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 — which means most people either don't know how to insert it, or they settle for a workaround that looks slightly wrong. Here's a clear breakdown of every reliable method, so you can pick the one that fits how you work.

Why the Degree Symbol Isn't on Your Keyboard

Standard keyboards follow a layout designed decades ago for general typing. Symbols used in specific contexts — mathematics, science, cooking temperatures, geographic coordinates — were left off to keep things practical. The degree symbol falls into that category. It exists in Unicode (U+00B0) and in every major font, but you have to know how to call it up.

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

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

Alt + 0176 — Hold the Alt key and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top of the keyboard). Release Alt, and ° appears.

This works because Windows uses Alt codes to access extended ASCII and Unicode characters. A few things affect whether this works for you:

• You need Num Lock on. If your numeric keypad isn't active, the digits won't register correctly.
• Laptops without a dedicated numeric keypad may require pressing Fn + a function key to enable a virtual numpad, or this method won't work at all.
• The number row won't work — Alt + 0176 typed on the top-row keys produces nothing useful.

On Mac, the shortcut is simpler: Option + Shift + 8 inserts ° regardless of what app you're in, including Word for Mac.

Method 2: Word's Built-In Insert Symbol Dialog

This method works on any version of Word and doesn't require memorizing anything:

1. Place your cursor where you want the symbol.
2. Go to the Insert tab in the ribbon.
3. Click Symbol → More Symbols.
4. In the dialog box, set the font to (normal text) and the subset to Latin-1 Supplement.
5. Find the degree symbol (°), select it, and click Insert.

Word also remembers recently used symbols, so after the first time, ° will appear in the Recently Used Symbols section at the bottom of the Symbol dropdown — one click from that point forward.

Method 3: AutoCorrect and Quick Parts 🔧

If you type temperature or angle data frequently, Word's AutoCorrect feature can do the work automatically.

Go to File → Options → Proofing → AutoCorrect Options. In the "Replace" field, type something like (deg) or *deg*, and in the "With" field, paste the ° symbol. Every time you type your trigger text, Word replaces it instantly.

This is especially useful for technical writers, recipe developers, and anyone working with scientific data who needs the symbol dozens of times per document.

Method 4: Copy-Paste from Unicode

Sometimes the fastest method is just copying the symbol from a reliable source and pasting it in. The character ° pastes correctly into Word and retains the formatting of surrounding text in most cases. This works across all platforms and Word versions with no setup required.

Method 5: The ANSI Character Code in Word Itself

Word has a lesser-known shortcut that bypasses Alt codes entirely:

Type 00B0 (the Unicode code point for degree), then immediately press Alt + X. Word converts the code into the ° symbol on the spot.

This only works inside Microsoft Word — it won't function in browsers, email clients, or other apps.

Comparing the Methods at a Glance

Variables That Change Which Method Works Best

Not every method suits every setup. A few factors shift the practical answer:

Your hardware matters. Desktop users with a full keyboard have easy access to the numeric keypad. Laptop users — especially on compact or ultrabook designs — often find the Alt + 0176 method frustrating or impossible without enabling a virtual numpad.

How often you need the symbol. If you're inserting ° once in a document, the Insert Symbol dialog is perfectly fine. If you're formatting a recipe book or an engineering report, AutoCorrect pays for itself immediately.

Your version of Word. The ribbon-based Insert Symbol path has been consistent across Word 2013 through Microsoft 365. Older versions (Word 2007, 2010) have the same feature but slightly different navigation. The Alt code and Mac shortcut work independently of Word's version.

Operating system. The Mac shortcut (Option + Shift + 8) is universally clean. Windows has more methods but more conditions attached to each. ✅

Touch devices and tablets. On Word for iPad or Android tablets, the Insert Symbol dialog is available, but keyboard shortcuts depend entirely on whether you're using a hardware keyboard and which one.

The Character That Isn't the Degree Symbol

One common mistake worth flagging: the masculine ordinal indicator (º) looks nearly identical to ° but sits lower on the baseline and carries a different Unicode value. Some fonts make this distinction obvious; others don't. If you copy a degree symbol from an unreliable source, it's worth checking that you actually have U+00B0 and not the ordinal. In Word, hovering over a symbol in the Insert Symbol dialog shows its character code — that's the easiest way to verify.

Which method actually saves you time comes down to your keyboard, how often you need the symbol, and whether you're willing to do a one-time AutoCorrect setup. Those details live in your workflow, not in a universal answer.