The fastest way: use the keyboard shortcut

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. The degree symbol (°) appears when ready. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together, then press 8. Both methods work in any document you're typing in Word, and neither requires you to open a menu.

The numeric keypad method only works on the right side of your keyboard — the number row at the top will not work. If your laptop has no numeric keypad, you may need to enable Num Lock 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 without opening any menu.
  • Mac users hold Shift+Option and press 8 to get the same symbol in one keystroke.
  • If you use the degree symbol often, you can add it to Word's AutoCorrect so typing a shortcut like (deg) replaces itself automatically.
  • The Insert menu offers a Symbol dialog where you can search for the degree symbol by name and insert it, though this is slower than keyboard shortcuts.

Setting up AutoCorrect for repeated use

If you type the degree symbol regularly — for temperatures, angles, or coordinates — set up AutoCorrect to replace a short code with the symbol. Open Word and go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. In the Replace field, type something short like (deg) or deg. In the With field, paste or type the degree symbol °.

Click Add, then OK. From that point on, whenever you type your shortcut and press Space or Tab, Word replaces it with the degree symbol. You can create multiple shortcuts this way — some people use ^o or dg depending on what feels natural to them.

Using the Insert menu when you do not remember the shortcut

Open the Insert tab at the top of Word, then click Symbol on the right side of the ribbon. A dropdown menu appears. If you see the degree symbol in the recent symbols list, click it. If not, click More Symbols to open the full Symbol dialog.

In the dialog box, you can search by typing degree in the search field, or scroll through the list. The degree symbol is usually in the Latin-1 Supplement subset. Click the symbol, then click Insert. This method is reliable but slower than a keyboard shortcut, so it works best when you need the symbol only occasionally.

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. Highlight the symbol, press Ctrl+C (Windows) or Command+C (Mac), then click where you want it in your Word document and press Ctrl+V or Command+V. This works when ready but requires you to have the symbol available somewhere to start with.

Once you have pasted it once, you can also add it to your AutoCorrect as described above, so you never have to hunt for it again.

Why the degree symbol matters in different contexts

The degree symbol is not the same as a superscript zero or the letter O. Screen readers and search engines treat them differently, and if you are writing something that will be read aloud or indexed, using the real degree symbol (°) instead of a substitute keeps the meaning clear. In scientific or technical writing, using the correct symbol also signals that you have paid attention to detail.

In casual writing, a substitute like "degrees" spelled out or even (deg) in parentheses is fine. But if you are writing a report, a recipe, or anything that will be shared or published, the real symbol takes seconds to insert and looks more professional.

Troubleshooting when the shortcut does not work

If Alt+0176 does not work on Windows, check that Num Lock is on — the light on your numeric keypad should be lit. If it is off, press Num Lock once and try again. Also make sure you are using the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard, not the number row at the top.

If you are on a Mac and Shift+Option+8 does not work, your keyboard layout may be different. Try going to Insert > Symbol instead, or check your keyboard settings to see what your current layout is. Some international keyboard layouts use different key combinations for the degree symbol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the degree symbol different from a superscript zero?

Yes. The degree symbol (°) is a separate character. A superscript zero is the number 0 made smaller and raised. They look similar but are not the same, and screen readers will read them differently. Use the degree symbol for temperatures, angles, and coordinates.

Can I use the degree symbol in a table or header?

Yes, the degree symbol works anywhere in a Word document — in tables, headers, footers, text boxes, and comments. Use the same keyboard shortcut or AutoCorrect method you would use in regular text.

What if I want to type 72°F but Word keeps changing it?

Word's AutoCorrect may be interfering. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options and look for any rules that might affect degree symbols or temperature notation. You can also undo the change when ready with Ctrl+Z and then turn off that specific AutoCorrect rule.

Does the keyboard shortcut work in other programs besides Word?

The Alt+0176 method works in most Windows programs that accept text. The Shift+Option+8 method works in most Mac programs. However, some older or specialized programs may not support it, so the Insert menu or copy-paste method is a safer fallback.