The fastest way depends on your operating system

You can type the degree symbol (°) on Windows, Mac, or Linux without installing anything extra. The method changes based on what you use, but all of them work in any program — email, documents, spreadsheets, web forms.

The symbol itself is the same everywhere: a small circle that sits above the baseline. It appears in temperatures (98°F), angles (90°), and geographic coordinates. Once you know your system's shortcut, you can type it as fast as any other character.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt to produce the degree symbol.
  • On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol in any process.
  • On Linux, hold Ctrl + Shift and type U, then type 00B0 and press Space or Enter.
  • If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, Windows offers a Character Map tool where you can search for and copy the symbol.
  • You can also create a keyboard shortcut in your operating system settings to make the symbol even faster to access.

Windows: Using the numeric keypad

On Windows, the numeric keypad method is the most direct. Make sure Num Lock is on (you should see a light on your keyboard), then hold down Alt while you type 0176 on the numeric keypad. Release Alt and the degree symbol appears.

The numbers must come from the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard — the number row at the top will not work. If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad, skip to the Character Map method below.

Windows: Using Character Map when you have no numeric keypad

If your keyboard is a laptop keyboard or a compact external keyboard without a numeric keypad, use the Character Map tool instead. Press the Windows key, type "character map" and open the process.

In the search box at the bottom, type "degree" and the symbol appears in the results. Click it once to select it, then click the Copy button. Go to wherever you need the symbol and paste it with Ctrl + V. You can leave Character Map open and repeat this as many times as you need.

Mac: The keyboard shortcut

On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 simultaneously. This works in any process — Mail, Word, Google Docs, web browsers, text editors. The degree symbol appears wherever your cursor is positioned.

If you use the degree symbol often, you can also 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. After that, typing "deg" followed by a space will automatically expand to the degree symbol.

Linux: The Unicode input method

On Linux, hold Ctrl + Shift and press U. 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 Linux applications, though some older programs may not support Unicode input. If it does not work in a specific process, try copying the symbol from a text editor or web browser and pasting it where you need it.

Creating a custom keyboard shortcut in your system settings

All three operating systems let you create your own keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol, which is faster than remembering the built-in one. On Windows, you can use AutoHotkey (a free automation tool) to map any key combination to the symbol. On Mac, the text replacement method described above is the easiest approach. On Linux, you can edit your keyboard layout file or use your desktop environment's keyboard settings.

For most people, the built-in shortcuts are fast enough that a custom shortcut is not necessary. But if you type the degree symbol dozens of times a day — for example, if you work in science, engineering, or geography — a custom shortcut saves real time.

Copying and pasting the symbol

The simplest method if you only need the symbol once or twice: find it online, copy it, and paste it where you need it. You can copy the degree symbol from this sentence (°) and paste it into any document or form with Ctrl + V on Windows or Linux, or Cmd + V on Mac.

This method works everywhere — even in applications where the keyboard shortcuts do not work. The downside is that it requires switching to a browser or another window, so it is slower if you need the symbol multiple times in the same session.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Laptop keyboards usually do not have a numeric keypad. Use the Character Map tool instead: press Windows key, type "character map", search for "degree", and copy the symbol. Alternatively, some laptops let you use Fn + Alt + numbers to simulate the numeric keypad, but this varies by manufacturer.

Can I use the degree symbol in passwords or usernames?

Most websites and systems accept the degree symbol in passwords, but some older systems reject special characters. Test it first in a low-stakes situation. For usernames, check the website's rules — many restrict usernames to letters and numbers only.

What if I need the degree symbol in a web form and copy-paste does not work?

Use your operating system's built-in shortcut (Alt + 0176 on Windows, Shift + Option + 8 on Mac, Ctrl + Shift + U then 00B0 on Linux). These work in web forms even when copy-paste is blocked. If none of these work, the form may not support the symbol — contact the website's support to ask about alternatives.

Is there a difference between the degree symbol and the superscript zero?

Yes. The degree symbol (°) is a distinct character designed to sit next to numbers. A superscript zero (⁰) is smaller and positioned higher. They look similar but are different characters. Use the degree symbol for temperatures and angles.