The fastest way to insert a degree symbol

The degree symbol (°) appears in Microsoft Word through three methods, and the fastest depends on what you're typing. If you need it once or twice, use the Insert menu. If you type it often, set up a keyboard shortcut or AutoCorrect entry so you never have to hunt for it again.

On Windows, you can also hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad — but this only works if you have a separate number pad on the right side of your keyboard. Laptops without a dedicated numeric keypad need one of the other methods.

Key Takeaways

  • The Insert menu method works on any computer: click Insert, then Symbol, find the degree symbol, and click Insert.
  • Windows users with a numeric keypad can type Alt+0176 as a faster alternative once you memorize the code.
  • Mac users should press Shift+Option+8 to type the degree symbol directly without opening any menu.
  • Setting up AutoCorrect to replace a short code like "deg" with the degree symbol saves time if you type it regularly.
  • The degree symbol works in any part of Word — in the document body, headers, footers, and text boxes.

Using the Insert menu on Windows or Mac

This method works on every version of Word and every computer. Open your Word document and click where you want the degree symbol to appear. Then click the Insert tab at the top of the screen.

Look for the Symbol button — it usually shows a Greek letter or special character. Click it, and a dropdown menu appears. Click More Symbols at the bottom of that dropdown. A larger window opens with hundreds of symbols arranged in a grid.

The degree symbol is usually visible on the first screen, but if you don't see it, type "00B0" in the search box at the bottom (that's the Unicode number for the degree symbol). Click the degree symbol when you find it, then click the Insert button. Close the Symbol window, and the degree symbol now appears in your document.

The keyboard shortcut for Mac users

If you use Word on a Mac, the fastest method is a keyboard combination. Hold down Shift and Option at the same time, then press 8. The degree symbol appears instantly without opening any menu.

This shortcut works anywhere on your Mac — in Word, email, web browsers, and text editors. Once you use it a few times, it becomes automatic, and you'll type the degree symbol as quickly as any other character.

The numeric keypad method for Windows

Windows computers with a dedicated numeric keypad (the separate number pad on the right side of full-size keyboards) can use a faster method. Hold down the Alt key and type 0176 on the numeric keypad. Release Alt, and the degree symbol appears.

This only works on the numeric keypad — typing those numbers on the top row of your keyboard does nothing. Laptop keyboards usually don't have a separate numeric keypad, so this method won't work on most laptops. If your laptop has a Fn key and a numeric keypad built into the letter keys, you may need to hold Fn while typing the numbers, but results vary by model.

Setting up AutoCorrect for repeated use

If you type the degree symbol regularly (for temperatures, angles, or coordinates), set up AutoCorrect so Word replaces a short code with the symbol automatically. Click File, then Options (on Mac, click Word in the menu bar, then PreferencesProofing on the left, then click AutoCorrect Options.

In the AutoCorrect window, type a short code in the ReplaceWith field, insert the degree symbol (you can copy one from your document or use the Insert menu to place it there). Click Add, then OK.

Now whenever you type your code followed by a space or punctuation, Word automatically replaces it with the degree symbol. If you type "25deg F" and press space, Word changes it to "25° F" instantly. You can turn off AutoCorrect for any instance by pressing Ctrl+Z immediately after Word makes the replacement.

Copying and pasting the symbol

The simplest method if you're not comfortable with menus or shortcuts is to find a degree symbol online, copy it, and paste it into your document. Search "degree symbol" in your web browser, copy the symbol from the search results, then paste it into Word using Ctrl+V (or Cmd+V on Mac).

You can also copy the degree symbol from anywhere you've already typed it in Word. Highlight the symbol, press Ctrl+C to copy it, then click where you need it and press Ctrl+V to paste. This works just as fast as a keyboard shortcut once you have one symbol in your document.

Troubleshooting when the symbol doesn't appear

If you type Alt+0176 and nothing happens, you're probably using the number row instead of the numeric keypad. Make sure you're using the separate number pad on the right side of your keyboard. If your keyboard doesn't have one, use the Insert menu or Mac keyboard shortcut instead.

If the Insert menu method opens but the degree symbol looks wrong or doesn't match your document's font, click the degree symbol and check the font name in the toolbar. Some fonts don't include the degree symbol, so Word substitutes a different character. Change the font back to a standard one like Calibri or Times New Roman, and the symbol should display correctly.

If you set up AutoCorrect and it's not working, make sure you pressed Add in the AutoCorrect window and that your code doesn't match a real word. If you used "deg" as your code but Word doesn't replace it, check that you're pressing space or punctuation after typing the code — AutoCorrect only triggers when you press a space, period, comma, or similar character.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I type the degree symbol in headers and footers?

Yes, the degree symbol works anywhere in Word — in the main document, headers, footers, text boxes, and tables. Use whichever method you prefer (Insert menu, keyboard shortcut, or AutoCorrect) and it will appear in the same way.

Does the degree symbol work in other Microsoft programs like Excel?

Yes, all three methods work in Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. The Insert menu, keyboard shortcuts, and AutoCorrect function identically across all Microsoft Office programs.

What if I need a different symbol, like a copyright or trademark mark?

The Insert menu shows hundreds of symbols beyond the degree symbol. Click Insert, then Symbol, then More Symbols, and browse or search for the symbol you need. You can also set up AutoCorrect entries for any symbol you use regularly.

Will the degree symbol print correctly?

Yes, the degree symbol prints the same way it appears on screen. It's a standard character that all printers support, so you don't need to do anything special to print it.

Is there a way to type the degree symbol on a Chromebook or tablet?

Word on Chromebooks and tablets works differently than the desktop version. Use the Insert menu method — tap Insert, then Symbol, search for the degree symbol, and tap Insert. The keyboard shortcuts and AutoCorrect methods may not work the same way on mobile devices.