The fastest way depends on your device

The degree symbol (°) appears differently depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or a phone. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together, then press 8. On iPhone, hold down the 0 key until a menu appears with the degree symbol. On Android, the method varies by keyboard app — most show the symbol when you long-press 0, but some require switching to a symbols view first.

If your keyboard lacks a numeric keypad or you prefer not to memorize codes, every operating system offers alternative routes: copy-paste from another source, use character maps or symbol menus, or type the word "degrees" and let autocorrect replace it.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type the degree symbol by holding Alt and pressing 0176 on the numeric keypad, then releasing Alt.
  • Mac users hold Shift and Option together, then press 8 to produce the degree symbol.
  • On phones, long-pressing the 0 key usually reveals the degree symbol in a popup menu.
  • Every device also offers a character map or symbol picker as a backup method that does not require memorizing codes.

Windows: Alt codes and character map

The Alt code method works in most Windows programs. Make sure Num Lock is on, then hold Alt while typing 0176 on the numeric keypad (the cluster of number keys on the right side of a full-size keyboard). Release Alt and the degree symbol appears. This works in Word, email, browsers, and most text fields, though some older programs or web forms may not recognize it.

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad — common on laptops — use the Character Map instead. Press Windows key + R, type charmap, and press Enter. Search for "degree" in the search box, select the degree symbol from the results, click Copy, then paste it where you need it. This method works everywhere Alt codes do not.

Mac: Keyboard shortcut and special characters

On Mac, hold Shift and Option at the same time, then press 8. This works in most Mac programs including Mail, Pages, and web browsers. The shortcut is consistent across all Mac keyboards, whether built-in or external.

If you forget the shortcut, open any text field and press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer. Type "degree" in the search box, find the degree symbol, and double-click it to insert it into your document. You can also add the degree symbol to your favorites in Character Viewer so it appears at the top of the list next time.

iPhone and iPad: Long-press the zero key

On iPhone and iPad, open the keyboard and long-press (hold your finger on) the 0 key. A popup menu appears showing several variations, including the degree symbol. Tap it to insert it. This works in Messages, Mail, Notes, web forms, and most other text fields.

If the popup does not appear, make sure you are using the standard Apple keyboard and not a third-party keyboard app. Some third-party keyboards place the degree symbol in a different location or require tapping a symbols button first.

Android: Long-press or symbols view

On most Android phones using the default Google Keyboard (Gboard), long-press the 0 key and the degree symbol appears in a popup. Tap it to insert it. This works in Gmail, text messages, web browsers, and most other apps.

If your phone uses a different keyboard app, the location may vary. Samsung keyboards typically show the degree symbol when you long-press 0, but some older or custom keyboards require tapping a ?123 button to switch to the symbols view, then finding it there. Check your keyboard app's settings or help section if long-pressing 0 does not work.

Copy and paste from another source

The simplest method that works on any device is to copy the degree symbol from somewhere else and paste it where you need it. You can copy it from a web search result, from a previous document, or from a reference page you keep bookmarked. Once copied, paste it using Ctrl + V (Windows), Command + V (Mac), or the paste option in your app's menu.

This method requires no memorization and works in every program and web form. The only drawback is that it takes slightly longer than a keyboard shortcut if you need the symbol often.

Autocorrect and text replacement

Many devices let you create a text replacement so that typing a short code automatically replaces it with the degree symbol. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text, click the + button, type "deg" in the Replace field, paste the degree symbol in the With field, and click Add. Now typing "deg" followed by a space automatically becomes °.

On Windows, some programs like Word have built-in autocorrect. In Word, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options, click the AutoCorrect tab, type "deg" in the Replace field, paste the degree symbol in the With field, and click Add. On Android and iPhone, you can set up text replacements in Settings > Keyboard or Settings > General > Keyboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Laptops often lack a dedicated numeric keypad. Try using Num Lock + the number keys on the right side of your keyboard, or use Character Map instead. Open Character Map by pressing Windows key + R, typing charmap, and pressing Enter, then search for "degree" and copy it.

Can I type the degree symbol in Google Docs or Microsoft Word online?

Yes. In Google Docs, use Insert > Special characters, search for "degree", and click it. In Word online, use Insert > Symbol, search for "degree", and select it. Both methods work the same way as the desktop versions but through the menu instead of a keyboard shortcut.

What if I need the degree symbol for temperature, like 72°F?

Use the same degree symbol (°) for temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius. Type the number, insert the degree symbol using any method above, then type the letter F or C immediately after with no space.

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

Chromebooks do not have a built-in keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol. Use the copy-paste method instead: search for "degree symbol" online, copy it from the search results, and paste it where you need it. You can also bookmark a page with the symbol for quick access.