How to Insert a Degree Symbol in Microsoft Word

The fastest way to add a degree symbol

The quickest method is to hold Alt and type 0176 on your numeric keypad, then release Alt. The degree symbol (°) appears when ready. This works in Word on Windows computers with a numeric keypad — the numbers across the top of your keyboard do not work for this shortcut.

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, or you are on a Mac, use the Insert menu instead. Click Insert in the ribbon, then Symbol (on Mac, look for Special Characters). Search for "degree" in the search box, select the degree symbol from the list, and click Insert. The symbol appears where your cursor was positioned.

Both methods take under ten seconds once you know where to look. The Alt code is faster if you type degree symbols often; the Insert menu is more reliable if you use different keyboards or switch between devices.

Key Takeaways

Windows users with a numeric keypad can type Alt+0176 to insert a degree symbol when ready without opening any menus.
Mac users and Windows users without a numeric keypad should use Insert > Symbol, search for "degree", and click Insert.
You can save the degree symbol as an AutoCorrect entry so typing a short code (like "deg") automatically replaces it with °.
If you need the symbol repeatedly in a document, copy it once and paste it wherever else you need it.

Using AutoCorrect to type the symbol faster

If you insert degree symbols regularly, set up an AutoCorrect shortcut so you never have to hunt for it again. First, insert one degree symbol using either method above. Select it, then go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options.

In the AutoCorrect dialog, leave the degree symbol in the With field (it should already be there). In the Replace field, type a short code like "deg" or "°°". Click Add, then OK. Now whenever you type "deg" followed by a space or punctuation, Word automatically replaces it with the degree symbol.

This method saves time if you work with temperatures, angles, or coordinates regularly. You can create multiple shortcuts this way — for instance, "temp" could also trigger the degree symbol if that fits your workflow better.

Copying and pasting the symbol

The simplest method if you need the symbol only a few times is to insert it once, copy it, and paste it wherever else you need it in the document. Insert the degree symbol using the Alt code or Insert menu, then right-click it and select Copy (or press Ctrl+C).

Move your cursor to each location where you need the symbol and press Ctrl+V to paste. This avoids memorizing keyboard codes or navigating menus multiple times. If you are working across several documents, you can keep the symbol copied and paste it into any Word file during your session.

Finding the symbol in the Insert menu on different Word versions

The path to the Symbol menu varies slightly depending on your Word version. In Word 2019 and Word for Microsoft 365, click Insert in the ribbon, then look for Symbol on the right side of the toolbar. Click the dropdown arrow next to it if you see one.

In older versions of Word (2010, 2013, 2016), the Symbol button is in the same Insert tab but may appear in a different location on the ribbon. If you cannot find it, click Insert, then look for Special Characters or a button that looks like the Greek letter Omega (Ω). On Mac, the path is Insert > Special Characters.

Once the Symbol dialog opens, type "degree" in the search field to filter the list. The degree symbol appears near the top. Select it and click Insert to place it in your document at the cursor position.

Typing the symbol on a Mac

Mac keyboards do not have a numeric keypad in the traditional sense, so the Alt+0176 method does not work. Instead, use Insert > Special Characters, search for "degree", and click Insert. This is the most straightforward approach on macOS.

Alternatively, some Mac users report success holding Option (the Mac equivalent of Alt) and pressing Shift+8, though this produces a different symbol (°) and does not work consistently across all Mac keyboards or Word versions. The Insert menu method is more reliable and works the same way every time.

Troubleshooting when the Alt code does not work

If you press Alt+0176 and nothing happens, your keyboard likely does not have a numeric keypad, or Num Lock is turned off. Check the top right of your keyboard for a Num Lock key (often labeled "Num Lk") and press it to turn the numeric keypad on. The light next to Num Lock should illuminate when it is active.

If you are using a laptop keyboard without a separate numeric keypad, look for numbers printed in a different color on the letter keys (often blue or red). You may need to hold Fn (Function) in addition to Alt to set up the numeric keypad layer. If this still does not work, use the Insert > Symbol method instead — it works on any keyboard.

On a Mac, the Alt code method does not work at all because macOS uses a different character input system. Use Insert > Special Characters instead.

Using the degree symbol in different contexts

The degree symbol works the same way whether you are typing a temperature (72°F), an angle (45°), or coordinates (40.7128°N). Insert it the same way each time — the context does not change how Word handles the symbol.

If you are writing academic or technical documents that use the degree symbol frequently, setting up an AutoCorrect entry saves the most time. If you use it only occasionally, copying and pasting from the first instance is often faster than opening the Insert menu repeatedly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Alt+0176 not work on my keyboard?

Your keyboard either lacks a numeric keypad or Num Lock is off. Laptops often require you to hold Fn while using the Alt code. If neither works, use Insert > Symbol instead — it works on any keyboard without special key combinations.

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

Yes. The degree symbol works anywhere in a Word document — titles, headings, body text, tables, and headers. Insert it the same way regardless of where it appears.

Will the degree symbol copy correctly if I send the document to someone else?

Yes. The degree symbol is a standard character that displays correctly on any computer, phone, or tablet. It will not change or disappear when you share the document.

Is there a keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol on Mac?

No reliable universal shortcut exists across all Mac keyboards and Word versions. Use Insert > Special Characters instead. You can also set up an AutoCorrect entry on Mac the same way you would on Windows.

What if I need multiple degree symbols in a row?

Insert one, copy it, and paste it as many times as needed. Alternatively, if you set up an AutoCorrect entry, you can type your shortcut code multiple times in a row, and each instance will convert to a degree symbol.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.