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

The degree symbol does not have its own key on any standard keyboard. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8. On Linux, hold Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00b0, then press Space or Enter.

These shortcuts work in almost every program — email, word processors, spreadsheets, web browsers, text editors. The method does not change based on what you are typing into. If you use one of these operating systems regularly, memorizing the shortcut for your system takes about a week of occasional use.

If you cannot remember the shortcut in the moment, every operating system also has a character map or symbol picker you can open to find and insert the degree symbol without typing a code. On Windows, search for "Character Map" in the Start menu. On Mac, open System Preferences, go to Keyboard, then enable "Show keyboard and emoji viewers in menu bar" — the viewer appears in your top menu. On Linux, most distributions include a character map process; search your applications menu for "Character Map" or "Gucharmap".

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad to produce the degree symbol.
  • Mac users press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol in any program.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00b0, then press Space to insert the degree symbol.
  • Every operating system includes a built-in character map or symbol picker if you forget the keyboard shortcut.
  • The same shortcut works everywhere — email, documents, spreadsheets, web forms, and text editors.

Why the numeric keypad matters on Windows

The Windows Alt code method requires the numeric keypad on the right side of a full-size keyboard. If you are using a laptop without a separate numeric keypad, you have two options. First, check whether your laptop has a Num Lock key that activates a hidden numeric keypad — usually the keys 7, 8, 9, U, I, O, J, K, L double as number keys when Num Lock is on. Hold Alt and type 0176 using these keys instead.

If your laptop has no numeric keypad at all, use the Character Map process instead. Search "Character Map" in the Start menu, type "degree" in the search box, select the degree symbol from the results, click Copy, then paste it where you need it. This method is slower than the keyboard shortcut but works on any Windows device.

Pasting the degree symbol from online sources

If you need the degree symbol once and do not want to learn a shortcut, the fastest route is to copy it from somewhere else. Open a web browser, search for "degree symbol," find a page that displays it, select and copy the symbol, then paste it into your document. This takes about 30 seconds and requires no memorization.

You can also keep a text file on your computer with commonly used symbols — degree, copyright, trademark, em dash — and copy from that file whenever you need one. This works across all operating systems and all programs. Some people save these symbols in a note-taking app like Notepad or OneNote so they are always accessible.

Using the degree symbol in different programs

The keyboard shortcut works the same way in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Excel, email clients, web browsers, and plain text editors. You do not need to learn different methods for different programs. Type the shortcut, and the degree symbol appears wherever your cursor is positioned.

In some programs like Microsoft Office, you can also use the Insert menu. Click Insert, then Symbol, search for "degree," and click Insert. This is slower than the keyboard shortcut but useful if you are already in the Insert menu for another reason.

Mobile phones and tablets

On iPhone and iPad, open the keyboard and hold down the zero key (0) — a menu appears with the degree symbol as one of the options. Tap the degree symbol to insert it. On Android phones, the method varies by keyboard app. In the default Google Keyboard, switch to the numbers view, then hold the zero key to see the degree symbol option.

On both platforms, you can also copy the symbol from a web browser and paste it into your message or document. This works in email, text messages, notes, and any app that accepts text input.

Temperature, angles, and coordinates

The degree symbol is used for temperature (72°F or 22°C), angles in geometry (a 90° angle), and geographic coordinates (40.7128°N). In all three contexts, the symbol goes when ready after the number with no space. Some style guides prefer a space between the number and the letter that follows (72° F), while others do not — check the style guide for your workplace or publication if you are unsure.

When writing temperatures, the degree symbol comes before the letter F or C. When writing angles, it comes after the number with no letter following. When writing coordinates, it comes after the degrees value, and minutes and seconds follow with their own symbols (′ for minutes, ″ for seconds) — but for most everyday writing, you will only need the degree symbol itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Make sure Num Lock is on — you should see a light on the Num Lock key. Type the numbers on the numeric keypad on the right side of the keyboard, not the number row at the top. If you still have trouble, use the Character Map process instead: search "Character Map" in the Start menu, type "degree," select it, click Copy, then paste it where you need it.

Can I create a keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol?

Yes, on Mac you can create a custom shortcut in System Preferences under Keyboard > Text. On Windows, you can use AutoCorrect in Microsoft Word to replace a short code (like "deg") with the degree symbol automatically. On Linux, this depends on your desktop environment, but most allow custom keyboard shortcuts through Settings.

Is there a difference between the degree symbol and the superscript zero?

Yes. The degree symbol (°) is a distinct character designed for temperatures and angles. A superscript zero (⁰) is a zero raised above the line. They look similar but are different characters. Use the degree symbol for temperatures and angles — the keyboard shortcuts above produce the correct character.

Why does the degree symbol sometimes look different in different programs?

Different fonts render the degree symbol slightly differently, just like they render all characters differently. The symbol itself is the same — it just appears in the style of whatever font your document is using. This is normal and does not affect how the symbol works or how it prints.