The fastest way: Alt code on Windows

On a Windows computer, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of your keyboard), then release Alt. The degree symbol (°) will appear where your cursor is.

This works in Word, email, web forms, and almost any other program. The numeric keypad is essential — the numbers across the top of the keyboard will not work. If your laptop does not have a dedicated numeric keypad, you may need to enable Num Lock and use the number keys built into the letter keys, usually marked with small numbers in the corner.

If you use this symbol often, this is the fastest method once your fingers remember the code. It takes about two seconds once you have done it a few times.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type Alt+0176 on the numeric keypad to insert a degree symbol when ready in Word or any other program.
  • Mac users should press Option+Shift+8 to type the degree symbol without opening any menus.
  • Word's Insert menu offers a Symbol dialog where you can search for the degree symbol by name and insert it, though this is slower than keyboard shortcuts.
  • You can create a custom keyboard shortcut in Word so that typing a short code (like "deg") automatically becomes the degree symbol.
  • If you type temperatures or measurements regularly, storing the degree symbol as AutoCorrect saves time across all your documents.

The Mac shortcut: Option+Shift+8

On a Mac, press Option+Shift+8 simultaneously. The degree symbol appears when ready. This is the native Mac keyboard shortcut and works in Word, email, browsers, and any other text field.

Unlike the Windows Alt code, you do not need a numeric keypad — the Mac shortcut uses the regular keyboard. If you switch between Windows and Mac, remember that the Windows method (Alt+0176) will not work on a Mac, and the Mac method will not work on Windows.

Using Word's Insert menu when you forget the shortcut

If you cannot remember the keyboard shortcut, open Word and click the Insert tab at the top. Then click Symbol (on the right side of the ribbon). A dropdown menu appears; click More Symbols at the bottom.

In the Symbol dialog box, type "degree" in the search field at the bottom. The degree symbol will appear in the list. Click it once to select it, then click Insert. Close the dialog when you are done.

This method works but takes longer than a keyboard shortcut — usually 10 to 15 seconds. Use it when you cannot remember the code or when you are on an unfamiliar computer.

Setting up AutoCorrect to type it automatically

If you type the degree symbol regularly (for temperatures, angles, or coordinates), you can set Word to replace a short code with the symbol automatically. Click File, then Options, then Proofing, then AutoCorrect Options.

In the AutoCorrect dialog, type a short code in the ReplaceWith field, paste or type the degree symbol (you can copy it from the Insert menu if needed). Click Add, then OK.

Now whenever you type "deg" followed by a space or punctuation, Word automatically replaces it with °. This works across all your Word documents and is useful if you write technical or scientific content regularly.

Creating a custom keyboard shortcut in Word

You can assign a custom keyboard shortcut to the degree symbol so that pressing a specific key combination inserts it. Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, then click Keyboard Shortcuts: Customize at the bottom left.

In the Customize Keyboard dialog, scroll down the left panel to find Special Characters or Symbols. Locate the degree symbol in the list. Click in the Press new shortcut key field and press the key combination you want (for example, Ctrl+Shift+D). Click Assign, then Close.

This shortcut will then work only in Word, not in other programs. It is useful if you want a shortcut that is easier to remember than Alt+0176 or Option+Shift+8.

Copying and pasting from another source

If you have already typed the degree symbol somewhere — in an email, a web page, or another document — you can copy it and paste it into Word. Highlight the symbol, press Ctrl+C (or Cmd+C on Mac) to copy, click in your Word document where you want it, and press Ctrl+V (or Cmd+V) to paste.

This is not the fastest method for a one-time use, but it can be useful if you are working from a template or reference document that already contains the symbol. You can also save the symbol in a text file on your computer and paste from there whenever you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your laptop may not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Try enabling Num Lock (usually a key labeled Num Lock or Fn+Num Lock), then use the number keys embedded in the letter keys (usually on the right side of the keyboard, marked with small numbers). If that does not work, use the Insert > Symbol menu instead.

Can I use the degree symbol in email or web forms?

Yes. The Alt code (Windows) and Option+Shift+8 (Mac) work in email, web forms, and most text fields. The Insert > Symbol menu works only in Word and some other Microsoft programs. If a keyboard shortcut does not work in a specific program, try copying the symbol from Word and pasting it instead.

What if I need the degree symbol for Celsius or Fahrenheit?

Type the degree symbol the same way, then type the letter C or F when ready after it with no space: 98°F or 37°C. If you write temperatures often, set up AutoCorrect to replace "tempf" with "°F" and "tempc" with "°C" so you type the full notation in one step.

Does the degree symbol look different in different fonts?

Slightly. The symbol is the same, but fonts render it at different sizes and positions relative to the text. If the degree symbol looks too large or too small in your document, try changing the font or adjusting the symbol's size manually by selecting it and using the font size dropdown.

Can I use these shortcuts in Google Docs or other online programs?

The keyboard shortcuts (Alt+0176 on Windows and Option+Shift+8 on Mac) work in Google Docs and most web-based text editors. The Insert > Symbol menu is specific to Microsoft Word. AutoCorrect shortcuts may work in Google Docs if you have enabled them in your Google account settings, but this varies by browser and device.