The fastest way to insert a degree symbol

The quickest method in Microsoft Word is to use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + 8 on Windows, or Shift + Option + 8 on Mac. Type this combination and a degree symbol (°) appears when ready. This works in any version of Word from the last decade and requires no menu navigation.

If that shortcut does not work on your keyboard layout, Word has a fallback: hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (Windows only), then release Alt. The degree symbol appears where your cursor was. This method requires a separate numeric keypad and does not work on laptop keyboards without Num Lock enabled.

Key Takeaways

  • Ctrl + Shift + 8 (Windows) or Shift + Option + 8 (Mac) inserts a degree symbol when ready without opening any menu.
  • The Alt + 0176 method works on Windows with a numeric keypad but fails on most laptops.
  • The Insert menu approach takes three clicks but works on any keyboard and any device.
  • You can create a custom keyboard shortcut or AutoCorrect entry if you type degree symbols regularly in your work.

Using the Insert menu when shortcuts do not work

If keyboard shortcuts fail on your setup, the Insert menu method works everywhere. Click 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 at the bottom.

The Symbol dialog box opens. In the Subset dropdown on the right, select Latin-1 Supplement. Scroll down slightly or search for the degree symbol in the grid. Click it once to highlight it, then click Insert. Close the dialog when finished. The degree symbol now sits in your document where your cursor was.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works identically on Windows and Mac, and it does not depend on your keyboard layout or numeric keypad.

Setting up AutoCorrect for repeated use

If you type degree symbols often—for temperatures, angles, or coordinates—create an AutoCorrect entry so Word replaces a short code with the symbol automatically. Click File, then Options (Windows) or Preferences (Mac). Select Proofing, then click AutoCorrect Options.

In the AutoCorrect dialog, type a code you will remember in the Replace field—for example, :deg or deg:. Click in the With field, then insert a degree symbol using any method above. Click Add, then OK. From now on, whenever you type your code and press Space or Enter, Word replaces it with the degree symbol automatically.

This approach saves time if you use degree symbols multiple times per document. Choose a code that is unlikely to appear in normal typing so Word does not accidentally replace text you meant to keep.

Creating a custom keyboard shortcut

For the fastest possible workflow, assign a custom keyboard shortcut directly to the degree symbol. Click File, then Options (Windows) or Preferences (Mac). Select Customize Ribbon (Windows) or Keyboard Shortcuts (Mac).

On Windows, click Keyboard Shortcuts at the bottom left. In the dialog that opens, scroll down the Categories list on the left and select Special Characters. In the Commands list, find and click the degree symbol entry. Click in the Press new keyboard shortcut field and type the key combination you want—for example, Ctrl + Alt + D. Click Assign, then Close.

On Mac, the process is similar: find the degree symbol in the keyboard shortcuts list, click in the shortcut field, type your chosen combination, and save. Test your new shortcut by typing it in a blank document. If it works, you now have a custom shortcut that is faster than navigating menus and easier to remember than Alt codes.

Copying and pasting from another source

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

This method is useful as a one-time workaround if you cannot remember a shortcut or access the Insert menu. It is slower than keyboard shortcuts for repeated use, but it requires no setup and works on any device.

Why the degree symbol matters in different contexts

The degree symbol has different meanings depending on what you are writing. In temperature, it appears before the letter F or C—for example, 72°F. In geometry and angles, it stands alone—for example, a 90° angle. In coordinates, it precedes minutes and seconds—for example, 40°26'46"N.

Using the actual degree symbol (°) instead of a lowercase o or a superscript circle makes your document look professional and ensures screen readers and other software interpret the text correctly. If you are writing technical documents, scientific reports, or anything that will be shared widely, taking the extra second to insert the proper symbol is worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the keyboard shortcut work in all Microsoft Office programs?

Ctrl + Shift + 8 works in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint on both Windows and Mac. It may not work in Outlook or Access depending on your version. If the shortcut fails, use the Insert menu method instead, which works across all Office applications.

What if my keyboard does not have a numeric keypad?

The Alt + 0176 method does not work without a numeric keypad. Use Ctrl + Shift + 8 instead, or use the Insert menu. If you have a laptop, you can enable Num Lock on the function keys, but the keyboard shortcut is simpler.

Can I use the degree symbol in a document that will be converted to PDF?

Yes. The degree symbol converts to PDF without any issues. It will display and print correctly in any PDF reader. No special steps are needed.

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

Yes. The degree symbol (°) is a distinct character designed for this purpose. A superscript zero (⁰) looks similar but is technically different and may not display correctly on all devices. Always use the actual degree symbol for professional documents.

What should I do if AutoCorrect is replacing my code when I do not want it to?

Choose a code that is less likely to appear in normal text. For example, use :deg: instead of deg so Word only replaces it when you intentionally type the colons. You can also disable the AutoCorrect entry by going back to AutoCorrect Options and deleting it.