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, Outlook, 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 numeric keypad, enable Num Lock first. Some laptops require you to hold Fn while using the Alt code.

Once you know this combination, it becomes faster than any menu. You do not have to stop typing or reach for the mouse. The symbol inserts exactly where your cursor is, so you stay in your workflow.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type Alt+0176 on the numeric keypad to insert a degree symbol without opening any menu.
  • Mac users can hold Option and press Shift+8 to type the degree symbol in Word or any other program.
  • The Insert menu in Word 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 save the degree symbol as AutoCorrect so that typing a short code like "deg" automatically replaces it with °.

Mac keyboard shortcut

On Mac, hold Option and press Shift+8 at the same time. The degree symbol appears. This works in Word, Pages, Mail, and most other Mac programs.

Unlike Windows, Mac does not use numeric keypads for this task. The Option key (also labeled Alt on some keyboards) combined with Shift+8 is the standard Mac method for the degree symbol. Your fingers stay on the main keyboard, so there is no reaching required.

If Option+Shift+8 does not work, check that you are pressing both keys together. Some older Mac keyboards may label the Option key differently, but the function remains the same across all Mac models.

Using Word's Insert menu

Open the Insert tab at the top of Word. Click Symbol on the right side of the ribbon. A dropdown menu appears with common symbols; if the degree symbol is not visible, click More Symbols at the bottom.

The Symbol dialog opens. In the search box at the bottom, type degree. The degree symbol appears in the list. Click it once to select it, then click Insert. Close the dialog when you are done.

This method works on both Windows and Mac, but it requires leaving your text and using the mouse. It is useful if you forget the keyboard shortcut or if your keyboard does not support it. The Symbol dialog also shows you the Unicode number and other details about the character, which can be helpful if you are documenting your work.

Setting up AutoCorrect for repeated use

If you type the degree symbol often, you can create a shortcut that replaces a short code with the symbol automatically. Open File and select Options (Windows) or Preferences (Mac). Go to Proofing, then click AutoCorrect Options.

In the AutoCorrect dialog, find the Replace tab. In the "Replace" field, type a short code like deg. In the "With" field, type or paste the degree symbol (°). Click Add, then OK.

Now whenever you type deg followed by a space or punctuation, Word replaces it with °. This is especially useful if you work with temperatures, angles, or geographic coordinates regularly. Once set up, the AutoCorrect rule stays in Word and works every time you open the program.

Copying and pasting from another source

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

This is not faster than a keyboard shortcut, but it works if your keyboard is not cooperating or if you are on an unfamiliar computer. You can also keep a text file with commonly used symbols saved on your computer or in cloud storage for quick access when you need them.

Why the degree symbol matters in Word

The degree symbol is a single character that looks professional and is recognized by spell-check and screen readers. Using the actual symbol (°) instead of typing the letter O or the number 0 makes your document clearer and more readable, especially in technical writing, scientific reports, or any document about temperature or angles.

Word treats the degree symbol as a real character, so it stays with the number it follows and does not break across lines unexpectedly the way a typed substitute might. When you share your document with others or convert it to PDF, the symbol remains intact and displays correctly on any device.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your laptop may not have a separate numeric keypad. Try enabling Num Lock (usually a key in the top-left corner of the keyboard), or hold Fn while typing the Alt code. If neither works, use the Insert menu or the keyboard shortcut method instead.

Can I use the degree symbol in a heading or title?

Yes. The degree symbol works in any text in Word, including headings, titles, and tables. It will print and display correctly in any format or document style.

Does the degree symbol work in Word Online?

The keyboard shortcuts (Alt+0176 on Windows, Option+Shift+8 on Mac) work in Word Online. The Insert menu method also works. AutoCorrect may not function the same way in the online version, so the keyboard shortcut is more reliable there.

What if I need the degree symbol but I am using a different program?

The Alt code (Windows) and Option+Shift+8 (Mac) work in most programs, including Outlook, Google Docs, email clients, and web forms. The Insert menu method is specific to Word, but the keyboard shortcuts are universal across nearly all applications.