The fastest way: Alt code on Windows

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of your keyboard), then release Alt. The degree symbol (°) appears when ready. This works in Word, Google Docs, email, and most other programs.

The numeric keypad is essential — typing 0176 on the regular number row above the letters will not work. If your laptop has no separate keypad, look for a Num Lock key that toggles the number pad function on certain keys, usually marked with small numbers in the corner.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can insert a degree symbol by holding Alt and typing 0176 on the numeric keypad, which works in any program.
  • Mac users should press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol directly.
  • Word's Insert menu offers a Symbol dialog where you can search for the degree symbol and insert it by clicking, though this is slower than keyboard shortcuts.
  • You can create an AutoCorrect entry so that typing a shortcut like "deg" automatically becomes the degree symbol.
  • The degree symbol works the same way in temperature (72°F), angles (45°), and other measurements.

The Mac shortcut

On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 simultaneously. This is the standard Mac keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol and works in Word, Pages, email, and web browsers. Unlike the Windows Alt code, you do not need to hold the keys in sequence — press all three at once, then release.

If you are using an external keyboard on Mac, the shortcut remains the same. Some older Mac keyboards may label the Option key as Alt, but the function is identical.

Using Word's Symbol dialog

Open Word and go to the Insert tab in the ribbon at the top. Click Symbol (on newer versions, this may be labeled Special CharactersMore Symbols. A dialog box opens showing available characters.

In the search field or character list, look for "degree" or scroll until you find the ° symbol. Click it once to select it, then click Insert. The symbol appears in your document at the cursor position. Close the dialog when finished. This method is slower than keyboard shortcuts but useful if you forget the shortcut or want to see what the symbol looks like before inserting it.

Setting up AutoCorrect for repeated use

If you type the degree symbol often, create an AutoCorrect entry so a short code becomes the symbol automatically. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. In the dialog, type a shortcut in the Replace field (for example, "deg") and paste or type the degree symbol in the With field.

Click Add, then OK. Now whenever you type "deg" followed by a space or punctuation, Word automatically replaces it with °. This saves time if you work with temperatures, angles, or geographic coordinates regularly. You can create multiple shortcuts this way — for instance, "degc" for Celsius or "degf" for Fahrenheit.

Copying and pasting the symbol

If you have already typed the degree symbol once, you can copy it and paste it elsewhere. Select the ° symbol in your document, press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac), then click where you want it and press Ctrl + V or Command + V. This works but is slower than using a keyboard shortcut.

You can also find the degree symbol online, copy it from a reference page, and paste it into your document. This is useful only if you cannot remember the keyboard shortcut and do not want to use the Symbol dialog.

Using the degree symbol in different contexts

The degree symbol works the same way regardless of what you are measuring. For temperature, type the number, then the symbol, then the letter: 72°F or 22°C. For angles and coordinates, place the symbol after the number: 45° or 40°N. In all cases, there is typically no space between the number and the symbol, though style guides vary slightly.

Word does not automatically correct "degrees" to the symbol, so you must insert it manually each time. If your document uses the degree symbol many times, the AutoCorrect method saves the most effort over the course of writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Alt + 0176 not work on my laptop?

Your laptop likely does not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Look for a Num Lock key, usually near the top right of the keyboard. Press it to enable number pad mode on the letter keys, then try the Alt code again. If Num Lock is already on, check whether your keyboard requires a function key (Fn) to be held while typing numbers.

Can I use the degree symbol in Google Docs or email?

Yes. The Alt code (Windows) and Shift + Option + 8 (Mac) work in Google Docs, Gmail, Outlook, and most web-based programs. The Symbol dialog method only works in Microsoft Word, not in other applications.

What if I need the degree symbol but do not know the shortcut?

Use the Insert > Symbol menu in Word, or copy the symbol from another document. You can also search online for "degree symbol," copy it from the search results, and paste it into your document. Once you use the shortcut a few times, it becomes automatic.

Does the degree symbol look different in different fonts?

The symbol is the same character in all fonts, but it may appear slightly larger or smaller depending on the typeface. If it looks too small or too large in your document, you can select it and adjust the font size to match the surrounding text.