The degree symbol (°) on your keyboard

The degree symbol does not have its own key on most keyboards, so you make it using a keyboard shortcut or a special character menu. The method depends on whether you use Windows, Mac, or a Chromebook, and which program you are typing in. On Windows, the fastest way is Alt + 0176 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, hold Shift + Option + 8. If you do not have a numeric keypad or prefer not to memorize shortcuts, every operating system also lets you insert it through a character menu.

The degree symbol appears most often when you are writing about temperature, angles in geometry, or geographic coordinates. Once you know which method works for your setup, you can type it as fast as any other character.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows with a numeric keypad, press Alt and type 0176 on the number pad, then release Alt.
  • On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 at the same time to produce the degree symbol instantly.
  • On Chromebook, search for "degree" in the special characters menu or copy and paste the symbol from a search result.
  • In Microsoft Word and Google Docs, you can insert the symbol through the Insert menu without memorizing a shortcut.
  • If a shortcut does not work, your keyboard layout or program settings may be different — the character menu is the reliable backup.

Windows: Using Alt codes with the numeric keypad

The numeric keypad is the block of number keys on the right side of most full-size keyboards. Laptop keyboards often do not have a dedicated numeric keypad, so this method works best on a desktop or external keyboard.

To type the degree symbol on Windows: hold down the Alt key, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top), then release Alt. The symbol appears where your cursor was. Make sure Num Lock is on — you will see a light on the Num Lock key if it is active. If nothing happens, Num Lock is off; press it once and try again.

This shortcut works in almost every Windows program: email, word processors, browsers, and text editors. The only exception is some older or specialized software that does not recognize Alt codes, in which case you should use the character menu instead.

Mac: The Shift + Option + 8 shortcut

On Mac, the degree symbol shortcut is simpler because you do not need a numeric keypad. Press Shift + Option + 8 all at the same time. The symbol appears immediately.

This works in every Mac program: Mail, Pages, Google Docs, web browsers, and text editors. If you use this symbol often, you can add it to your Mac's text shortcuts so that typing a short code (like "deg") automatically expands to the degree symbol. Go to System Settings, then Keyboard, then Text Replacement, and create a new entry.

Chromebook: Search or copy from the web

Chromebooks do not have the same keyboard shortcuts as Windows or Mac. The most straightforward method is to search for "degree symbol" in Google, then copy the symbol from the search result and paste it into your document.

If you want to avoid searching each time, you can also use the Chromebook's special characters menu. Press Ctrl + ; (semicolon) to open the character picker, then search for "degree" in the search box. Click the symbol to insert it. This method is slower than copying from a search result, but it works offline.

Microsoft Word and Google Docs: The Insert menu

Both Word and Google Docs have a built-in menu for special characters, so you do not need to remember a keyboard shortcut. In Microsoft Word, click Insert at the top, then Symbol, then More Symbols. Search for "degree" in the search box, click the symbol, then click Insert.

In Google Docs, click Insert at the top, then Special Characters. Type "degree" in the search box, and click the symbol to insert it. This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut, but it is reliable and works the same way on any computer or operating system.

Laptop keyboards without a numeric keypad

Many laptops do not have a dedicated numeric keypad on the right side. If you try the Alt + 0176 shortcut and nothing happens, your keyboard probably lacks a numeric keypad.

On some Windows laptops, you can enable a numeric keypad overlay by pressing Num Lock, which turns part of the letter keys into numbers. Try Alt + 0176 again with Num Lock on. If that does not work, use the character menu in your program instead — it is the most reliable method when keyboard shortcuts fail.

Troubleshooting when the shortcut does not work

If you press the shortcut and nothing appears, check these things first. On Windows, make sure Num Lock is on and you are typing on the numeric keypad, not the number row. On Mac, make sure you are holding all three keys at once: Shift, Option, and 8. If you are in a web browser, some sites may block certain keyboard shortcuts for security reasons.

The character menu is the universal backup. In any program, you can usually find a menu called Insert, Edit, or Tools that includes a Special Characters or Symbol option. Search for "degree" and click to insert it. This method works everywhere and requires no memorization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Alt + 0176 not work on my Windows laptop?

Your laptop probably does not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Try turning on Num Lock and using the number keys that overlay on the letter keys, or use the Insert menu in your program to find the degree symbol instead.

Can I type the degree symbol on a phone or tablet?

On most phones, hold down the zero key (0) on the keyboard and a menu appears with the degree symbol as an option. On tablets with a physical keyboard, use the same shortcuts as a computer. On touchscreen keyboards, look for a symbols or special characters menu.

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

Yes. Every program has an Insert or Special Characters menu where you can search for and click the degree symbol. This is slower than a shortcut but works on any device and requires no memory.

What is the difference between the degree symbol and the superscript zero?

The degree symbol (°) is a single character designed for temperature and angles. A superscript zero is the number 0 made smaller and raised above the line. They look similar but are different characters. Use the degree symbol for temperatures and angles.

Can I add the degree symbol to my keyboard's autocorrect?

Yes. On Mac, use Text Replacement in System Settings. On Windows, most programs have an AutoCorrect menu where you can set a short code to expand into the degree symbol. In Google Docs, go to Tools, then Preferences, then set up a custom autocorrect entry.