The fastest way: Alt code on Windows

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.

The numeric keypad is the separate number pad on the right side of most keyboards — not the numbers across the top. If your keyboard has no separate keypad (common on laptops), you may need to enable Num Lock first, or use one of the other methods below.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type Alt+0176 on the numeric keypad to insert a degree symbol when ready in any program.
  • Mac users should press Shift+Option+8 to type the degree symbol without opening any menus.
  • Word's Insert menu offers Symbol, which lets you search by name and insert the degree symbol if you forget the keyboard shortcut.
  • You can save the degree symbol as an AutoCorrect entry so typing a short code (like "deg") automatically replaces it.

Mac keyboard shortcut

On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol. This is the quickest method and works everywhere on your Mac — in Word, email, browsers, and any text field.

If you use the degree symbol often, you can also add it to your Mac's text replacements so a short code expands to the symbol automatically. Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacement, click the plus button, type your shortcut (like "deg") in the left column, and paste the degree symbol in the right column. After that, typing "deg" followed by a space will replace it with °.

Using Word's Insert menu

Open 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 to open the full Symbol dialog.

In the dialog box, look for the degree symbol in the list. You can scroll through, or type "degree" in the search box at the bottom to find it faster. Click the symbol, then click Insert. The symbol appears in your document at the cursor position.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut, but it works if you forget the Alt code or Mac shortcut, and it shows you other symbols you might need. The Symbol dialog also displays the character code for any symbol you select, which is useful if you want to learn the Alt code for future use.

Setting up AutoCorrect for repeated use

If you type the degree symbol regularly, create an AutoCorrect entry so a short code expands to it automatically. First, type or insert one degree symbol into your document using any method above.

Select the degree symbol, then go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. In the dialog, type a short code in the Replace field (like "deg" or "degree"), and the degree symbol should already appear in the With field. 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 write about temperature, angles, or coordinates often. You can create multiple AutoCorrect entries for different symbols you use regularly.

Copying from another source

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

This is useful as a one-time solution, but it is slower than a keyboard shortcut for regular use. It also depends on having the symbol available somewhere to copy from. For documents you create often, learning the keyboard shortcut or setting up AutoCorrect is more efficient.

Why the degree symbol matters in Word

Using the actual degree symbol (°) instead of typing the letter "o" or the number "0" makes your document look professional and ensures screen readers and other assistive technology read it correctly. It also makes your text searchable — if someone searches for "32°F", they will find it, but they might miss "32oF" or "32 degrees F".

The symbol takes only a few keystrokes once you know the method, so there is no reason to use a substitute. In technical writing, scientific documents, or any formal text, the correct symbol shows attention to detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Laptops often lack a separate numeric keypad. Try enabling Num Lock (usually Fn+Num Lock), then use the number keys on the right side of your keyboard while holding Alt. If that does not work, use the Insert > Symbol menu instead, or use the Mac method if you are on a Mac.

Can I use the degree symbol in a formula or field code?

Yes. The degree symbol is a regular character and works in formulas, field codes, headers, footers, and text boxes. Insert it the same way you would in regular text, and it will behave like any other character in your document.

What if I need the degree symbol in a different program, not Word?

The Alt+0176 code works in most Windows programs (email, browsers, Notepad, Excel). On Mac, Shift+Option+8 works almost everywhere. If neither works, copy the symbol from Word and paste it into the other program.

Is there a difference between the degree symbol and a superscript zero?

Yes. The degree symbol (°) is a single character designed for temperature and angles. A superscript zero is the number 0 made smaller and raised. They look similar but are different characters. Use the degree symbol for accuracy and accessibility.

Can I make the degree symbol appear automatically when I type certain words?

Yes, through AutoCorrect. You can set it so that typing "temp" or "angle" automatically inserts the degree symbol, or you can create an entry that replaces a code like "°" with the actual symbol. This works best if you choose a code you will not accidentally type in normal writing.