The fastest way: Alt code on Windows

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row), then release Alt. The degree symbol (°) appears when ready. This works in Word, email, web forms, and almost any other program.

The numeric keypad is the separate set of number keys on the right side of most full-size keyboards. If your keyboard does not have one — many laptops and compact keyboards do not — use the Alt code method below with Num Lock enabled, or skip to the Word menu method.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type Alt+0176 on the numeric keypad to insert a degree symbol in any program, including Word.
  • Mac users should press Shift+Option+8 to type the degree symbol without opening any menus.
  • Word's Insert menu lets you search for the degree symbol by name if you do not remember the keyboard shortcut.
  • You can create a custom keyboard shortcut in Word so you never have to remember a code or menu path again.

On Mac: Shift+Option+8

Press Shift+Option+8 simultaneously. The degree symbol appears right where your cursor is. This shortcut works in Word, email, browsers, and any other Mac program.

If that combination does not work, your keyboard layout may be different. Open System Settings, go to Keyboard, and check which layout you have selected. The Shift+Option+8 shortcut applies to US and UK layouts. Other layouts may use different key combinations.

Using Word's Insert menu

Open the Insert tab at the top of Word. Click Symbol (on newer versions) or Special Characters (on older versions). A dialog box opens showing available symbols.

Type "degree" in the search box at the top of the dialog. The degree symbol appears in the results. Click it, then click Insert. The symbol is placed in your document at the cursor position.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but requires no memorization. It also works if your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad or if you are unsure about your keyboard layout.

Creating your own Word shortcut

You can set up a custom shortcut so you never have to remember Alt+0176 or navigate a menu. Open Insert > Symbol, find the degree symbol, and click it once to select it. Then click Shortcut Key at the bottom of the dialog.

A new window appears asking you to press the key combination you want to use. Type something straightforward and memorable — for example, Ctrl+Shift+D or Ctrl+Alt+G. Word tells you whether that combination is already in use. If it is not, click Assign, then Close.

From that point forward, the shortcut works only in Word documents, not in other programs. If you switch to a different computer or reinstall Word, the shortcut disappears and you will need to set it up again.

When you need the symbol in a formula or field

If you are typing a temperature (98.6°F) or an angle measurement (45°), the degree symbol works the same way. Type the number, insert the degree symbol using any method above, then continue typing the unit (F, C, or nothing for a plain angle).

In scientific or technical documents, check whether your style guide prefers a space between the number and the symbol. Some guides call for "98.6 °F" and others for "98.6°F". Once you know the preference, you can type accordingly or use Find & Replace to add or remove spaces across the whole document.

Troubleshooting: The Alt code does not work

If Alt+0176 produces nothing or the wrong character, check whether you are using the numeric keypad on the right side of the keyboard, not the number row at the top. The number row does not work for Alt codes.

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, enable Num Lock (usually a key labeled Num Lock or Fn+Num Lock) and try again. On some laptops, the numeric keypad is hidden within the letter keys and only appears when Num Lock is on. If Num Lock is already on and the code still does not work, use the Insert menu method instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I copy and paste the degree symbol from somewhere else?

Yes. You can copy the symbol (°) from any document where it already exists and paste it into Word. This works but is slower than using a keyboard shortcut. It is useful only if you have the symbol already typed somewhere nearby.

Does the degree symbol look different in different fonts?

Slightly. Most fonts render it as a small raised circle, but the exact size and position vary. If the symbol looks wrong in your document, try changing the font or increasing the font size slightly. The symbol itself is the same character regardless of font.

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

Set up a custom Word shortcut (Ctrl+Shift+D or similar) so you can insert it without thinking. If you type the symbol dozens of times, a shortcut saves far more time than using the menu or Alt code each time.

Does the Alt code work in Google Docs or other online programs?

No. Alt codes are a Windows feature and do not work in web browsers or cloud programs. In Google Docs, use Insert > Special Characters, search for "degree", and click it. In email and web forms, copy the symbol from a document you have already typed it in, or use the Insert menu if the program offers one.