The fastest way: Alt code on Windows, Option key on Mac

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. The degree symbol (°) appears when ready. This works in Word, email, web forms, and most other programs.

On Mac, hold Option and press Shift + 8. Release both keys and the degree symbol appears. This is the quickest method if you type it often.

Both methods work whether you are typing a temperature (98°F), an angle (45°), or a location (40°N). The symbol inserts exactly where your cursor is, with no dialog boxes or menus.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad; Mac users hold Option and press Shift + 8.
  • The Insert menu method works on both systems but requires more clicks: go to Insert > Symbol, find the degree symbol, and click Insert.
  • You can create a keyboard shortcut in Word so a custom combination (like Ctrl + Shift + D) types the degree symbol automatically.
  • If you type the degree symbol regularly, storing it in AutoCorrect means typing a short code like "deg" expands to ° automatically.

Using Word's Insert menu when you do not have a numeric keypad

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad (common on laptops), the Alt code method does not work. Instead, go to the Insert tab at the top of Word, then click Symbol on the right side of the ribbon.

A dropdown menu appears. Click More Symbols at the bottom. The Symbol 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.

This method takes longer than Alt codes but works reliably. You can also scroll through the symbol list manually if you prefer, though searching is faster.

Setting up AutoCorrect for repeated use

If you type the degree symbol often, set up AutoCorrect so a short code expands to it automatically. Open Word and go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options.

In the AutoCorrect dialog, find the Replace tab. In the "Replace" field, type a short code like deg or :deg:. In the "With" field, paste or type the degree symbol (°). Click Add, then OK.

Now whenever you type your code followed by a space or punctuation, Word replaces it with the degree symbol. This saves time if you use it in multiple documents.

Creating a custom keyboard shortcut in Word

You can assign the degree symbol to a keyboard combination you choose. Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, then click Keyboard Shortcuts: Customize at the bottom left.

The Customize Keyboard dialog opens. In the left panel, scroll down and click Special Characters. In the right panel, scroll to find the degree symbol (it may be listed as "Degree Sign"). Click it once to select it.

Click in the "Press new keyboard shortcut" field and press the key combination you want — for example, Ctrl + Shift + D. Click Assign, then Close. From then on, that combination types the degree symbol in Word.

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), then click in Word where you want it and press Ctrl + V or Command + V.

This is slower than the other methods but useful if you are already looking at another document. You can also save the symbol in a text file or note for quick access later.

Why the Alt code method fails on some keyboards

The Alt + 0176 method requires a numeric keypad with Num Lock turned on. Laptops, compact keyboards, and external keyboards without a separate number pad do not have this. If you press Alt and the numbers on your keyboard do nothing, try the Insert menu or AutoCorrect method instead.

Some keyboards have a Fn key that activates a hidden numeric keypad (usually marked on the right side of the letter keys). If your keyboard has this, hold Fn while holding Alt and typing the numbers. Check your keyboard manual if you are unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the degree symbol work in all fonts?

Yes. The degree symbol is a standard character in every font Word supports. It may look slightly different depending on the font — some are rounder, some more angular — but it always appears and prints correctly.

Can I use these methods in Google Docs or other programs?

The Alt code method (Alt + 0176 on Windows) works in Google Docs, email, and most web forms. The Option + Shift + 8 method works on Mac in almost any program. The Insert menu and AutoCorrect methods are specific to Word, but Google Docs has its own Insert > Special Characters menu that works similarly.

What if I need a superscript zero instead of a degree symbol?

A superscript zero (⁰) looks similar but is different. To make it, type a regular zero, select it, then go to Home > Superscript (or press Ctrl + Shift + Plus). The degree symbol (°) is the correct choice for temperatures and angles.

Will AutoCorrect interfere with normal typing?

Only if you choose a code that conflicts with real words. Using "deg" is safe because it is not a word. Avoid codes like "a" or "the". If AutoCorrect causes problems, you can turn it off for that code by going back to AutoCorrect Options and clicking Delete.