The fastest way depends on your operating system

The degree symbol (°) appears in different places depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, press Option + Shift + 8. On Linux, the method varies by desktop environment, but Ctrl + Shift + U followed by 00B0 and then Space works on most systems.

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad — common on laptops — Windows offers an alternative: use the Character Map process (search "charmap" in your Start menu), find the degree symbol, click it, then click Copy. Paste it wherever you need it. This is slower for one symbol but useful if you type degrees frequently and want to save the symbol for repeated pasting.

The reason these shortcuts differ is that each operating system handles character input differently. Windows uses Alt codes tied to Unicode positions. Mac uses Option key combinations. Linux uses Unicode input sequences. None of these is "wrong" — they reflect how each system was designed.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad to produce the degree symbol.
  • Mac users press Option + Shift + 8 to type the degree symbol without using the numeric keypad.
  • If your keyboard lacks a numeric keypad, Windows Character Map lets you copy and paste the symbol instead.
  • The degree symbol is Unicode character U+00B0, which is why different systems use different key combinations to access it.

Windows: Alt codes and the numeric keypad

On Windows, the numeric keypad is the most reliable method. Make sure Num Lock is on (you should see a light on your keyboard). Hold down the Alt key on the left side of your keyboard, type 0176 on the numeric keypad — not the number row at the top — then release Alt. The degree symbol appears when ready.

If you are on a laptop without a dedicated numeric keypad, look for Num Lock on your keyboard. Many laptops require you to hold Fn (Function) and press a key marked with a lock icon to enable the numeric keypad overlay. Once Num Lock is on, the right side of your keyboard (usually the letters U, I, O, P, J, K, L, and M) becomes a numeric keypad. Then follow the Alt + 0176 sequence as normal.

If your laptop has no numeric keypad at all, use Character Map instead. Press the Windows key, type "charmap", and open the process. Scroll down or search for "degree" in the search box. Click the degree symbol once to select it, then click the Copy button. Open your document and paste it with Ctrl + V.

Mac: Option and Shift together

On Mac, press Option + Shift + 8 simultaneously. This is faster than Windows because you do not need a numeric keypad. The degree symbol appears when ready in your document, email, or text field.

If the shortcut does not work, check that you are using the Option key (also labeled Alt on some keyboards) on the left or right side of the spacebar, not any other modifier key. The Shift key is the one above Ctrl on the left side. Press all three at the same time, then release.

Linux: Unicode input method

On most Linux desktop environments (GNOME, KDE, Cinnamon), hold Ctrl + Shift, then type U, then type 00B0, then press Space. The degree symbol appears. This method works because Linux uses Unicode input sequences, and U+00B0 is the Unicode code point for the degree symbol.

Some Linux systems or applications may use a different input method. If Ctrl + Shift + U does not work, check your system's input settings or the process's help menu. Different distributions and desktop environments sometimes configure this differently.

When you need the symbol repeatedly: save it as a shortcut

If you type the degree symbol often — for example, if you write about temperature or angles — creating a text shortcut saves time. On Windows, use AutoCorrect: open any Office process, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options, then add a shortcut like "deg" that expands to the degree symbol. On Mac, use Text Replacements in System Preferences > Keyboard > Text, and create the same kind of shortcut.

Another option is to copy the degree symbol once and keep it in a text file or note-taking app that you have always open. Whenever you need it, you can paste it without typing the shortcut sequence. This works on any operating system and is especially useful if you share your computer with others who may not remember the keyboard shortcut.

Why the degree symbol is not on your keyboard

The degree symbol is not printed on most keyboards because it is used less often than letters, numbers, and common punctuation. Keyboards have limited space, and manufacturers prioritize the characters people type every day. The symbol is still accessible through your operating system — it just requires a key combination or a copy-paste instead of a single key press.

This is true for many other symbols as well: copyright (©), trademark (™), and the euro sign (€) all require similar shortcuts. Your operating system stores thousands of characters that are not visible on your keyboard. The shortcut method is how you reach them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if Alt + 0176 does not work on my Windows computer?

Make sure Num Lock is on — look for a light on your keyboard. Use the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard, not the number row at the top. If you still have trouble, use Character Map instead: search "charmap" in your Start menu, find the degree symbol, click Copy, then paste it into your document.

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

Yes. On iPhone, hold down the zero key (0) and swipe to the degree symbol. On Android, the method depends on your keyboard app — most show the degree symbol if you long-press the zero key or access the symbols panel. Check your keyboard app's help if you are unsure.

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

Yes. Copy the degree symbol once from Character Map (Windows), Emoji & Symbols (Mac), or any online source, then paste it into a note or text file you keep open. Whenever you need it, copy from that file instead of typing the shortcut. This works on any device.

Why do different operating systems use different shortcuts?

Each operating system was designed with its own character input system. Windows uses Alt codes based on Unicode numbers. Mac uses Option key combinations. Linux uses Unicode input sequences. They all reach the same character, just through different paths built into each system's design.