The fastest way depends on your device

The degree symbol (°) is not on most keyboards, but you can type it in seconds using a method built into your operating system. Windows, Mac, and Linux each have their own path — some use number codes, others use key combinations, and some let you search by name. Once you know which one works on your device, you will not need to copy and paste or hunt through menus again.

The method you choose matters because some work everywhere (email, documents, web forms) while others only work in certain programs. The most reliable approach on your device is the one you will actually remember when you need it at 2 a.m. finishing a report.

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 program.
  • On Linux with a US keyboard, hold Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00b0, then press Space or Enter.
  • If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, Windows offers an on-screen keyboard or character map as an alternative.
  • The degree symbol works in email, documents, spreadsheets, and web forms on all platforms.

Windows: Using the Alt code

On Windows, the degree symbol uses an Alt code — a number combination that produces a special character. Hold down the Alt key on the left side of your keyboard, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right), then release Alt. The degree symbol appears when ready.

This method works in Word, email, browsers, spreadsheets, and almost any program where you can type text. The numeric keypad is essential — the number row at the top of the keyboard will not work. If your laptop has no separate numeric keypad, you may have a Fn key that activates number functions on certain letter keys, or you can use the Character Map instead (search "Character Map" in the Windows search bar, find the degree symbol in the list, click it, then click Copy).

Write the Alt code down or take a screenshot if you think you will forget it. After you use it three or four times, the motion becomes automatic.

Mac: Using the Option key combination

On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 at the same time. Release all three keys and the degree symbol appears. This works in Mail, Pages, Google Docs, browsers, and any text field on your Mac.

The Option key is also called Alt on some Mac keyboards — it is the key between Control and Command on the bottom row. If you are not sure which key is which, look for the symbol that looks like a bent arrow or the word "option" printed on it. Shift is the key you use to type capital letters.

Unlike Windows, this combination works the same way everywhere on your Mac, so you only need to remember one method.

Linux: Using the Ctrl + Shift + U method

On Linux with a US keyboard layout, hold Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00b0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol), then press Space or Enter. The degree symbol appears and replaces the code you typed.

This method works in most text editors, email clients, and web browsers on Linux. If it does not work in a particular program, that program may not support Unicode input — try copying the symbol from another source instead. Some Linux distributions or desktop environments may have this feature disabled by default, in which case you can use the Character Map process (usually called Gucharmap) to find and copy the symbol.

When Alt codes or key combinations do not work

If the method for your device does not produce the degree symbol, the program you are using may not support that input method. Word processors, email, and browsers almost always work. Some older programs, chat applications, or text fields in web forms occasionally do not.

When that happens, the backup is to find the degree symbol somewhere else and copy it. Open a new browser tab, search "degree symbol", copy the symbol from the search results, then paste it where you need it. You can also save the symbol in a text file on your desktop so you can copy it whenever you need it without searching.

Typing the degree symbol in spreadsheets and tables

Excel, Google Sheets, and other spreadsheets use the same keyboard shortcuts as the rest of your system — Alt + 0176 on Windows, Shift + Option + 8 on Mac. Type the symbol directly into the cell, just as you would type any other character.

If you are building a spreadsheet with many temperature readings or measurements, you might save time by typing the degree symbol once, copying it, then pasting it after each number. This is faster than typing the key combination dozens of times.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your laptop likely does not have a separate numeric keypad. Look for a Fn key (usually bottom left) and try holding Fn while typing the numbers on the letter keys — some laptops set up a hidden number pad this way. If that does not work, open the Character Map process (search "Character Map" in Windows), find the degree symbol, and click Copy to paste it where you need it.

Can I create a keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol?

On Windows, you can use AutoCorrect in Word: type a made-up code like "deg", then go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options and set it to replace "deg" with the degree symbol. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text and create a similar replacement. This only works in programs that support AutoCorrect.

Does the degree symbol work in email?

Yes. Type it using your device's keyboard shortcut (Alt + 0176 on Windows, Shift + Option + 8 on Mac) directly in the email body, just as you would type any other character. It sends and displays correctly in Gmail, Outlook, and other email services.

What if I need to type the degree symbol very often?

If you type it dozens of times a day, set up an AutoCorrect replacement (see the question above) or create a text expansion tool. On Mac, you can use the built-in Text Replacements in System Preferences. On Windows, programs like AutoHotkey let you create custom shortcuts for any character.

Is there a way to type the degree symbol without memorizing a code?

On Windows, open the Character Map process, scroll to find the degree symbol, click it, then click Copy. On Mac, you can use the Character Viewer (Control + Command + Space in most programs) to search for and insert the degree symbol. Both methods are slower than memorizing the shortcut, but they work if you only need it occasionally.