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, browsers, and most other programs.

On Mac, hold Option and press Shift + 8 at the same time. Release both keys and the degree symbol appears. This also works across most Mac applications.

These methods are faster than any menu because your hands stay on the keyboard. If you type degree symbols regularly — for temperatures, angles, or coordinates — learning the shortcut saves time every single time.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type Alt + 0176 on the numeric keypad to insert a degree symbol when ready.
  • Mac users hold Option + Shift + 8 to produce the same symbol without opening any menu.
  • Word's Insert menu offers Symbol as a backup method, though it requires more clicks than keyboard shortcuts.
  • You can create a custom keyboard shortcut in Word if you type degree symbols frequently enough to justify setup time.

Using Word's Insert menu when you don't have a numeric keypad

If your keyboard lacks a numeric keypad — common on laptops and compact keyboards — the Alt code method won't 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. In the window that opens, the degree symbol is usually visible in the recent symbols row at the top. If not, type 00B0 in the "Character code" field at the bottom right, and Word jumps directly to the degree symbol. Click it, then click Insert.

This method takes longer than a keyboard shortcut, but it works on any keyboard and any computer. It also shows you other symbols you might need — copyright marks, em dashes, arrows — in the same window.

Creating a custom shortcut for repeated use

If you type degree symbols multiple times per document, you can set up a custom keyboard shortcut that works only in Word. Open the Symbol window again (Insert > Symbol > More Symbols), select the degree symbol, and look for a button labeled Shortcut Key near the bottom left.

Click it. Word shows you a text field where you can type your custom shortcut — something like Ctrl + Alt + D or Ctrl + Shift + O. Choose something you won't accidentally hit while typing. Click Assign, then Close.

From that point forward, your custom shortcut works in any Word document on that computer. The shortcut is stored in Word's settings, not in the document itself, so it won't transfer if you open the file on another computer.

Using AutoCorrect to replace text with the symbol

Word's AutoCorrect feature can replace a text string with the degree symbol automatically. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options.

In the window that opens, find the Replace tab. In the "Replace:" field, type something short you won't use otherwise — like :deg or deg:. In the "With:" field, insert the degree symbol (you can copy it from the Symbol menu or paste it if you have it elsewhere).

Click Add, then OK. Now whenever you type :deg followed by a space or punctuation, Word replaces it with °. This method is useful if you type the symbol often but don't want to memorize a keyboard combination.

Copying and pasting from another source

The simplest method if you only need the symbol once: find a degree symbol anywhere online or in another document, select it, copy it (Ctrl + C on Windows, Command + C on Mac), then paste it into your Word document (Ctrl + V or Command + V).

This works but creates a habit of switching between applications. It's practical for a one-off use but slower than any of the methods above if you need the symbol more than a few times in a session.

Why the degree symbol matters in different contexts

The degree symbol looks similar to a superscript zero or a small circle, but it is a distinct character. In formal writing — scientific papers, weather reports, coordinate data — using the actual degree symbol (°) rather than a substitute looks professional and ensures the document displays correctly on any device.

Some older systems or poorly configured fonts may render a superscript zero or a circle differently than the true degree symbol. Using the real character prevents confusion and keeps your formatting consistent across different computers and software.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if Alt + 0176 doesn't work on my Windows computer?

Make sure you are using the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard, not the number row at the top. Num Lock must be on (check the indicator light). If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, use the Insert > Symbol menu instead.

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

Yes. The Alt code method works in Google Docs on Windows. On Mac, Option + Shift + 8 works in Google Docs and most browsers. You can also use Insert > Special characters in Google Docs to find and insert the degree symbol.

Is the degree symbol the same in Celsius and Fahrenheit?

Yes. The degree symbol (°) is the same for both temperature scales. You type it the same way regardless of which scale you are using.

Will my custom keyboard shortcut work if I email the document to someone else?

No. The shortcut is stored on your computer only. The degree symbols in the document will display correctly, but the other person won't have your custom shortcut unless they set up the same one on their own computer.

Can I make the degree symbol larger or smaller?

Yes. After you insert the degree symbol, select it and change the font size the same way you would change any other text. You can also make it bold, italic, or change its color.