The fastest way depends on your device

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together and press 8. On Linux, hold Ctrl and Shift, type u, then type 00b0 and press Space or Enter. On a phone or tablet, open your keyboard settings and look for a symbols or numbers panel — the degree symbol usually sits near other math or weather symbols, or you can search for it by typing "degree" in some keyboards.

The method you use depends on what you're typing into and what device you're holding. A Windows desktop keyboard with a numeric keypad is different from a laptop without one. A Mac keyboard is different from both. If you type the degree symbol often, you can also set up a keyboard shortcut that works across all your programs on that device.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users with a numeric keypad can type the degree symbol instantly using Alt+0176.
  • Mac users hold Shift+Option and press 8 to produce the degree symbol.
  • Laptop keyboards without a numeric keypad require a different Windows method: Ctrl+Shift+U followed by 00b0.
  • On phones and tablets, the degree symbol lives in the symbols keyboard panel or can be found by searching within your keyboard app.
  • You can create a custom keyboard shortcut on Windows, Mac, or Linux so you never have to remember the code again.

Windows: Using the numeric keypad

If your keyboard has a numeric keypad on the right side, this is the simplest method. Hold down the Alt key, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the numbers across the top of your keyboard), then release Alt. The degree symbol (°) will appear wherever your cursor is.

Make sure Num Lock is on — you'll see a light on your keyboard or a small indicator on screen. If Num Lock is off, the numeric keypad won't work for this trick. You can toggle Num Lock by pressing the Num Lock key, usually in the top left of the numeric keypad.

Windows: On a laptop without a numeric keypad

Laptops often don't have a dedicated numeric keypad. Instead, hold Ctrl and Shift together, type the letter u, then type 00b0 (the letters o-o-b-zero), then press Space or Enter. The degree symbol will appear.

This method works in most programs — web browsers, email, word processors, text editors. It may not work in older software or in some games, but it's reliable for everyday typing. If it doesn't work, your laptop may not have this feature enabled, and you'll need to use the copy-paste method instead (copy the ° symbol from somewhere else and paste it where you need it).

Mac: The keyboard shortcut

On a Mac, hold Shift and Option (the Option key is usually next to the spacebar) and press 8. This produces the degree symbol immediately. It works in any program where you can type text — email, documents, web forms, messaging apps.

If you're used to Windows, this shortcut is worth memorizing because it's faster than any Windows method. The keys are always in the same place on a Mac keyboard, and there's no numeric keypad requirement or code to remember.

Linux and Chromebook: Unicode input

On Linux, hold Ctrl and Shift together, type u, then type 00b0, then press Space or Enter. This is the same method as Windows laptops without a numeric keypad. It works in most Linux programs and in Chrome OS.

Some Linux distributions or desktop environments may have different methods. If the Ctrl+Shift+U method doesn't work, check your system settings under "Input Methods" or "Keyboard" to see if Unicode input is enabled. You can also enable it through your language settings.

On phones and tablets

Open your keyboard app and look for a button labeled with numbers, symbols, or a special character icon — usually shown as "123" or "!@#". Tap it to open the symbols panel. The degree symbol is often visible there, sometimes grouped with weather symbols or math symbols. If you don't see it immediately, swipe left or right to see more symbol pages.

On some keyboards (like Gboard on Android or the default iOS keyboard), you can also long-press the zero key (0) and a menu of related symbols will appear, including the degree symbol. On others, you may need to search: open your keyboard settings, look for a search or symbol search feature, and type "degree" to find it quickly.

Creating a custom shortcut so you never type the code again

If you type the degree symbol regularly, you can create a custom keyboard shortcut on Windows, Mac, or Linux so you only have to press two or three keys.

On Windows: Open Settings, go to Ease of Access, then Keyboard, then toggle on "Use the On-Screen Keyboard" or look for "Text Shortcuts" or "AutoCorrect". In some versions, you can also use AutoCorrect in Microsoft Word or other Office programs: type a code like ":deg" and set it to auto-replace with °. Then whenever you type :deg, it becomes the degree symbol.

On Mac: Open System Preferences, go to Keyboard, then Text. Click the + button and type your shortcut (like "deg") in the "Replace" column and the degree symbol in the "With" column. Now whenever you type deg followed by a space, it will auto-replace with °.

On Linux: This varies by desktop environment. In GNOME, you can use IBus or Fcitx input methods to create custom shortcuts. In KDE, check System Settings under Regional Settings and Language. The exact steps depend on which Linux distribution you're using.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a degree symbol instead of just typing "degrees"?

In scientific writing, weather reports, and technical documents, the degree symbol (°) is the standard way to show temperature, angles, or coordinates. It's shorter, looks more professional, and is recognized internationally. Many style guides require it. In casual text, writing out the word is fine, but if you're writing for school, work, or publishing, the symbol is expected.

Can I copy and paste the degree symbol instead of memorizing a code?

Yes. You can copy the ° symbol from anywhere — a website, another document, even this page — and paste it wherever you need it. This works on every device and every program. It's slower than a keyboard shortcut if you type it often, but it's reliable and requires no memorization. Many people keep a text file with symbols they use regularly and copy from it.

The Alt code didn't work on my Windows computer. What's wrong?

The most common reason is that Num Lock is off. Check for a Num Lock indicator light on your keyboard or on screen. If it's off, press the Num Lock key and try again. Also make sure you're using the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard, not the number row at the top. If you have a laptop, you may not have a numeric keypad at all — use the Ctrl+Shift+U method instead.

Does the keyboard shortcut work in every program?

The keyboard shortcuts work in most programs — web browsers, email, word processors, text editors, and messaging apps. They may not work in some older software, games, or specialized programs. If a shortcut doesn't work, try the copy-paste method instead. You can also check the program's help menu or settings to see if it has its own way to insert special characters.

Can I type a degree symbol on my phone's web browser?

Yes. Open your keyboard, navigate to the symbols panel, and tap the degree symbol. It works the same way as typing in any other app on your phone. If you can't find it in the symbols panel, try long-pressing the zero key or searching for "degree" in your keyboard's search feature.