The fastest way depends on your operating system

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, press Option + Shift + 8. On Linux, hold Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00b0, then press Space or Enter. These are the quickest methods if you type degree symbols regularly — they work in almost any program.

If you don't have a numeric keypad (common on laptops), Windows offers an alternative: use the Character Map process to find and copy the degree symbol, or switch your keyboard layout temporarily. The Alt code method is fastest once you memorize it, but it only works on the numeric keypad, not the number row above your letters.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type a degree symbol by holding Alt and pressing 0176 on the numeric keypad, then releasing Alt.
  • Mac users press Option + Shift + 8 to produce the degree symbol in any process.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00b0, then press Space or Enter.
  • If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, Windows Character Map or copy-paste from another source are reliable alternatives.
  • Most word processors and email programs also have Insert > Special Character menus where you can search for and insert the degree symbol.

Windows: Using the numeric keypad Alt code

The numeric keypad is the small cluster of number keys on the right side of most full-size keyboards. Make sure Num Lock is on — you'll see a light on your keyboard or a Num Lock indicator on your screen. Hold down the Alt key on either side of your keyboard, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the numbers above your letters), then release Alt. The degree symbol (°) will appear where your cursor is.

This method works in Word, email, web browsers, spreadsheets, and most other programs. The code must include the leading zero: 0176, not 176. If nothing appears, check that Num Lock is on and that you're using the numeric keypad on the right, not the number row.

Windows: Without a numeric keypad

Laptops and compact keyboards often lack a dedicated numeric keypad. Open Character Map by pressing the Windows key, typing "character map," and pressing Enter. In the search box at the bottom, type "degree" or scroll through the list until you find the degree symbol (°). Click it, then click Copy. Go to your document and paste it with Ctrl + V.

Another option is to enable Num Lock on your laptop's built-in numeric keypad, which is usually hidden in the letter keys. Check your keyboard for small numbers printed on certain letters (often on the right side of the keyboard). Press Fn + Num Lock (or sometimes just Num Lock) to set up it, then use the Alt + 0176 method as normal. The exact key combination varies by laptop brand.

Mac: Using the Option key combination

On any Mac keyboard, press Option + Shift + 8 simultaneously. The degree symbol (°) will appear when ready in your document, email, or web form. This works in all Mac applications — no special setup needed. If nothing appears, make sure you're holding all three keys at once and that you're pressing the 8 key on the number row (not a numeric keypad, since most Macs don't have one).

If you type degree symbols often, you can add it to your Mac's text shortcuts. Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacement, click the plus button, type the degree symbol in the "Replace" field (you can paste it from anywhere you've already typed it), type a shortcut like "deg" in the "With" field, then click Add. After that, typing "deg" will automatically expand to °.

Linux: Using the Unicode input method

On most Linux systems, hold Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00b0 (the Unicode code for degree), then press Space or Enter. The degree symbol (°) will appear. This method works in most applications, though some older programs may not support Unicode input.

If that doesn't work, your Linux distribution may use a different input method. Check your system settings under Input Method or Keyboard to see what's enabled. GNOME systems typically support the Ctrl + Shift + U method by default. If you use a different desktop environment, you may need to enable Unicode input in your keyboard settings first.

Using the Insert menu in word processors and email

Microsoft Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice, and most email programs have a built-in menu for special characters. In Word, click Insert > Symbol, then search for "degree" or scroll to find it. In Google Docs, click Insert > Special Characters and search for "degree." Click the symbol to insert it. This method is slower than keyboard shortcuts but works the same way across all programs and requires no memorization.

Outlook and Gmail both support the Insert > Special Characters path as well. This approach is useful if you only need the degree symbol occasionally or if you're on an unfamiliar computer where you don't want to rely on keyboard shortcuts.

Copy and paste from a reference

If you can't remember the keyboard shortcut and the Insert menu isn't available, you can copy the degree symbol from anywhere you've already typed it. Type it once using any method above, select it with your mouse, copy it with Ctrl + C (Windows/Linux) or Command + C (Mac), then paste it wherever you need it with Ctrl + V or Command + V. Keep a text file with the symbol saved for quick reference.

You can also search online for "degree symbol," copy it from a search result, and paste it into your document. This is the slowest method but works on any device and any operating system without memorizing codes or key combinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't Alt + 0176 work on my Windows laptop?

Your laptop likely doesn't have a dedicated numeric keypad. Try enabling Num Lock on your built-in numeric keypad (usually Fn + Num Lock), then use Alt + 0176 on those keys. If that doesn't work, use Character Map or the Insert > Symbol menu instead.

Can I type a degree symbol on my phone or tablet?

On iPhone, hold down the 0 key and select the degree symbol from the popup menu. On Android, the method varies by keyboard app — try holding the 0 key or accessing the symbols menu. Most phones also let you search for and copy the symbol from a web search.

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

Yes. Use the Insert > Special Characters menu in your word processor, or set up a text shortcut on Mac (like typing "deg" to expand to °). Copy-paste is also reliable if you keep the symbol saved somewhere accessible.

Does the degree symbol work in all programs?

The degree symbol works in nearly all modern programs — Word, email, web browsers, spreadsheets, and text editors. Very old or specialized software may not display it correctly, but this is rare. If it doesn't appear, try copying it from Character Map instead of using a keyboard shortcut.

What's the difference between the degree symbol and a superscript zero?

The degree symbol (°) is a single character designed for temperatures and angles. A superscript zero is the number 0 made smaller and raised above the line. They look similar but are different characters. Use the degree symbol for temperatures and measurements, not a superscript zero.