The quickest way depends on what you're typing into

A degree symbol (°) is not on your keyboard as a single key, so you need a workaround. The fastest method changes depending on whether you're in Windows, Mac, or a web browser, and what program you're using. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together and press 8. In a web browser on either system, you can often just copy and paste the symbol from a search result or use your operating system's character map.

If you type the degree symbol often — for temperatures, angles, or coordinates — it's worth learning your system's method rather than hunting for it each time. The methods below work in most programs: email, documents, spreadsheets, and web forms.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, the Alt code 0176 on the numeric keypad produces a degree symbol instantly in almost any program.
  • On Mac, Shift + Option + 8 types the degree symbol without needing a numeric keypad.
  • Both Windows and Mac have character map programs that let you find and copy the symbol if you forget the keyboard shortcut.
  • In web browsers, copying the symbol from a search result or using your operating system's built-in character tool is often faster than memorizing a code.
  • Some programs like Microsoft Word have autocorrect features that can turn text like "deg" into the degree symbol automatically.

Windows: Using the Alt code method

On Windows, the most reliable way is the Alt code. Make sure Num Lock is on (you'll see a light on your keyboard or a notification on screen). Hold down the Alt key on the left side of your keyboard, then type 0176 on the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard. Release Alt, and the degree symbol appears.

This works in almost every Windows program: Notepad, Word, email clients, web browsers, and spreadsheets. The numeric keypad is the cluster of number keys on the far right of a full-size keyboard. If you have a laptop without a numeric keypad, you may have a Num Lock mode that turns part of your letter keys into numbers — check your keyboard manual or look for a Num Lock key, often near the top right.

If the Alt code doesn't work, your program may not support it. Try the Character Map instead: search for "Character Map" in the Windows Start menu, find the degree symbol in the list, click it, click Copy, then paste it where you need it.

Mac: Using the keyboard shortcut

On Mac, hold Shift and Option at the same time, then press 8. This works in most Mac programs: Mail, Pages, Google Docs, web browsers, and spreadsheets. Unlike Windows, you don't need a numeric keypad — the regular number row works fine.

If you forget the shortcut, open Spotlight by pressing Command + Space, type "Character Viewer," and press Enter. Search for "degree" in the window that opens, find the degree symbol, and double-click it to insert it into your document. You can also drag it directly into your text.

In web browsers and online documents

If you're typing in Gmail, Google Docs, a web form, or any online tool, the fastest method is often to search for the symbol and copy it. Open a new tab, search for "degree symbol," and copy the ° from the search results. Then paste it where you need it.

Alternatively, use your operating system's character tool: on Windows, search for "Character Map" in the Start menu; on Mac, press Command + Space and search for "Character Viewer." Both let you find the symbol and copy it without leaving your browser.

Some online tools have their own symbol menus. In Google Docs, go to Insert > Special Characters, search for "degree," and click the symbol to insert it. In Microsoft Word Online, go to Insert > Symbol and search the same way.

Setting up autocorrect in Word and Google Docs

If you type the degree symbol regularly, you can set up autocorrect to do it for you. In Microsoft Word, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. In the Replace field, type something short like "deg" or "°°". In the With field, paste the degree symbol. Now whenever you type "deg" followed by a space, Word replaces it with °.

In Google Docs, go to Tools > Preferences and check the box for "Use smart quotes." Then go to Tools > Preferences again and look for autocorrect settings. Google Docs has fewer autocorrect options than Word, but you can still set up simple replacements in some cases. If autocorrect isn't available, copy and paste the symbol the first time, then use your browser's search-and-replace (Ctrl+H on Windows, Command+Option+F on Mac) to replace your shortcut text with the symbol.

On phones and tablets

On iPhone and iPad, hold down the 0 (zero) key on the keyboard. A menu appears with the degree symbol as one of the options. Tap it to insert it.

On Android, the method varies by keyboard app. In the default Google Keyboard, tap the ?123 key to switch to the numbers and symbols view, then look for the degree symbol. If you don't see it, tap the =\< key to access more symbols. Some Android keyboards require you to long-press the 0 key, similar to iPhone. If you can't find it, copy and paste from a search result instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't Alt + 0176 work on my Windows laptop?

Your laptop likely doesn't have a dedicated numeric keypad. Look for a Num Lock key (often near the top right or integrated with another key) and press it to enable numeric mode. Some laptops require you to hold Fn while using the numeric keypad. Check your laptop's manual or search "[your laptop model] numeric keypad" online.

Can I use the degree symbol in passwords or usernames?

It depends on the website or service. Some sites accept it, others reject special characters. If you're setting up a password, test it by typing it in the password field, then logging out and logging back in to confirm it works. For usernames, most sites don't allow special characters at all, so stick to letters and numbers.

What if I need to type many degree symbols in a row?

Set up autocorrect as described above, or copy the symbol once and paste it multiple times. If you're working in a spreadsheet with many temperature or angle values, consider using a formula or find-and-replace to insert the symbol after all your numbers at once.

Is there a way to add the degree symbol to my keyboard permanently?

No, but you can remap a key or use a macro in some programs. For most people, learning the keyboard shortcut or autocorrect method is simpler. If you use specialized software like CAD or scientific programs, check their documentation — they often have built-in shortcuts for common symbols.