The fastest way: use the keyboard shortcut

In Microsoft Word on Windows, hold Ctrl + Shift and press the number 4 on the main keyboard (not the numpad), then release and type the letter o. This produces the degree symbol: °. The whole sequence is Ctrl + Shift + 4, then o.

On a Mac, hold Shift + Option and press 8. This gives you the degree symbol when ready without a second keystroke.

If you use this symbol often — for temperature, angles, or coordinates — memorizing this shortcut saves time every time you need it. The symbol appears in the same font and size as your surrounding text.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users type Ctrl + Shift + 4, then o to insert a degree symbol in one motion.
  • Mac users hold Shift + Option and press 8 to get the degree symbol directly.
  • The Insert menu offers a Symbol dialog where you can search for the degree symbol by name if you forget the shortcut.
  • You can create a custom keyboard shortcut or AutoCorrect entry if you type the degree symbol regularly in your work.

Using the Insert menu when you don't remember the shortcut

Click the Insert tab at the top of Word. On the right side of the ribbon, find the Symbol button (it looks like the Greek letter Omega). Click it, then click More Symbols at the bottom of the small menu that appears.

A dialog box opens. In the search field at the bottom, type degree. The degree symbol appears in the list. Click it once to select it, then click the Insert button. Close the dialog when you're done.

This route takes longer than the keyboard shortcut, but it works if you're uncertain about the key combination or if your keyboard layout is different from the standard US layout.

Setting up AutoCorrect for repeated use

If you type the degree symbol many times in a single document or across multiple documents, you can teach Word to insert it automatically when you type a short code.

Go to File, then Options, then Proofing, then AutoCorrect Options. In the dialog that opens, find the field labeled Replace and type a code you'll remember — for example, :deg or deg:. In the With field, insert the degree symbol (use the Insert > Symbol menu, or paste one from somewhere else). Click Add, then OK.

Now whenever you type your code followed by a space or punctuation, Word replaces it with the degree symbol. This works across all your Word documents and is especially useful if you write scientific or technical content regularly.

Creating a custom keyboard shortcut

For a permanent shortcut tailored to your preference, you can assign a new key combination directly. Go to File, then Options, then Customize Ribbon. At the bottom left, click Keyboard Shortcuts.

In the dialog, scroll down the left list to find Insert, then expand it and look for Symbol. Click on Symbol to highlight it. In the Press new shortcut key field, press the key combination you want to use — for example, Ctrl + Alt + D. Click Assign, then Close.

This method works best if you want something easier to remember than the default shortcut, or if you're on a keyboard layout where the standard shortcut doesn't work well.

Copying and pasting from another source

If you have a degree symbol already typed somewhere — in an email, a web page, or another document — you can copy it and paste it into Word. Highlight the symbol, press Ctrl + C (or Cmd + C on Mac), click in your Word document where you want it, and press Ctrl + V (or Cmd + V on Mac).

This is the slowest method for one-time use, but it requires no memorization and works on any computer. It's useful if you're on an unfamiliar device and can't remember the shortcut.

Why the degree symbol matters in different contexts

Temperature readings (72°F), geographic coordinates (40.7128°N), and angle measurements in geometry all use the degree symbol. Using the correct symbol instead of a superscript o or the letter O makes your document look professional and ensures the text is readable when shared or printed.

Some fields — weather reporting, scientific papers, engineering documents — expect the proper symbol. Word's built-in methods may support you get the real Unicode character, not a workaround that might display differently on another person's computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the degree symbol and a superscript o?

The degree symbol (°) is a single Unicode character designed for this purpose. A superscript o is the letter o made smaller and raised. They look similar but are different characters. The degree symbol is the correct choice for temperature, angles, and coordinates because it's the standard in those fields and displays consistently across devices.

Does the keyboard shortcut work in all Microsoft Office programs?

The Ctrl + Shift + 4 then o shortcut works in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint on Windows. On Mac, Shift + Option + 8 works across all three programs. The Insert > Symbol menu is available in all Office applications, so that method always works as a backup.

Can I use the degree symbol in headers and footers?

Yes. The keyboard shortcut and Insert menu work the same way in headers and footers. Click inside the header or footer area first, then use whichever method you prefer to insert the symbol.

What if my keyboard doesn't have a number 4 key in the standard location?

On laptop keyboards or non-US layouts, the shortcut may not work as written. Use the Insert > Symbol menu instead, or set up an AutoCorrect entry with a code you can type easily on your keyboard. Both methods work regardless of keyboard layout.