The degree symbol is not on your keyboard — you make it with key combinations

The degree symbol (°) does not have its own key. Instead, you create it by holding modifier keys while pressing another key, or by typing a code. The exact method depends on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux, and which program you are working in.

Most people find the Windows method fastest once they learn it. Mac users have a single two-key combination that works everywhere. If neither of those works in your situation, there are fallback methods that work in almost any program.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row) to create the degree symbol.
  • On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol in any program.
  • If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, you can copy and paste the symbol or use your operating system's character map.
  • Some programs like Microsoft Word have their own symbol insertion menus that let you search for and insert the degree symbol without memorizing codes.
  • The degree symbol works the same way in email, documents, spreadsheets, and web forms once you know your device's method.

Windows: Using the Alt code

On Windows, the most reliable method is the Alt code. Hold down the Alt key on your keyboard, then type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of most full-size keyboards). Release Alt, and the degree symbol appears.

The numeric keypad is important — typing 0176 on the number row at the top of the keyboard will not work. If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad (common on laptops), you may need to enable Num Lock and use the number keys that double as arrow keys, or use one of the fallback methods below.

This method works in almost every Windows program: email, documents, spreadsheets, web browsers, and text editors. It is the fastest once your fingers remember the code.

Mac: The two-key shortcut

On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol. This works in any program — email, documents, web forms, everything. There is no numeric code to remember and no menu to navigate.

If that combination does not work, check that you are using the Option key (also labeled Alt on some keyboards) on the left side of the space bar, not the right side. The right-side Option key sometimes behaves differently depending on your keyboard layout.

Laptops and keyboards without a numeric keypad

If your Windows laptop has no dedicated numeric keypad, you have two main options. Some laptops let you enable Num Lock and use the number keys that also function as arrow keys (usually marked with small numbers in the corner). Check your keyboard for these markings, enable Num Lock with the Num Lock key or Fn + Num Lock, then use Alt + 0176 as usual.

If your keyboard does not support this, the copy-and-paste method is faster than memorizing an alternative code. Type the degree symbol once using your operating system's character map (see below), copy it, and paste it whenever you need it. Many people keep a text file with commonly used symbols for this reason.

Using your operating system's character map

Both Windows and Mac include built-in tools for finding and inserting any symbol without memorizing codes.

On Windows: Open the Start menu, search for "Character Map", and launch it. Type "degree" in the search box (or scroll to find it). Click the degree symbol, click Copy, then paste it into your document with Ctrl + V.

On Mac: Open Spotlight (Command + Space), search for "Character Viewer", and launch it. Search for "degree" or browse to find it. Double-click the symbol to insert it directly into your document, or click and drag it to copy it.

Symbol insertion in Microsoft Word and Google Docs

If you work in Microsoft Word, you can use the Insert menu instead of memorizing codes. Click Insert, then Symbol, then More Symbols. Search for "degree" and click Insert. Word remembers recently used symbols, so the degree symbol will appear in the main Symbol menu after you use it once.

Google Docs does not have a dedicated symbol menu, but you can use the special characters tool. Click Insert, then Special Characters, search for "degree", and click it to insert. Like Word, Google Docs remembers your recent symbols.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your laptop likely does not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Try enabling Num Lock (usually Fn + Num Lock) and using the number keys that also function as arrow keys. If your keyboard does not have these, use the Character Map tool or copy-and-paste method instead.

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

On most phones, long-press the zero key (0) on the number pad and select the degree symbol from the menu that appears. On some devices you may need to switch to a symbols keyboard first. The exact method varies by phone model and keyboard app.

Is there a keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol in Linux?

On Linux, hold Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00b0, then press Space or Enter. Different Linux desktop environments may have different methods, so check your system's documentation if this does not work.

Can I set up a custom keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol?

Yes, but the method depends on your operating system and program. Windows and Mac both allow you to create custom shortcuts in their system settings or in individual programs like Word. For most people, the built-in methods (Alt + 0176 on Windows, Shift + Option + 8 on Mac) are faster than setting up a custom shortcut.

What if I need to type the degree symbol very often in my work?

If you type it dozens of times per day, the copy-and-paste method or a custom keyboard shortcut may save time. Some people also use text expansion tools (like AutoHotkey on Windows or TextExpander on Mac) to type a short code like "deg" and have it expand to the degree symbol automatically.