The fastest way depends on your operating system

The degree symbol (°) does not have its own key on most keyboards, but you can type it in seconds using a keyboard shortcut or character menu. The method changes depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux, and which program you are working in.

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8. On Linux, the shortcut varies by desktop environment, but Ctrl + Shift + U followed by 00B0 and then Space works in most applications.

If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad — common on laptops — Windows offers a character menu instead. These methods work in email, documents, spreadsheets, and most text fields online.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users with a numeric keypad can type the degree symbol by holding Alt and pressing 0176.
  • Mac users press Shift + Option + 8 to produce the degree symbol in any application.
  • Laptops without a numeric keypad can use Windows Character Map or type the symbol from a web search and copy it.
  • The degree symbol works in email, documents, spreadsheets, and most online text fields without special formatting.
  • Some programs like Microsoft Word offer a Symbol menu as an alternative to keyboard shortcuts.

Windows: Alt code method with a numeric keypad

If your keyboard has a numeric keypad on the right side, this is the quickest route. Hold down the Alt key, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top), and then release Alt. The degree symbol appears immediately.

Make sure Num Lock is turned on — most keyboards have a light that shows this. If the numbers do not appear when you type, press the Num Lock key once and try again. The Alt code method works in email, web browsers, Word, Google Docs, and nearly every text field.

The number must be typed on the numeric keypad. Using the numbers across the top of the keyboard will not work, even if you hold Alt.

Windows: Character Map for laptops without a numeric keypad

Laptops and compact keyboards often lack a numeric keypad, which makes the Alt code impossible. Instead, use the Character Map application built into Windows. Press the Windows key, type "character map", and open the application.

In the search box at the bottom, type "degree" or scroll through the list until you find the degree symbol (°). Click it once to select it, then click Copy. Switch to your document or email and paste it with Ctrl + V.

Character Map is slower than a keyboard shortcut, but it works on any Windows machine and requires no memorization. You can also bookmark a page with the degree symbol and copy it from there when needed.

Mac: Shift + Option + 8

On Mac keyboards, press Shift + Option + 8 simultaneously. The degree symbol appears instantly. This works in Mail, Pages, Google Docs, web browsers, and any text field.

The Option key is also labeled Alt on some Mac keyboards. If Shift + Option + 8 does not work, check that you are pressing the correct modifier key. Unlike Windows, Mac does not require a numeric keypad — the shortcut works on all Mac keyboards.

Linux: Ctrl + Shift + U method

On Linux systems, hold Ctrl + Shift, type 00B0, and then press Space. The degree symbol appears in place of the code. This method works in most Linux applications including text editors, email clients, and web browsers.

Some desktop environments like KDE or GNOME may require slightly different steps. If the Ctrl + Shift + U method does not work, check your system settings or use the Character Map equivalent for your Linux distribution.

Using the Symbol menu in Microsoft Word and Google Docs

Both Word and Google Docs include a Symbol or Special Characters menu that lets you insert the degree symbol without memorizing a shortcut. In Microsoft Word, click the Insert tab, then Symbol, then More Symbols. Search for "degree" or scroll to find it, click it, and click Insert.

In Google Docs, go to Insert > Special characters, then search for "degree" in the search box. Click the degree symbol to insert it into your document. This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works if you forget the shortcut or do not have a numeric keypad.

Copy and paste from a web search

The simplest method if you only need the symbol once: search "degree symbol" in your web browser, copy the symbol from the search results, and paste it into your document with Ctrl + V (Windows) or Cmd + V (Mac).

This method works on any device and requires no keyboard shortcuts or special menus. It is slower than using a shortcut if you type the degree symbol often, but it is reliable and requires no setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your laptop likely does not have a numeric keypad. Use Character Map instead, or copy the degree symbol from a web search. Some laptops have a hidden numeric keypad accessed through Fn + a modifier key, but Character Map is more reliable.

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, the process varies by operating system — check your keyboard settings or use copy-paste from a web search.

Does the degree symbol work in all programs?

Yes. The degree symbol is a standard character that works in email, web browsers, documents, spreadsheets, and text fields. Some very old or specialized programs may not display it correctly, but this is rare.

Is there a keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol on Chromebook?

Chromebooks do not have a built-in keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol. Use the copy-paste method from a web search, or access the character menu through your input method settings. Some Chromebooks support Ctrl + Shift + U like Linux systems.

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

On Mac, you can add a custom shortcut through System Preferences > Keyboard > Text. On Windows, third-party tools like AutoHotkey let you create custom shortcuts, but this requires setup. For most users, the built-in shortcuts are faster than customizing.