The fastest way depends on your device

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8. On Linux, hold Ctrl + Shift and type U, then 00B0, then press Space or Enter. On a phone or tablet, open the symbols keyboard and look for the ° character — it's usually on the first or second page of special characters.

If your keyboard doesn't have a numeric keypad (like on a laptop), you'll need to use a different method. The Alt code method won't work without that keypad, so use one of the alternatives listed below instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type the degree symbol using Alt + 0176 on a numeric keypad, which works in almost any program.
  • Mac users press Shift + Option + 8 to insert the degree symbol without needing a numeric keypad.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl + Shift, type U00B0, then press Space to insert the Unicode character.
  • On phones and tablets, swipe to the symbols keyboard and find the ° character in the special characters section.
  • If the keyboard shortcut doesn't work, you can copy and paste the symbol from a web search or use your device's character map tool.

Windows: Using Alt codes and the Character Map

The numeric keypad method is the quickest on Windows. Position your cursor where you want the degree symbol to appear. Hold down the Alt key, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top), then release Alt. The symbol appears instantly. This works in Word, email, web browsers, and most other programs.

If your laptop doesn't have a numeric keypad, use the Character Map tool instead. Press Windows key + R, type charmap, and press Enter. In the window that opens, search for "degree" in the search box. Click the degree symbol when it appears, then click Copy. Go back to your document and paste it with Ctrl + V.

Another option is to type the symbol once, then copy it to your clipboard for future use. Open Notepad, insert the degree symbol using Alt + 0176, select it, and copy it. Now you can paste it whenever you need it without typing the code again.

Mac: The keyboard shortcut that works everywhere

On Mac, the keyboard shortcut is consistent across all programs. Press Shift + Option + 8 simultaneously. The degree symbol appears where your cursor is positioned. This works in Pages, Mail, web browsers, and any text field on your Mac.

If you use the degree symbol frequently, you can add it to your Mac's text replacements. Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text, then click the + button. In the "Replace" field, type something short like "deg". In the "With" field, paste the degree symbol. Now whenever you type "deg" followed by a space, your Mac automatically replaces it with °.

Linux: Unicode input for the degree symbol

Linux uses Unicode input to type special characters. Hold Ctrl + Shift and type U, then type 00B0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol), then press Space or Enter. The symbol appears in your document. This method works in most Linux text editors and web browsers.

If Ctrl + Shift + U doesn't work in your application, your Linux distribution may use a different input method. Check your system's input settings or try Compose key combinations if your keyboard has a Compose key configured. Different Linux desktop environments (GNOME, KDE, Xfce) sometimes have different default shortcuts.

Phones and tablets: Finding the symbol in the keyboard

On iPhone and iPad, tap and hold the 0 (zero) key on the standard keyboard. A menu appears showing the degree symbol and other variations. Tap the ° symbol to insert it. This works in Notes, Mail, Messages, and any text field on iOS.

On Android phones, the method varies by keyboard app. Open the keyboard and look for a button labeled "?123" or a symbols icon. Tap it to see the symbols page. Swipe left or right to find the degree symbol, or search for it if your keyboard has a search feature. Some Android keyboards show the degree symbol on the first symbols page; others require you to swipe to a second page.

Copy and paste as a backup method

If none of the keyboard shortcuts work, you can search for the degree symbol online and copy it directly. Open a web browser, search for "degree symbol", and copy the ° character from the search results. Then paste it into your document with Ctrl + V (Windows/Linux) or Command + V (Mac).

This method is slower than using a keyboard shortcut, but it works on any device and in any program. You can also bookmark a page with the symbol on it for quick access in the future, or save it in a notes app so you can copy it whenever you need it.

When the degree symbol doesn't appear

If you type the code and nothing happens, check that you're using the numeric keypad, not the number row at the top of the keyboard. On laptops, you may need to enable Num Lock first. Look for a Num Lock key (usually in the top-right area of the keyboard) and press it to turn on the numeric keypad.

If you're in a web browser or online form and the shortcut doesn't work, the website may be blocking certain keyboard inputs. Try copying and pasting the symbol instead. If the symbol appears as a box or question mark, your program doesn't support that character — try updating the program or switching to a different font.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. In Google Docs, use your device's standard shortcut (Alt + 0176 on Windows, Shift + Option + 8 on Mac). In Microsoft Word online, the same shortcuts work. If they don't, copy and paste the symbol from a web search instead.

What's the difference between the degree symbol and the ring above character?

The degree symbol (°) is a small circle used for temperature and angles. The ring above (˚) is a diacritical mark used in some languages. They look similar but are different characters. Use the codes and shortcuts listed here for the degree symbol specifically.

Why does my Alt code not work on my laptop?

Laptops often don't have a dedicated numeric keypad. You need to enable Num Lock and use the number keys on the right side of the keyboard, or use the Character Map tool instead. Mac and Linux users should use their device-specific shortcuts instead of Alt codes.

Can I create a custom keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol?

Yes, on Mac through System Preferences > Keyboard > Text. On Windows, you can use AutoHotkey (free software) to create custom shortcuts. On Linux, you can configure custom shortcuts in your desktop environment's settings. On phones, most keyboards don't allow custom shortcuts, but you can use text replacement features if available.

Is there a way to type the degree symbol without memorizing a code?

Yes. Copy the symbol once and save it somewhere you can access it quickly — a notes app, a bookmarked web page, or your clipboard. Then paste it whenever you need it. This is slower than a keyboard shortcut but requires no memorization.