Whether you’re writing about temperature, angles, geographic coordinates, or scientific measurements, knowing how to type the degree symbol (°) can save you time and make your documents look more professional. Many people see the degree symbol regularly when writing temperatures such as 72°F or 25°C, but they are often unsure how to enter it using a keyboard.
Whether you’re using a Windows PC, Mac, laptop, or even working in applications like Microsoft Word, there are quick keyboard shortcuts that make the process easy.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what the degree symbol is, why it’s important, and the easiest ways to type it on different keyboards.
Understanding the Degree Symbol
The degree symbol (°) is a special character used to represent degrees in several contexts. It is most commonly used when writing temperatures, such as 85°F or 30°C. It is also used in mathematics and geometry to indicate angles, such as 90° or 180°.
In geography, the degree symbol helps represent coordinates. For example, a location might be written as 40° N or 74° W.
Although the symbol appears small, it plays an important role in making measurements accurate and easy to understand. Without it, readers may become confused about whether a number represents a temperature, an angle, or something else entirely.
Because the degree symbol is not displayed directly on most standard keyboards, many users assume it is difficult to type. Fortunately, several simple methods work across different devices and applications.
Type the Degree Symbol on the Keyboard
To type the degree symbol (°) on a keyboard, place the cursor where you want the symbol to appear and use the appropriate keyboard shortcut. On Windows, hold the Alt key and type 0176 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, press Option + Shift + 8. You can also insert the degree symbol using the Character Map, emoji keyboard, or symbol insertion tools available in various applications.
The method you use to type the degree symbol depends on your operating system and keyboard layout..
The following steps walk you through the most effective methods, starting with the most popular option for Windows users.
1: Use the Alt Code Method on Windows
The easiest and most widely used way to type the degree symbol on a Windows computer is by using an Alt code.
Start by opening any application where you want to type the symbol. This could be Microsoft Word, Notepad, Google Docs, or an email message.
Place your cursor where the degree symbol should appear.
Next, hold down the Alt key on your keyboard. While continuing to hold the key, type 0176 using the numeric keypad located on the right side of your keyboard.
After entering the numbers, release the Alt key. The degree symbol (°) should immediately appear.
For example, if you’re typing a temperature, you can enter: 25°
Then continue typing the rest of the temperature unit if needed: 25°C
This method works reliably in most Windows applications and remains one of the fastest ways to insert the symbol.
2: Enable and Use the Numeric Keypad on a Laptop
Many laptop users encounter a common problem. Their keyboard does not include a separate numeric keypad.
If your laptop has a built-in numeric keypad hidden within certain letter keys, you may need to activate Num Lock first.
Look for a Num Lock key on your keyboard. Depending on your laptop model, you may need to press Fn + Num Lock to enable the keypad.
Once activated, use the same Alt code method:
- Hold Alt
- Type 0176
- Release Alt
If your laptop does not provide a numeric keypad at all, you can use one of the alternative methods discussed in the next steps.
Learning this option is useful because many Windows shortcuts rely on numeric keypad input.
3: Insert the Degree Symbol Using Character Map
The Character Map utility is included with Windows and provides access to hundreds of special characters.
Click the Start Menu and search for Character Map.
Open the application and scroll through the available symbols until you locate the degree symbol (°).
Click the symbol to select it.
Choose Select, then click Copy.
Return to your document and paste the symbol using Ctrl + V.
This method is especially helpful if keyboard shortcuts are not working correctly or if you frequently need access to other special characters.
Many beginners find Character Map useful because it provides a visual way to locate symbols without memorizing shortcuts.
4: Use the Windows Emoji and Symbols Panel
Modern versions of Windows include a convenient panel for inserting emojis and symbols.
Place your cursor where you want the degree symbol to appear.
- Press Windows Key + Period (.)
- A panel will open on the screen.
- Navigate to the symbols section and locate the degree symbol.
- Click the symbol to insert it into your document.
This method is simple and works well for users who prefer visual tools rather than keyboard codes.
It also provides quick access to many other symbols you may need while writing.
5: Type the Degree Symbol on a Mac
Mac users have a dedicated shortcut that makes typing the degree symbol incredibly easy.
Open the document where you want to insert the symbol. Position the cursor in the correct location.
Press Option + Shift + 8 simultaneously. The degree symbol will appear instantly.
For example:
- 72°
- 90°
- 180°
This shortcut works throughout macOS, including in Pages, Microsoft Word, Notes, Safari, and many other applications.
Since the shortcut is built directly into the operating system, it is often faster than using menus or symbol libraries.
6: Insert the Degree Symbol in Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word provides several methods for inserting the degree symbol.
One method involves using the Windows Alt code or Mac shortcut described earlier.
Another method uses Word’s built-in symbol library.
- Open the Insert tab.
- Select Symbol.
- Choose More Symbols if necessary.
- Find the degree symbol (°) from the list.
- Click Insert.
This method can be particularly useful when working with academic documents, scientific reports, or engineering materials that require many special characters.
Word also remembers recently used symbols, making future insertions even faster.
7: Copy and Paste the Degree Symbol
When you only need the symbol occasionally, copying and pasting may be the quickest solution.
Simply copy this symbol:
°
Place your cursor where needed and paste it.
This approach works on virtually every device and operating system.
Although it is not the most efficient long-term solution, it can save time when you need the symbol immediately and do not remember the keyboard shortcut.
8: Use the Degree Symbol in Web Browsers and Online Forms
Many users need the degree symbol while completing online forms, posting on social media, or entering weather information.
Most web browsers support all the methods described above.
You can use keyboard shortcuts, the emoji panel, Character Map, or copy and paste the symbol directly into online fields.
Before submitting a form, verify that the symbol displays correctly. Most modern websites fully support the degree symbol and other Unicode characters.
This ensures your temperatures, coordinates, and measurements appear exactly as intended.
Additional Tips
Remembering keyboard shortcuts can significantly improve your productivity. If you frequently work with weather data, scientific documents, or engineering calculations, taking a few minutes to memorize the degree symbol shortcut is worthwhile.
Keep Num Lock enabled when using Alt codes on Windows. If the shortcut fails, this is often the cause.
When using laptops without a numeric keypad, consider relying on the Windows Emoji Panel or Character Map instead of searching for complicated workarounds.
If you regularly use special symbols, creating a personal cheat sheet of shortcuts can help speed up your workflow.
Always verify that the degree symbol appears correctly before printing or sharing a document, particularly when working with technical or professional materials.
FAQs
What is the keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol on Windows?
The most common Windows shortcut is holding Alt and typing 0176 on the numeric keypad.
How do I type the degree symbol on a Mac?
Press Option + Shift + 8 to insert the degree symbol instantly.
Why is the Alt code not working?
The Alt code method usually requires a numeric keypad and Num Lock to be enabled. Without these, the shortcut may not work correctly.
Can I type the degree symbol in Microsoft Word?
Yes. You can use keyboard shortcuts, the Symbol menu, Character Map, or copy and paste the symbol directly into your document.
Is there a degree symbol on every keyboard?
Most keyboards do not include a dedicated degree symbol key. Instead, users insert the symbol through shortcuts or symbol menus.
Can I copy and paste the degree symbol?
Yes. Simply copy this symbol: ° and paste it wherever needed.
Does the degree symbol work in Google Docs?
Yes. Google Docs fully supports the degree symbol. You can use your operating system’s shortcut or paste the symbol directly into the document.