The fastest way depends on your operating system

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. These are the quickest methods if you type degree symbols regularly.

If you do not have a numeric keypad — common on laptops — Windows offers a character map tool instead. You can also copy and paste the symbol (°) from anywhere online, which works on any device without memorizing a code.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users with a numeric keypad should use Alt + 0176, which is faster than any other method on that system.
  • Mac users press Shift + Option + 8 every time, and this shortcut works in any program.
  • Laptops without a numeric keypad can use Windows Character Map, found by searching "charmap" in the Start menu.
  • Copying and pasting the degree symbol (°) from a web search works on any device and requires no memorization.
  • Some programs like Microsoft Word have their own symbol insertion menus that may be faster if you are already in that program.

Windows: Alt code method with a numeric keypad

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

Make sure Num Lock is on — most keyboards have a light that shows this. If the numbers do not appear when you type, press Num Lock once and try again. This method works in almost any Windows program: email, documents, web forms, spreadsheets.

Windows: Character Map for laptops without a numeric keypad

Laptops and compact keyboards often lack a numeric keypad, so the Alt code method does not work. Instead, open the Windows Character Map tool by clicking the Start menu and typing charmap, then pressing Enter.

In the window that opens, search for "degree" in the search box at the bottom. Click the degree symbol (°) when it appears, then click Copy. Switch back to your document or form and paste it with Ctrl + V. This takes a few seconds but works on any Windows keyboard.

Mac: Shift + Option + 8

On a Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 simultaneously. The degree symbol appears instantly. This shortcut works in any Mac program — Mail, Pages, web browsers, text editors — without any extra steps.

If the symbol does not appear, make sure you are using the Option key (also labeled Alt on some keyboards), not the Command key. The position matters: Shift and Option together, then 8. Once you use it a few times, the combination becomes automatic.

Linux: Ctrl + Shift + u method

On Linux, hold Ctrl + Shift and type u, then type 00b0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol), then press Space. The symbol appears in place of the code you typed.

This method works in most Linux applications but not all — some older programs do not support Unicode input this way. If it does not work, copy and paste from a web search instead, which works everywhere.

Copy and paste: Works on any device

The simplest method that works on every device is to search for "degree symbol" online, copy the ° character from the search results, and paste it into your document with Ctrl + V (Windows and Linux) or Command + V (Mac). This takes about ten seconds and requires no memorization.

You can also bookmark a page with the symbol, or save it in a notes app for quick access. This approach is slower than keyboard shortcuts if you type degree symbols many times a day, but it is faster than learning a code you will forget.

Using symbol menus in specific programs

Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and similar programs have their own symbol insertion menus. In Word, click Insert at the top, then Symbol, then search for "degree" or scroll to find it. In Google Docs, click Insert, then Special characters, then search for "degree".

These menus are slower than keyboard shortcuts but useful if you are already in the program and do not want to memorize codes. They also show you the symbol before you insert it, which prevents mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your keyboard probably lacks a numeric keypad. Laptops and compact keyboards use the number row at the top instead, which does not work with Alt codes. Use Character Map instead, or copy and paste the symbol from a web search.

Can I create a keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol?

Yes, but the method depends on your operating system. On Windows, you can use AutoCorrect in Word to replace a short code (like "deg") with the degree symbol. On Mac, open System Preferences > Keyboard > Text and add a custom shortcut. On Linux, this depends on your desktop environment.

Does the degree symbol work in web forms and email?

Yes. The degree symbol is a standard character that works in email, web forms, social media, and almost any text field. If a form rejects it, the problem is with that specific form, not the symbol itself.

What if I need to type many degree symbols in one document?

Use the keyboard shortcut for your system (Alt + 0176 on Windows, Shift + Option + 8 on Mac) — it becomes muscle memory after a few uses. Alternatively, type a placeholder like "DEG" while you work, then use Find and Replace to change all instances to the degree symbol at the end.