The fastest way to type a degree symbol

The degree symbol (°) appears in Microsoft Word through three methods, each taking seconds. The quickest for most people is the keyboard shortcut: hold Ctrl and Shift, then press the plus sign on your keyboard's number pad. Release all keys, and the ° appears. This works in Word on Windows.

If you do not have a number pad — common on laptops — use the Insert menu instead. Click Insert at the top, then Symbol (or Special Characters on Mac), search for "degree", and double-click the symbol to place it in your document. On Mac, the keyboard shortcut is Shift + Option + 8.

A third option works everywhere: type the number 00B0, then press Alt + X on Windows. Word converts the code to the degree symbol. This method is less common but useful if the other two do not work in your version.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users with a number pad can type the degree symbol instantly using Ctrl + Shift + Plus on the number pad.
  • Mac users should press Shift + Option + 8 to produce the degree symbol without opening any menus.
  • Laptop users without a number pad can open Insert > Symbol, search for "degree", and double-click to insert it.
  • The Alt + X method (type 00B0, then Alt + X) works on Windows if keyboard shortcuts are not responding.

Using the Insert menu when shortcuts do not work

The Insert menu method works on every version of Word and requires no memorization. Open your document, place your cursor where you want the degree symbol, and click the Insert tab at the top of the ribbon.

Look for a button labeled Symbol — it usually shows a Greek letter or special character. Click it, and a dropdown menu appears. Select More Symbols at the bottom. A dialog box opens with a grid of characters. Type "degree" in the search box at the bottom left, and the degree symbol appears highlighted. Double-click it, and it inserts into your document at the cursor position.

On Mac, the path is similar: click Insert, then Special Characters (not Symbol). Search for "degree" the same way, and double-click to insert. The Mac version also shows you the keyboard shortcut (Shift + Option + 8) so you can use it next time.

Why the number pad shortcut fails on laptops

Laptops and compact keyboards often lack a dedicated number pad. The shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Plus requires the plus key on the number pad specifically — the plus key on the main keyboard does not work for this shortcut. If you try it and nothing happens, your keyboard probably does not have a number pad.

Some laptops have a hidden number pad accessed by holding Fn and using certain keys (often marked with small numbers), but this varies widely by manufacturer. Checking your keyboard manual or the manufacturer's website tells you whether your model supports this. If it does not, the Insert menu or Mac shortcut (Shift + Option + 8) are your reliable options.

Typing the degree symbol in temperature and angle measurements

The degree symbol appears most often in temperature (72°F or 22°C) and angle measurements (a 45° angle). In both cases, type the number first, then insert the degree symbol immediately after with no space. Word does not automatically add the symbol when you type "degrees" or "deg" — you must insert it manually each time.

If you use the degree symbol repeatedly in a document, the Insert menu remembers your last choice. After you insert it once, the degree symbol appears in the Recently Used section at the top of the Symbol dialog, so you do not have to search for it again.

Creating a custom keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol

If you type the degree symbol often, you can assign it a custom shortcut in Word. Open Insert > Symbol > More Symbols, find the degree symbol, and click it to select it. At the bottom of the dialog, click Shortcut Key. A new window opens where you can press the key combination you want to use — for example, Ctrl + Alt + D. Click Assign, then Close.

Your custom shortcut now works in Word documents. It does not carry over to other programs, and it applies only to your user account on that computer. If you switch computers or reinstall Word, you will need to set it up again.

The difference between the degree symbol and similar characters

The true degree symbol (°) is distinct from the superscript zero (⁰) and the masculine ordinal indicator (º). Word's Symbol menu shows all three. The degree symbol is the standard choice for temperature and angles. The superscript zero is sometimes used in footnotes or mathematical notation. The masculine ordinal indicator is used in some languages (Spanish, Portuguese) for grammatical purposes.

If you copy text from a website or another document, it may contain one of these lookalike characters instead of the true degree symbol. If your document looks wrong or the symbol does not print correctly, delete it and insert the correct one from Word's Symbol menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Ctrl + Shift + Plus not work on my keyboard?

The shortcut requires the plus key on your number pad, not the main keyboard. Laptops usually lack a number pad. Check whether your keyboard has a dedicated number pad on the right side. If not, use the Insert > Symbol menu instead.

Can I copy and paste the degree symbol from somewhere else?

Yes. You can copy the ° symbol from any website or document and paste it into Word. This works but is slower than using a keyboard shortcut or the Insert menu, especially if you need the symbol multiple times.

Does the degree symbol work the same way in Google Docs?

No. Google Docs uses a different menu system. In Google Docs, click Insert > Special Characters, search for "degree", and click the symbol to insert it. The keyboard shortcuts for Word do not work in Google Docs.

What if the degree symbol prints as a box or question mark?

This usually means your printer or font does not support the character. Try changing the font to a common one like Arial or Calibri, or check your printer's settings. If the problem persists, contact your printer manufacturer.