The fastest way: use the keyboard shortcut

On Windows, hold Ctrl + Shift and press the plus sign on your numeric keypad, then release and press the spacebar. The degree symbol (°) will appear. On Mac, hold Shift + Option and press 8. Both methods work in any document you're typing in, not just Word.

This is the quickest route if you type the degree symbol regularly — for temperatures, angles, or coordinates. The muscle memory takes a few days to build, but once it does, you won't have to think about it.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type the degree symbol by pressing Ctrl + Shift + plus sign (on the numeric keypad), then the spacebar.
  • Mac users hold Shift + Option and press 8 to insert the degree symbol.
  • If you don't have a numeric keypad, use Word's Insert menu: go to Insert > Symbol, find the degree symbol, and click Insert.
  • You can create a custom keyboard shortcut in Word's AutoCorrect settings so that typing a specific combination (like "deg") automatically becomes the degree symbol.
  • The degree symbol is different from the superscript zero — the symbol is smaller and sits higher on the line.

Using Word's Insert menu when the keyboard shortcut doesn't work

If you're on a laptop without a numeric keypad, or the keyboard shortcut isn't working, open Word and go to the Insert tab at the top. Click Symbol (on the far right of the ribbon), then click More Symbols.

In the Symbol dialog box, look for the degree symbol in the list. It's usually near the top. Click it once to select it, then click Insert. The symbol will appear wherever your cursor is in the document. Close the dialog when you're done.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut, but it works on any computer and doesn't require you to remember a combination of keys. You can also use this route to find other symbols you use occasionally — copyright marks, trademark symbols, or special characters.

Setting up AutoCorrect to type the degree symbol faster

If you type the degree symbol often but can't remember the keyboard shortcut, you can tell Word to replace a short text string with the symbol automatically. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options.

In the AutoCorrect dialog, type a short code in the Replace field — something like "deg" or "°°" that you won't accidentally type in normal writing. In the With field, paste the degree symbol (you can copy it from a document where you've already inserted it, or use the Insert > Symbol menu to grab it). Click Add, then OK.

Now whenever you type "deg" and press the spacebar, Word will automatically replace it with the degree symbol. You can set up as many of these shortcuts as you want for symbols you use regularly.

Why the degree symbol is not the same as a superscript zero

A common mistake is typing a regular zero and making it superscript (smaller and raised). This looks similar at first glance, but it's not the degree symbol. The actual degree symbol is a small circle that sits at the right height on the line, and it's the standard way to write temperatures, angles, and geographic coordinates.

If you're writing for school, work, or publication, use the real degree symbol. It's the difference between "72°F" (correct) and "72⁰F" (superscript zero, incorrect). Most readers won't notice, but anyone checking your work will.

Copying and pasting the degree symbol from another source

If you're in a hurry and none of the above methods are working, you can copy the degree symbol from anywhere you've already typed it — a previous document, an email, or even a web page — and paste it into your current document. Highlight the symbol, press Ctrl + C (or Cmd + C on Mac), then click where you want it in your new document and press Ctrl + V (or Cmd + V).

This is a workaround, not a permanent solution, but it works when you're stuck and need to move forward. Once you've pasted it once, you can also set up the AutoCorrect shortcut using that symbol, so you won't have to hunt for it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't the Ctrl + Shift + plus sign shortcut work on my laptop?

Most laptops don't have a separate numeric keypad. Try using the number keys across the top of your keyboard instead — if that doesn't work, use the Insert > Symbol menu instead. Some laptop keyboards have a hidden numeric keypad you can access by holding Fn and using specific keys, but it varies by model.

Can I use the degree symbol in Google Docs or other programs?

Yes. The Ctrl + Shift + plus sign shortcut (Windows) and Shift + Option + 8 (Mac) work in Google Docs, email, and most other programs. Google Docs also has an Insert > Special Characters menu if the keyboard shortcut doesn't work.

What if I need to type multiple degree symbols in one document?

Set up the AutoCorrect shortcut so you can type it quickly each time. If you're writing a long document with many temperatures or measurements, this saves time and keeps your typing flow steady instead of breaking to hunt for the symbol each time.

Is there a difference between the degree symbol and the ring above letter?

Yes. The degree symbol (°) is a standalone character used for measurements. The ring above (å, ů) is part of certain letters in other languages. They look similar but are different characters. Make sure you're inserting the degree symbol, not a letter with a diacritic mark.