The fastest way: Option + Shift + 8

On a Mac, hold Option and Shift together, then press 8. The degree symbol (°) appears when ready. This works in any program — email, documents, web forms, spreadsheets, presentations. You do not need to do anything else or switch modes.

This is the method to memorize because it works everywhere and requires no setup. If you type the degree symbol more than once a month, this shortcut will save you time every single time you use it. The combination is the same whether you are using a MacBook keyboard, an external Magic Keyboard, or any other Mac-compatible keyboard.

Key Takeaways

  • Option + Shift + 8 produces the degree symbol on any Mac in any program without setup or configuration.
  • Character Viewer lets you search for and insert the degree symbol by name if you forget the keyboard shortcut.
  • You can create a custom keyboard shortcut in System Settings if you type the degree symbol frequently in your work.
  • The degree symbol is different from the superscript zero or the letter O, and only the actual degree character will display correctly in formal documents and technical writing.
  • The same shortcut works across Mail, Pages, Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Numbers, web browsers, and text editors without variation.

Using Character Viewer when you forget the shortcut

If you cannot remember the keyboard combination, open Character Viewer instead. Press Control + Command + Space (the same keys that open Spotlight search, but with Control added). A floating window appears showing recently used characters at the top.

Type "degree" in the search box at the top of the Character Viewer window. The degree symbol appears in the results when ready. Double-click it to insert it into whatever document or field you are working in. This method is slower than the keyboard shortcut, but it works when you are not sure of the combination and need a visual reference.

Character Viewer stays open while you work, so you can insert the symbol multiple times without reopening it. Close the window when you are done by clicking the red button in the top-left corner. This approach is useful if you type the degree symbol only occasionally and do not want to memorize another keyboard shortcut.

Creating a custom shortcut in System Settings

If you type the degree symbol regularly — for temperature readings, angles, coordinates, or scientific notation — you can create a shorter custom shortcut. Open System Settings and navigate to Keyboard, then select Keyboard Shortcuts from the left sidebar.

Click App ShortcutsInsert Degree Symbol. In the "Keyboard Shortcut" field, press the keys you want to use — for example, Option + D or Command + Shift + D.

Click Add. Your new shortcut is now active. Test it in a document to confirm it works. If the shortcut does not work, it may conflict with another shortcut on your Mac; try a different key combination. Custom shortcuts override the default Option + Shift + 8 when you use them, so you only need to remember your chosen combination.

Why not just type a zero or the letter O

The degree symbol (°) is a distinct character, separate from the number 0 or the letter O. In formal writing — scientific papers, technical specifications, weather reports, engineering documents — using the actual degree symbol matters. Spell-checkers and style guides flag the wrong character, and the symbol displays differently depending on the font you are using.

For casual messages or personal notes, a zero or O is usually fine and nobody will notice. But if your work involves temperature, angles, coordinates, latitude and longitude, or any technical measurement, use the real degree symbol. It takes the same time to type as a shortcut, and it looks correct in every context where it matters.

Degree symbol in different Mac programs

The keyboard shortcut Option + Shift + 8 works identically in Mail, Pages, Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Numbers, Keynote, web browsers, and text editors. You do not need to learn different methods for different programs or worry about compatibility.

If you are pasting text from another source and the degree symbol does not appear correctly, it may have been copied as a different character — sometimes a superscript zero or a special Unicode character that does not render properly. Delete it and type the symbol fresh using the keyboard shortcut. This ensures the correct character is in your document and will display the same way on any device that opens the file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a degree symbol on the Mac keyboard itself?

No. The degree symbol does not have its own key. You must use the keyboard shortcut Option + Shift + 8, or access it through Character Viewer or a custom shortcut. This is the same on all Mac keyboards, including the newer flat keys and older scissor-switch designs.

Why does my degree symbol look different in different programs?

The symbol itself is the same, but fonts display it slightly differently. Some fonts make it larger or smaller relative to the text, or position it higher or lower. If the symbol looks wrong, check the font you are using. Switching to a common font like Arial or Times New Roman usually fixes the appearance.

Can I use the degree symbol on an iPad or iPhone?

Yes. On iPad, hold Option + Shift + 8 just like on a Mac. On iPhone, open the keyboard, hold down the zero key (0), and swipe to the degree symbol that appears. The process is different because iPhones do not have an Option key, but the result is the same.

What if Option + Shift + 8 types something else on my Mac?

This usually means your keyboard layout is set to something other than U.S. English. Open System Settings, go to Keyboard, then Input Sources, and check which layout is active. Switch to U.S. or your country's standard layout. The shortcut may differ for other languages, so check your layout's documentation if you use a non-English keyboard.

Can I paste the degree symbol from somewhere to use it later?

Yes. Type the symbol once using Option + Shift + 8, then copy it (Command + C). You can paste it (Command + V) anywhere you need it. This is useful if you are working in a program where the keyboard shortcut does not work for some reason, though this is rare on modern Macs.