The fastest way to insert a degree symbol

The degree symbol (°) appears in Microsoft Word through three methods, and the quickest depends on what you are doing. If you need it once or twice, use the Insert menu. If you type it often, set up a keyboard shortcut or AutoCorrect entry so it appears when you type a short code.

On Windows, you can also hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad — but this only works on the right-side number pad, not the numbers across the top of your keyboard. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together and press 8. These shortcuts work in Word and most other programs.

Key Takeaways

  • The Insert menu method works on both Windows and Mac: go to Insert, then Symbol, find the degree symbol, and click Insert.
  • The Alt code 0176 on Windows (numeric keypad only) and Shift+Option+8 on Mac are the fastest once you memorize them.
  • AutoCorrect lets you type a short code like (deg) and Word automatically replaces it with °, saving time if you use the symbol regularly.
  • The degree symbol is different from the superscript o — the symbol is smaller and sits at the baseline, while a superscript o floats above the text.

Using the Insert menu on Windows and Mac

Open your Word document and place your cursor where you want the degree symbol. Click the Insert tab at the top of the ribbon. In the Symbols group on the right side, click Symbol, then click More Symbols.

A dialog box opens. In the Font dropdown, select (normal text) or leave it as is. In the Subset dropdown, select Latin-1 Supplement. Scroll down until you see the degree symbol (°). Click it once to highlight it, then click Insert. Close the dialog when you are done.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut, but it works the same way on Windows and Mac, and you do not need to remember anything. If you find yourself using this menu often, it is worth learning one of the faster methods instead.

Setting up AutoCorrect for repeated use

If you type the degree symbol several times a week, AutoCorrect saves the most time. First, insert one degree symbol using the Insert menu method above. Highlight it by clicking and dragging across it. Copy it (Ctrl+C on Windows, Command+C on Mac).

On Windows, click File, then Options, then Proofing, then AutoCorrect Options. On Mac, click Word in the menu bar, then Preferences, then AutoCorrect. In the Replace field, type a short code like (deg) or degr. In the With field, paste the degree symbol you copied. Click Add, then OK.

Now whenever you type (deg) followed by a space or punctuation, Word replaces it with °. You can use any code you remember — (d), (degree), or degc all work equally well. Choose something you will not type by accident in normal writing.

The numeric keypad shortcut on Windows

Hold down the Alt key on your keyboard. While holding Alt, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of your keyboard). Release Alt and the degree symbol appears.

This only works on the numeric keypad with Num Lock turned on. The numbers across the top of your keyboard will not work. If nothing happens, check that Num Lock is on — a light on your keyboard usually indicates this. This method is fast once it becomes habit, but it takes practice to remember the code.

The keyboard shortcut on Mac

Hold Shift and Option together, then press 8. Release all three keys and the degree symbol appears. This works in Word and in most other Mac programs, including web browsers and email clients.

If this does not work, check that you are using the correct keys. Option is the key next to the Command key. Make sure Num Lock is not interfering — Macs do not have a numeric keypad, so this is not a concern. If you still have trouble, use the Insert menu method instead.

Why the degree symbol is not the same as superscript o

A common mistake is typing a regular letter o and making it superscript (smaller and raised). This looks similar but is not the same character. The degree symbol is a single character that sits at the baseline of your text, while a superscript o floats above the line.

The degree symbol also prints more consistently across different fonts and devices. If you copy text with a superscript o into an email or a different program, it may not display correctly. The actual degree symbol (°) is more reliable. Use the methods above to insert the real symbol rather than trying to fake it with formatting.

Troubleshooting when the symbol does not appear

If you use the Alt code and nothing happens, the most common cause is using the number row instead of the numeric keypad. Try again using only the numbers on the right side of your keyboard. Make sure Num Lock is on — press the Num Lock key once if you are not sure.

If the Insert menu method does not show the degree symbol, try scrolling in the symbol list or changing the Subset dropdown to Latin-1 Supplement. If your keyboard shortcut does not work on Mac, restart Word and try again — sometimes the shortcut needs the program to refresh.

If you set up AutoCorrect and it is not working, check that you typed the replacement code correctly and that you pressed space or punctuation after it. AutoCorrect only triggers when you follow the code with a space, Enter, or punctuation mark — typing (deg) without anything after it will not trigger the replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the degree symbol in headers and footers?

Yes. The degree symbol works the same way in headers, footers, and text boxes as it does in the main document. Use whichever method you prefer — Insert menu, keyboard shortcut, or AutoCorrect — and it will appear wherever your cursor is positioned.

Does the degree symbol work in other Microsoft programs like Excel?

Yes. The Alt code 0176 on Windows and Shift+Option+8 on Mac work in Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. The Insert menu method also works in all Microsoft programs. AutoCorrect settings you create in Word may not carry over to other programs — you may need to set them up separately in Excel or PowerPoint.

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

Use whichever method is fastest for you and repeat it. If you are typing many degree symbols (like in a table of temperature data), AutoCorrect is usually the quickest because you only type a short code each time. The keyboard shortcut is also fast once you memorize it.

Will the degree symbol look the same in all fonts?

The degree symbol looks slightly different in different fonts, but it is always recognizable. Some fonts make it larger or smaller relative to the text, but the shape stays the same. If you change the font of your document, the degree symbol changes with it automatically.