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

The degree symbol does not have its own key on most keyboards, so you need to use a keyboard shortcut or a special character menu. The method depends on your operating system and what program you are using.

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of your keyboard), then release Alt. This works in most programs — Word, email, browsers, spreadsheets. If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, you may need to enable Num Lock or use the on-screen keyboard instead.

On Mac, hold Shift and Option together, then press 8. This is the fastest method and works almost everywhere. If that does not work in a specific program, try the Character Viewer instead (see the section below).

On Linux, hold Ctrl and Shift, then type U and 00B0, then release. Some Linux systems use a different method — Compose key followed by o and o — but this depends on your desktop environment.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad to produce the degree symbol.
  • Mac users press Shift + Option + 8 as the quickest method in nearly all programs.
  • Linux users typically hold Ctrl + Shift, then type U00B0, though the method varies by desktop environment.
  • If keyboard shortcuts do not work in your program, use the character menu or character viewer built into your operating system.
  • Copy and paste is a reliable backup: find a degree symbol online, copy it, and paste it wherever you need it.

Using the character menu when shortcuts do not work

Some programs — older software, web forms, specialized tools — do not respond to keyboard shortcuts. When that happens, use your operating system's built-in character menu.

On Windows, open the Character Map program (search for "charmap" in the Start menu). Type "degree" in the search box, select the degree symbol from the list, click Copy, then paste it into your document. You can also scroll through the list manually if the search does not work.

On Mac, open the Character Viewer by pressing Control + Command + Space (or go to Edit menu and select Emoji & Symbols). Search for "degree" in the search box at the top. Double-click the degree symbol to insert it directly into your document, or click it once and then click Insert.

On Linux, the method depends on your desktop. GNOME has a Character Map process (search your applications menu). KDE has a similar tool called Character Map. Open it, search for "degree", and double-click to insert.

Copy and paste as a backup method

If you use the degree symbol often and keyboard shortcuts feel unreliable, the simplest approach is to copy it once and keep it available. Type or paste a degree symbol into a text file or note, then copy it. Whenever you need one, paste it instead of typing the shortcut.

You can also search for "degree symbol" in your web browser, copy it from a search result, and paste it into any document. This works on any device and in any program that accepts pasted text.

Many people keep a small text file on their desktop with symbols they use regularly — degree, copyright, trademark, em dash — and copy from it as needed. This is slower than a keyboard shortcut but faster and more reliable than hunting for the character menu every time.

Why the degree symbol is not on your keyboard

Keyboards are designed for the most common characters in English: letters, numbers, punctuation. The degree symbol is used mainly in scientific writing, weather reports, and technical documents, so it does not get its own key.

Instead, operating systems assign it a code — Alt+0176 on Windows, Shift+Option+8 on Mac — that you can remember or write down. This system lets keyboards stay small and readable while still giving you access to thousands of special characters when you need them.

Degree symbol in email and web forms

Most email programs and web-based forms accept the degree symbol without trouble. Gmail, Outlook, and most webmail services work fine with Shift+Option+8 (Mac) or Alt+0176 (Windows).

If a web form rejects the symbol or displays it as a question mark or box, the form itself may have a character limit or encoding problem. In that case, try copying and pasting instead of typing the shortcut. If that still does not work, contact the website's support — the problem is on their end, not yours.

Degree symbol in spreadsheets and documents

Excel, Google Sheets, Word, and Google Docs all accept the degree symbol using the standard keyboard shortcuts for your operating system. Type it the same way you would in any other program.

If you are writing a temperature or angle measurement in a spreadsheet, type the number first, then the degree symbol, then any unit (75°F or 90°). Most spreadsheet programs will not treat this as a formula or number, so it displays exactly as you typed it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Alt+0176 not work on my Windows laptop?

Laptops often do not have a numeric keypad. Try enabling Num Lock (usually Fn + Num Lock or Fn + a key marked with a lock icon), then use Alt+0176 again. If that does not work, use the Character Map program instead, or copy and paste the symbol from a web search.

Does the degree symbol work in text messages and social media?

Yes. Use your operating system's keyboard shortcut (Shift+Option+8 on Mac, Alt+0176 on Windows) or copy and paste. The symbol displays correctly on phones, computers, and all major platforms including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and text messaging.

Can I make a keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol on Windows?

Not easily in Windows itself, but some programs let you create custom shortcuts. Microsoft Word has an AutoCorrect feature: go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options, and add a shortcut like typing "deg" to auto-replace with °. This works only in Word, not system-wide.

What if the degree symbol appears as a box or question mark?

This usually means the program or website does not support the character encoding. Try copying and pasting instead of typing the shortcut. If it still appears wrong, the program may need an update, or the website may have a technical issue on their end.

Is there a way to type the degree symbol on a phone or tablet?

On iPhone, hold down the 0 (zero) key and select the degree symbol from the menu that appears. On Android, the method varies by keyboard app — try holding the 0 key, or search your keyboard settings for "special characters" or "symbols". Copy and paste from a web search works on any phone.