The fastest way: Alt code on Windows

On a Windows keyboard, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row), then release Alt. The degree symbol (°) appears when ready. This works in any Excel cell, whether you are entering a temperature, angle measurement, or latitude coordinate.

The numeric keypad is the separate set of number keys on the right side of most full-size keyboards. If you are on a laptop without a dedicated numeric keypad, you may need to enable Num Lock and use the embedded keypad (usually marked on keys like U, I, O, J, K, L). Check your laptop manual for the exact key combination — it often involves holding Fn while typing the numbers.

This method is reliable and fast once you memorize the code. Many people keep a sticky note nearby until it becomes muscle memory.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type Alt+0176 on the numeric keypad to insert a degree symbol in any Excel cell.
  • Mac users should press Option+Shift+8 to type the degree symbol without opening any menus.
  • The Insert menu method works on both Windows and Mac but requires more clicks than keyboard shortcuts.
  • Once you type the symbol once, you can copy it and paste it into other cells to avoid retyping the code.

Mac keyboard shortcut

On a Mac, press Option+Shift+8 simultaneously. The degree symbol appears in your cell. This shortcut works the same way whether you are using a full-size Apple keyboard or a MacBook trackpad keyboard.

Unlike the Windows Alt code, you do not need to hold the keys in sequence — press all three at once, then release. If nothing appears, make sure Num Lock is not interfering (it should not be on a Mac, but some external keyboards have it). Try the shortcut again in a fresh Excel cell to confirm it is working.

Using the Insert menu on either system

If you forget the keyboard shortcut, you can insert the symbol through the menu. Click the cell where you want the degree symbol, then go to the Insert menu at the top of Excel. Look for an option called Symbol or Special Characters (the exact name varies by Excel version and operating system).

A dialog box opens showing available symbols. Search for "degree" in the search field, or scroll until you find the ° symbol. Click it, then click Insert (or OK). The symbol appears in your cell. Close the dialog when you are done.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works reliably when you cannot remember the code. It also helps you find other special characters you might need — copyright symbols, trademark symbols, or mathematical operators.

Copying and pasting the symbol

Once you have typed the degree symbol once, the easiest way to reuse it is to copy and paste. Click the cell containing the degree symbol, copy it (Ctrl+C on Windows, Command+C on Mac), then click the cell where you want it and paste (Ctrl+V on Windows, Command+V on Mac).

This avoids typing the Alt code or keyboard shortcut repeatedly if you are filling a column with temperatures or measurements. You can also type the symbol once in a blank cell, keep that cell open, and copy from it as needed throughout your spreadsheet.

Typing the symbol within a cell with text

The degree symbol works the same way whether you are typing it alone or as part of a larger entry. If you want to type "98.6°F" in a single cell, click the cell, type "98.6", use your keyboard shortcut (Alt+0176 on Windows or Option+Shift+8 on Mac), then type "F". The symbol sits between the number and the letter just as you would expect.

You can also paste the symbol into the middle of text. Click where you want it in the cell, use Ctrl+V (Windows) or Command+V (Mac) to paste, and continue typing. Excel treats the degree symbol like any other character.

Troubleshooting when the symbol does not appear

If you try Alt+0176 on Windows and nothing happens, check that you are using the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard, not the number row at the top. The Alt code only works with the numeric keypad. Also confirm that Num Lock is turned on — a light on your keyboard usually indicates this.

On a Mac, if Option+Shift+8 does not work, try restarting Excel or your computer. Some keyboard layouts or input methods can interfere with the shortcut. If you are using an external keyboard, check that it is properly connected and that your Mac recognizes it.

If neither the keyboard shortcut nor the Alt code works, the Insert menu method will always work as a backup. It takes a few extra seconds but produces the same result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up a custom keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol?

On Windows, you can use AutoCorrect to replace a short text string with the degree symbol. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options, then type a shortcut (like "deg") in the "Replace" field and paste the degree symbol in the "With" field. Now typing "deg" followed by a space automatically inserts °.

Does the degree symbol work the same way in other Microsoft Office programs?

Yes. The Alt code (Windows) and Option+Shift+8 (Mac) work in Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook the same way they work in Excel. The Insert menu method also works across all Office programs.

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

Copy the symbol once, then paste it repeatedly. Or use the AutoCorrect method described above to replace a short text string with the symbol. Both approaches are faster than typing the Alt code or keyboard shortcut dozens of times.

Will the degree symbol display correctly if someone else opens my Excel file?

Yes. The degree symbol is a standard character that displays the same way on any computer, in any version of Excel, on Windows or Mac. There is no compatibility issue.