The degree symbol (°) on Windows, Mac, and Linux

The degree symbol does not have its own key on most keyboards, so you need a keyboard shortcut or a menu option to type it. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together and press 8. On Linux, the method depends on your desktop environment, but holding Ctrl+Shift+U, typing b0, then pressing Space or Enter usually works.

The fastest method for you depends on what you are typing into and what device you use. If you type the degree symbol often — for temperature readings, angles, coordinates, or academic work — you might set up a keyboard shortcut that works across all your programs, rather than memorizing a different sequence for each one.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row) to produce the degree symbol.
  • Mac users press Shift+Option+8 to type the degree symbol in any program.
  • Linux users can usually type Ctrl+Shift+U, then b0, then Space to insert the degree symbol.
  • You can create a custom keyboard shortcut in most word processors and text editors so you do not have to remember the number code each time.
  • Mobile devices have the degree symbol in the symbols keyboard, usually one tap away from the main letter keys.

Windows: Using the Alt code

On Windows, the numeric keypad is essential. The numeric keypad is the separate set of number keys on the right side of most full-size keyboards, not the numbers across the top of the letter keys. If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad — common on laptops — you may need to enable Num Lock and use the number keys that double as letter keys, or use the Character Map program instead.

To type the degree symbol on Windows: hold down Alt, type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. The symbol appears when ready. If nothing happens, check that Num Lock is on — the Num Lock key is usually in the upper left of the numeric keypad, and a light on your keyboard or screen shows when it is active.

If your laptop keyboard does not have a dedicated numeric keypad, open the Character Map program by typing "charmap" into the Windows search box. Find the degree symbol in the grid, click it, then click Copy. You can then paste it into any document with Ctrl+V.

Mac: The Shift+Option+8 shortcut

On Mac, the degree symbol shortcut is consistent across all programs. Press Shift+Option+8 (the number 8, not the asterisk). The symbol appears when ready. This works in email, word processors, web browsers, and any other text field.

If you type the degree symbol regularly, you can add it to your Mac's text replacement shortcuts. Open System Preferences, go to Keyboard, then Text, and create a new entry: type a short code like "deg" in the Replace column, and paste the degree symbol in the With column. From then on, typing "deg" followed by a space automatically replaces it with °.

Linux: The Compose key and Unicode input

Linux systems vary, but the most common method is Unicode input. Hold Ctrl+Shift+U, type b0 (the letter b and the number 0), then press Space or Enter. The degree symbol appears. Some systems use a Compose key instead — if your system has one configured, you can press Compose, then type o, then o again to produce the degree symbol.

If neither method works, check your desktop environment's input settings. GNOME, KDE, and other Linux desktops have different configuration menus. Your system administrator or distribution documentation can tell you which input method is enabled on your machine.

Creating a custom shortcut in word processors

Microsoft Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice, and most other word processors let you create your own keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol. In Microsoft Word on Windows, go to File, then Options, then Customize Ribbon, then Keyboard Shortcuts. Search for "degree" in the symbol list, select it, assign a shortcut key (like Ctrl+Alt+D), and click Assign.

In Google Docs, you cannot create a custom shortcut, but you can use the Insert menu: click Insert, then Special Characters, search for "degree", and click it to insert. Google Docs also remembers your recent symbols, so the degree symbol appears in your recent list after the first use.

In LibreOffice Writer, go to Tools, then AutoCorrect Options, then the Replace tab. Create a shortcut like ":deg:" that automatically becomes the degree symbol when you type it and press Space.

Mobile devices: iPhone, Android, and tablets

On iPhone, open the keyboard and tap the 123 key to switch to the numbers and symbols view. The degree symbol is usually visible on the first screen of symbols. Tap and hold the 0 (zero) key — a small menu appears with the degree symbol as one of the options. Tap it to insert.

On Android, the method depends on your keyboard app. Most Android keyboards show a symbols key (often labeled "?123" or similar). Tap it, then look for the degree symbol on the symbols screen. If you do not see it, tap the arrow to view more symbols. Some Android keyboards let you long-press the 0 key to access the degree symbol, just like iPhone.

When the degree symbol does not appear

If you type the code and nothing happens, the most common cause is using the wrong numeric keypad. On Windows, the Alt code only works with the numeric keypad on the right side of the keyboard, not the number row at the top. If your laptop has no numeric keypad, use Character Map instead.

Another common issue is that the program you are typing into does not support the character. This is rare with modern software, but very old or specialized programs sometimes cannot display the degree symbol. If that happens, try copying and pasting the symbol from another source, or check whether the program has a special way to insert symbols.

If you are typing in a web form and the symbol does not appear, the website may be filtering it out. Contact the website owner or use a different character — many forms accept "deg" or "degrees" spelled out instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I copy and paste the degree symbol instead of typing the code?

Yes. You can copy the ° symbol from anywhere — a web page, another document, or even this article — and paste it into your work. This is slower than a keyboard shortcut if you use the symbol often, but it works on any device and in any program.

Why does the Alt code not work on my Windows laptop?

Most laptops do not have a dedicated numeric keypad. You need to enable Num Lock and use the number keys that are printed on the letter keys, or use the Character Map program instead. Check your laptop manual to see which keys act as the numeric keypad when Num Lock is on.

Is there a degree symbol for Celsius and Fahrenheit, or is it the same symbol?

It is the same symbol. The degree symbol (°) is used for both Celsius and Fahrenheit, as well as for angles and other measurements. You type it the same way regardless of what you are measuring.

Can I set up a voice command to type the degree symbol?

On Windows 11 and Mac with Voice Control enabled, you can create a custom voice command that types the degree symbol. The setup varies by operating system — check your accessibility settings under voice input or voice control to see whether your device supports custom voice commands.

What if I need to type many degree symbols in a row?

Use a custom keyboard shortcut or text replacement (described above) so you do not have to repeat the code each time. If you are working in a spreadsheet or database, you might also use a formula or find-and-replace function to insert the symbol automatically in multiple cells at once.