The quickest way to type a degree symbol

The degree symbol (°) is not a dedicated key on most keyboards, but you can type it in seconds using a keyboard shortcut. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together and press the number 8. On Linux, hold Ctrl and Shift, type u, then type 00b0 and press Space or Enter.

These shortcuts work in almost every program — email, documents, spreadsheets, web browsers, text editors. You do not need to install anything or change your keyboard settings. The symbol appears when ready where your cursor is positioned.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of a full-size keyboard).
  • Mac users hold Shift and Option together and press 8 to produce the degree symbol.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl and Shift, type u, then 00b0, then press Space or Enter.
  • These shortcuts work in any program and do not require special software or keyboard configuration.
  • If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, you can copy and paste the symbol or use your operating system's character map tool.

Windows: Using the numeric keypad shortcut

The numeric keypad is the block of number keys on the right side of a full-size keyboard. It is separate from the number row at the top. To type the degree symbol on Windows, position your cursor where you want the symbol to appear, then hold down the Alt key and type 0176 using only the numeric keypad. Release Alt when you finish typing the last digit.

The symbol appears when ready. This works in Word, Excel, email programs, browsers, and nearly every other process. If nothing appears, check that you used the numeric keypad on the right, not the number row at the top — the top row will not work for this shortcut.

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad (common on laptops), use the character map tool instead. Press the Windows key, type "character map," and open the app. Search for "degree" in the search box, click the degree symbol in the results, click Copy, then paste it where you need it.

Mac: Using Shift and Option

On a Mac keyboard, hold Shift and Option at the same time, then press the number 8. The degree symbol appears where your cursor is. This shortcut works on any Mac, whether you are using a desktop keyboard or the built-in keyboard on a MacBook.

If the symbol does not appear, make sure you are holding both Shift and Option together before pressing 8. Holding them separately or in the wrong order will not produce the symbol. The shortcut is the same across all Mac applications.

Linux: Using Ctrl, Shift, and Unicode input

Linux uses a Unicode input method. Hold Ctrl and Shift together, type the letter u, then type 00b0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol), then press Space or Enter. The symbol appears at your cursor position.

This method works in most Linux applications, though some older programs may not support Unicode input. If the shortcut does not work, check your input method settings in your system preferences — Unicode input is usually enabled by default but can be turned off.

Copying and pasting the degree symbol

If keyboard shortcuts are not working or you cannot remember them, the simplest backup is to copy and paste. You can copy the degree symbol from any source — a web search result, a document you have already created, or even this page — and paste it wherever you need it. Once you have it copied, you can paste it as many times as you want without retyping.

To copy from a web page, highlight the symbol with your mouse, press Ctrl+C (Windows) or Command+C (Mac), then click where you want it and press Ctrl+V (Windows) or Command+V (Mac). This method works in every program and requires no memorization.

Using the character map or special character tool

Every operating system includes a built-in tool for finding and inserting special characters. On Windows, open Character Map by pressing the Windows key and typing "character map." Search for "degree," select it from the results, click Copy, and paste it into your document. On Mac, open the Character Viewer by pressing Control and Command and the Space bar together, search for "degree," and double-click the symbol to insert it.

These tools are slower than keyboard shortcuts but useful if you forget the shortcut or your keyboard does not support it. They also let you browse other symbols you might need — copyright marks, currency symbols, arrows, and mathematical signs.

Why the degree symbol is not on your keyboard

The degree symbol is not printed on any standard keyboard because it is used less often than letters and numbers. Keyboards have a limited number of physical keys, so manufacturers prioritize the characters people type most. Special characters like the degree symbol, copyright mark, and em dash are accessed through shortcuts or menus instead.

This design choice is the same across Windows, Mac, and Linux keyboards. Once you memorize the shortcut for your operating system, typing the symbol becomes automatic — most people find they need it only occasionally, so the shortcut is worth learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Laptops usually do not have a dedicated numeric keypad. You need to use the character map tool instead: press the Windows key, type "character map," open it, search for "degree," click the symbol, click Copy, then paste it where you need it. Some laptops have a hidden numeric keypad accessed by holding Fn, but character map is simpler.

Can I make the degree symbol my own keyboard shortcut?

Yes. On Windows, you can create a custom shortcut in most programs through Find and Replace or AutoCorrect settings. In Word, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options, type a shortcut like "deg" in the Replace field, paste the degree symbol in the With field, and click Add. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text and create the same kind of replacement.

Does the degree symbol work in all programs?

The keyboard shortcuts work in nearly all programs — email, browsers, documents, spreadsheets, text editors. The only exceptions are very old software or specialized applications that do not support standard text input. If a shortcut does not work, copying and pasting always will.

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

Set up an AutoCorrect or text replacement shortcut so you can type a quick abbreviation instead. In Word, type "deg" and it automatically becomes °. On Mac, create the same replacement in System Preferences. This saves time if you are writing about temperature, angles, or coordinates repeatedly.

Is there a way to add the degree symbol to my keyboard layout?

You can remap keys or create a custom keyboard layout, but this is complex and unnecessary for occasional use. The keyboard shortcuts are faster to learn than remapping. If you type the degree symbol constantly in your work, a custom layout might be worth exploring, but for most people the standard shortcuts are the practical choice.