The fastest way: Alt code on Windows

On a Windows computer, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top). Release Alt and the degree symbol (°) appears. This works in Word, Outlook, Excel, and most other programs.

The numeric keypad is the cluster of number keys on the right side of a full-size keyboard. If you have a laptop without a separate numeric keypad, you may need to enable Num Lock first — usually a key labeled Fn + Num Lock or similar. Once Num Lock is on, a set of keys (often the right side of the letter keys) acts as a numeric pad.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type Alt + 0176 on the numeric keypad to insert a degree symbol when ready.
  • Mac users hold Option and press Shift + 8 to type the degree symbol.
  • Word's Insert menu offers a Symbol dialog where you can search for the degree symbol by name and insert it without memorizing a code.
  • You can save the degree symbol as an AutoCorrect entry so typing a shortcut like "(deg)" replaces it automatically.

On a Mac: Option + Shift + 8

Hold Option (also called Alt on some Mac keyboards) and press Shift + 8 at the same time. The degree symbol appears. This works across all Mac applications, including Word.

If you use this symbol often, you can add it to your Mac's text replacement settings so a short phrase like "deg" expands to °. Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacement, click the plus button, type your shortcut in the "Replace" field, paste the degree symbol in the "With" field, and click Add.

Using Word's Insert menu

Open the Insert tab at the top of Word. Click Symbol (on newer versions, this may be labeled Special Character). A dialog box opens showing available symbols.

Type "degree" in the search field at the bottom of the dialog, or scroll through the list until you find the degree symbol (°). Click it once to select it, then click Insert. The symbol appears in your document at the cursor position. You can close the dialog or insert more symbols before closing.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but requires no memorization. It also works the same way on Windows and Mac, so if you switch between computers, you have one reliable method everywhere.

Setting up AutoCorrect for repeated use

If you type the degree symbol regularly, create an AutoCorrect entry so Word replaces a short code with the symbol automatically. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. In the "Replace" field, type a shortcut like "(deg)" or "degr". In the "With" field, paste or type the degree symbol (°). Click Add, then OK.

From then on, whenever you type your shortcut followed by a space or punctuation, Word replaces it with the degree symbol. You can create multiple shortcuts — for example, "(c)" for copyright or "(tm)" for trademark — and manage them all in the same dialog.

Copying and pasting from another source

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

This is useful if you have already typed the symbol once and need it again, or if you are working on a shared document where someone else has already used it. It avoids the need to remember a code or navigate a menu.

Why the degree symbol matters in different contexts

The degree symbol is not the same as a superscript zero or the letter O. A true degree symbol (°) is smaller and positioned differently, and it is the correct character for temperatures (72°F), angles (45°), and geographic coordinates. Using the wrong character can make a document look unprofessional or confuse readers.

Some fonts render the degree symbol slightly differently, so if you are sharing a document with others, the symbol may look slightly different on their screen depending on which font they have installed. This is normal and does not affect the meaning or the ability to read the document.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your laptop may not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Try enabling Num Lock (usually Fn + Num Lock or a key marked with a lock icon), then use the number keys on the right side of your keyboard. If that does not work, use the Insert > Symbol menu instead, which works on all computers.

Can I use the degree symbol in a spreadsheet or email?

Yes. The Alt code (Windows) and Option + Shift + 8 (Mac) work in Excel, Google Sheets, Outlook, Gmail, and most other programs. The Insert > Symbol menu works in Word and Outlook but not in all applications, so the keyboard shortcut is more reliable across different software.

What if I need a different symbol, like copyright or trademark?

The Insert > Symbol menu contains hundreds of symbols. You can search by name (type "copyright" or "trademark") or browse by category. You can also create AutoCorrect entries for any symbol you use often, using the same method described for the degree symbol.

Is the degree symbol the same as a superscript zero?

No. A superscript zero is smaller and raised, but it is still the number 0. The degree symbol is a distinct character designed specifically for temperatures and angles. Using the true degree symbol (°) looks more professional and is the correct choice for formal writing.