The fastest way: Alt code on Windows

On Windows, hold down the Alt key and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top). Release Alt and the degree symbol (°) appears. This works in Word, Outlook, Google Docs, and most other programs.

The numeric keypad is the separate set of number keys on the right side of most full-size keyboards. If you have a laptop without a dedicated numeric keypad, you may need to enable Num Lock first — look for a key labeled Num Lk, often near the top right. Once Num Lock is on, a set of keys (usually on the right side of the keyboard) will act as a numeric pad.

If Alt+0176 does not work, check that Num Lock is actually on — many keyboards have a light that shows this. If you are using a laptop keyboard without a numeric pad, try the Alt code method on an external keyboard instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type Alt+0176 on the numeric keypad to insert a degree symbol when ready.
  • Mac users should press Option+Shift+8 to type the degree symbol in any program.
  • In Word on any system, you can use Insert > Special Character and search for "degree" if you forget the keyboard shortcut.
  • Chromebook and mobile devices require copying the symbol from a character map or pasting it from a web search result.

Mac keyboard shortcut

On a Mac, press Option+Shift+8 (hold all three keys at once). The degree symbol appears when ready. This shortcut works in Word, Pages, Google Docs, and most other Mac applications.

If you use this symbol often, you can add it to your Mac's text replacement shortcuts. Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacement, click the plus button, type the degree symbol in the "Replace" field, and create a short abbreviation (like "deg") in the "With" field. After that, typing "deg" will auto-replace with °.

Using Word's Insert menu

If you forget the keyboard shortcut, open Word and go to Insert > Special Character (on Mac) or Insert > Symbol (on Windows). A dialog box opens showing available characters. Type "degree" in the search field to find the symbol quickly.

Click the degree symbol in the list and then click Insert. The symbol appears in your document at the cursor position. You can close the dialog and continue typing. This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works when you cannot remember the Alt or Option code.

Copying and pasting the symbol

If you are on a Chromebook, mobile device, or a computer where keyboard shortcuts are not working, search "degree symbol" in your web browser. Copy the ° symbol from a search result, then paste it into your Word document using Ctrl+V (Windows) or Command+V (Mac).

You can also keep a text file or note on your computer with the degree symbol saved. Open it whenever you need the symbol, copy it, and paste it into Word. This is not as fast as a keyboard shortcut, but it works on any device.

When you need the symbol in a formula or measurement

In Word, the degree symbol is just a regular character — it does not create a formula or perform a calculation. If you are typing "98.6°F" or "45° angle," straightforward type the number, then insert the degree symbol using any method above, then continue with the unit or text.

If you are working in Excel and need a degree symbol in a cell, the same keyboard shortcuts explore: Alt+0176 on Windows or Option+Shift+8 on Mac. The symbol will display in the cell just as it does in Word.

Troubleshooting when the symbol does not appear

If Alt+0176 does not work on Windows, check that you are using the numeric keypad on the right side of the keyboard, not the number row at the top. Num Lock must be on — you should see a light on the keyboard or a Num Lk indicator on screen.

If you are on a laptop without a numeric keypad, some laptops have a hidden numeric pad accessed by holding Fn while typing the numbers. Check your laptop manual or keyboard labels for this feature. If your laptop does not support it, use the Insert > Symbol menu instead, or connect an external keyboard.

On Mac, if Option+Shift+8 does not work, make sure you are holding all three keys at the same time. Try restarting Word if the shortcut still fails. If you are using a non-English keyboard layout, the shortcut may be different — check your system keyboard settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the degree symbol smaller or larger?

Yes. After you insert the degree symbol, select it by clicking and dragging over it, then change the font size using the font size dropdown in Word's toolbar. The symbol will resize along with any text you select at the same time. You can also change its color or font style the same way you would any other character.

Why does my degree symbol look different in different programs?

The symbol itself is the same, but different fonts display it slightly differently. If you copy the symbol from one program to another, it may look a bit different because the receiving program uses a different font. Select the symbol and change its font to match the rest of your text if the appearance bothers you.

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

On most phones, hold down the "0" key on the number pad and a menu of symbols appears — the degree symbol is usually one of them. On tablets, the process varies by device. If this does not work, search "degree symbol" online, copy it, and paste it into your document using the paste option in your app.

Can I use the degree symbol in a Word document password or file name?

You can use it in a Word document itself without problems. For file names, it depends on your operating system — Windows and Mac both allow the degree symbol in file names, though some older systems or cloud storage services may have restrictions. If you run into trouble, use a regular character like "d" or "deg" instead.