compact keyboard without a numeric keypad, skip to the Character Map section below.

Hold down the Alt key on the left side of your keyboard. While holding Alt, press 0, then 1, then 7, then 6 on the numeric keypad — not the number row at the top. You should see the degree symbol appear as you type. Release Alt when you finish typing all four digits. The symbol will appear wherever your cursor was positioned.

This method works in most Windows programs: email clients, web browsers, text editors, and Microsoft Office. Some specialized software may not recognize the code, but the standard Alt code method covers the vast majority of situations.

Windows: Using Character Map if you have no numeric keypad

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, open the Character Map program. Press the Windows key, type character map, and press Enter. The Character Map window will open.

In the search box at the bottom, type degree. The degree symbol will appear in the grid above. Click on it once to select it, then click the Copy button. Now you can paste it anywhere using Ctrl + V. This method is slower than the Alt code but works on any Windows keyboard.

Mac: The Shift + Option + 8 shortcut

On a Mac keyboard, press Shift, Option, and 8 at the same time. The degree symbol will appear when ready. This shortcut works in Safari, Mail, Pages, Numbers, Google Docs, and most other Mac programs.

If the shortcut does not work, check that you are using the correct keys. Option is the key labeled "alt" on most Mac keyboards, located next to the spacebar. Make sure all three keys are pressed together, not in sequence.

Linux: The Ctrl + Shift + U method

On Linux, the process involves typing a Unicode code point. Hold Ctrl and Shift together, then type the letter u (lowercase). You will see a u with an underline appear on screen. While still holding Ctrl + Shift, type 00b0 (zero, zero, b, zero). Then press Space to confirm. The degree symbol will replace the underlined u.

This method works in most Linux text editors and web browsers. Some applications may require you to release Ctrl + Shift before typing the code, so if it does not work the first time, try releasing those keys after typing u, then typing 00b0 and pressing Space.

Using the Insert menu in Microsoft Word and Google Docs

If you use Microsoft Word, you can avoid memorizing shortcuts altogether. Click the Insert menu at the top, then click Symbol (on Mac) or Special Characters (on Windows). A dialog box will open showing available symbols. Type degree in the search field, and the degree symbol will appear. Click it and then click Insert.

In Google Docs, click Insert at the top, then Special characters. Type degree in the search box. Click the degree symbol from the results, and it will be inserted into your document. This method is slower than keyboard shortcuts but requires no memorization and works the same way every time.

When the shortcut does not work

If you type the shortcut and nothing happens, the most common cause is using the wrong numeric keypad. On Windows, the Alt code must use the numeric keypad on the right side of the keyboard, not the number row at the top. If you are on a laptop, you may need to enable Num Lock first — press the Num Lock key, which is usually in the upper right corner of the keyboard.

If Num Lock is on and the shortcut still does not work, try the Character Map or Insert menu method instead. Different programs sometimes intercept keyboard shortcuts for their own purposes, so having a backup method prevents frustration. Copy and paste is always reliable, even if it takes a few extra seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol?

On Windows, you can create a custom shortcut in Microsoft Word by going to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options, then typing a shortcut like (deg) that automatically converts to °. On Mac, you can use System Preferences > Keyboard > Text to create a text replacement. Most other programs do not offer this feature, so the standard shortcuts are usually faster.

Why does the Alt code not work on my laptop?

Laptops often lack a dedicated numeric keypad. Check whether your keyboard has Num Lock — if it does, press it to enable the numeric keypad overlay (usually the keys on the right side of the keyboard double as numbers when Num Lock is on). If your laptop has no numeric keypad at all, use Character Map or the Insert menu instead.

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

On iPhone, hold down the zero key and swipe to the degree symbol. On Android, long-press the zero key in the number row. On iPad, hold the zero key to see the degree symbol option. These methods vary by keyboard app, so if they do not work, try copying and pasting the symbol from a web search instead.

Does the degree symbol work in all programs?

The keyboard shortcuts work in nearly all programs — email, web browsers, documents, spreadsheets, and text editors. Some specialized software or older programs may not recognize the symbol, but this is rare. If a program does not accept the shortcut, the Insert menu or copy-and-paste method will almost always work.

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 a smaller zero positioned above the baseline. They look similar but are different characters. Use the degree symbol for temperatures and angles, and superscript for footnotes or mathematical notation.