The fastest way to insert a degree symbol

The quickest method is to use the keyboard shortcut: hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. The degree symbol (°) will appear where your cursor is. This works in Microsoft Word on Windows computers.

On a Mac, hold Shift + Option and press 8. The symbol appears when ready without any extra steps.

If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad — common on laptops — you can use Word's built-in Insert menu instead, which works the same way on both Windows and Mac.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type Alt + 0176 on the numeric keypad to insert a degree symbol when ready.
  • Mac users hold Shift + Option and press 8 to get the degree symbol.
  • If you do not have a numeric keypad, use Insert > Symbol > Special Characters and search for "degree".
  • You can save a degree symbol as AutoCorrect so typing a shortcut like "(deg)" automatically replaces it with °.

Using the Insert menu when you do not have a numeric keypad

Open Word and place your cursor where you want the degree symbol. Click the Insert tab at the top of the ribbon. Then click Symbol on the right side of the ribbon — it looks like the Greek letter Omega (Ω).

A dropdown menu appears. Click More Symbols at the bottom. A dialog box opens showing a grid of special characters. In the search box at the bottom, type degree. The degree symbol (°) will appear in the results. Click it once to select it, then click Insert. Close the dialog when you are done.

This method is slower than the keyboard shortcut but works on any computer, whether or not it has a numeric keypad.

Setting up AutoCorrect for the degree symbol

If you type the degree symbol often, you can set Word to replace a straightforward shortcut with the symbol automatically. Open Word and go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. In the dialog that opens, find the field labeled Replace and type a shortcut you will remember — for example, (deg) or degr.

In the field labeled With, insert the degree symbol. The easiest way is to use Alt + 0176 (Windows) or Shift + Option + 8 (Mac) to type it directly into that field. Then click Add and OK.

From now on, whenever you type your shortcut and press Space or Enter, Word replaces it with the degree symbol. You can create as many AutoCorrect entries as you want for symbols you use regularly.

Copying and pasting the degree symbol

If you already have a degree symbol somewhere — in an email, a web page, or another document — you can straightforward copy it and paste it into Word. Highlight the symbol, press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac) to copy, then click in your Word document where you want it and press Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac).

This is useful if you have a symbol in front of you but cannot remember the keyboard shortcut. It is slower than typing a shortcut, but it requires no setup.

Using the Character Map tool (Windows only)

Windows has a built-in tool called Character Map that displays every symbol your computer can produce. Press the Windows key, type Character Map, and open the app. Scroll down or search for "degree" to find the degree symbol. Click it, then click Copy. Switch to Word and paste it where you need it.

Character Map is useful if you work with many special characters and want to see them all in one place. Most people find the keyboard shortcut or AutoCorrect method faster for a single symbol.

Why the degree symbol matters in different contexts

The degree symbol is not just for temperature. You use it for angles in geometry (45°), for coordinates in navigation (40.7128° N), and for academic or professional writing that mentions measurements. Using the actual symbol instead of typing the letter "o" or the word "degrees" makes your document look polished and professional.

Different fields have different standards. Scientific writing often requires the degree symbol. Some style guides specify how to format it — for example, whether to add a space between the number and the symbol. Check your field's standard before you submit formal work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Alt + 0176 not work on my laptop?

Laptops often do not have a separate numeric keypad. Try using the Insert > Symbol menu instead, or use the Fn key plus Alt + 0176 if your laptop has a Fn lock. On a Mac, use Shift + Option + 8.

Can I insert a degree symbol in Google Docs?

Yes. In Google Docs, go to Insert > Special Characters, then search for "degree" and click the symbol to insert it. You can also use the same keyboard shortcuts as Word if your keyboard supports them.

What if I need a degree symbol but I am not in Word?

The Alt + 0176 shortcut (Windows) and Shift + Option + 8 (Mac) work in most programs — email, web browsers, text editors, and spreadsheets. If it does not work, copy the symbol from a web search result and paste it into your document.

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

Yes. The degree symbol (°) is a distinct character. A superscript zero (⁰) looks similar but is technically different. For temperature, angles, and coordinates, use the actual degree symbol, not a superscript.