How to Type the Degree Symbol in Microsoft Word

The degree symbol (°) is one of those characters that doesn't live on any standard keyboard key — yet you need it constantly for temperature readings, angles, geographic coordinates, and scientific notation. The good news: Microsoft Word gives you several ways to insert it, and once you know the options, you'll never have to copy-paste from Google again.

Why the Degree Symbol Isn't on Your Keyboard

Standard keyboard layouts follow the ASCII character set, which covers letters, numbers, and common punctuation. The degree symbol is part of the extended Unicode character set — specifically Unicode character U+00B0. It exists digitally; it just doesn't get its own dedicated key. That's why inserting it requires a workaround, and why Word offers multiple paths depending on your workflow.

Method 1: The Keyboard Shortcut (Fastest for Most Users)

The quickest way to type a degree symbol in Word on Windows is:

Ctrl + Shift + @ followed immediately by Space

This triggers Word's built-in autocorrect/formatting shortcut and produces the ° character inline without interrupting your typing flow.

Alternatively, if you're using the numeric keypad on a full-size keyboard:

1. Make sure Num Lock is on
2. Hold Alt
3. Type 0176 on the numeric keypad
4. Release Alt

The ° symbol appears instantly. This is an Alt code — a Windows-level input method that works across most applications, not just Word.

⚠️ The Alt code method requires a physical numeric keypad. It won't work using the number row across the top of your keyboard.

Method 2: AutoCorrect and Symbol Insertion (Best for Occasional Use)

If shortcuts feel fiddly, Word's built-in Symbol menu is reliable:

1. Place your cursor where you want the symbol
2. Go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols
3. In the Font dropdown, select (normal text)
4. In the Subset dropdown, choose Latin-1 Supplement
5. Find and click the ° symbol
6. Click Insert

While you're in that dialog, you'll notice it shows the shortcut key already assigned to the degree symbol — confirming the Ctrl+Shift+@, Space combination is Word's default.

You can also assign your own custom shortcut from this same dialog by clicking Shortcut Key, which is worth doing if you type temperature values frequently.

Method 3: AutoCorrect Substitution (Best for High-Volume Use)

If you regularly type degree symbols — say, you're writing scientific documents or recipe collections — you can set up a text replacement through AutoCorrect:

1. Go to File → Options → Proofing → AutoCorrect Options
2. In the Replace field, type something like (deg)
3. In the With field, paste or insert °
4. Click Add, then OK

From that point on, every time you type (deg) in Word, it automatically converts to °. The trigger phrase can be anything that won't conflict with real words you use.

Method 4: Copy-Paste From Character Map or Elsewhere

On Windows, the built-in Character Map app (search for it in the Start menu) lets you find, copy, and paste the degree symbol into any application. It's not the most efficient method for regular use, but it's universally available and requires zero setup.

On Mac, Word users can use:

• Option + Shift + 8 — this is the macOS system shortcut that produces ° in most applications including Word
• Or go to Edit → Emoji & Symbols to browse and insert via the character viewer

How the Methods Compare 🖥️

Variables That Affect Which Method Works for You

Not every method works equally well in every situation. A few factors shape which approach makes the most sense:

Keyboard type matters significantly. Laptop keyboards often lack a dedicated numeric keypad, which rules out Alt codes unless you use the Fn key to activate a hidden numpad — and even then, it can be unreliable depending on the laptop model.

Word version plays a role too. The Ctrl+Shift+@, Space shortcut has been consistent across modern versions of Word (2016 through Microsoft 365), but older installations may behave differently depending on language settings and installed keyboard layouts.

Language and regional settings on your operating system can affect how keyboard shortcuts are interpreted. If your system is configured for a non-English keyboard layout, some key combinations may produce different characters or nothing at all.

How often you need the symbol is the clearest dividing line. Someone who types ° once a month is well-served by the Symbol menu. Someone writing thermodynamics notes daily should invest the two minutes to configure AutoCorrect or memorize the shortcut cold.

Whether you're in Word specifically matters if you plan to use the same approach elsewhere. Alt codes and the Mac Option+Shift+8 shortcut work system-wide. Word-specific shortcuts and AutoCorrect rules only function inside Word itself.

The right method ultimately comes down to your keyboard setup, how your system is configured, and how frequently the character appears in your work — factors that vary meaningfully from one user to the next. ✓