The fastest way depends on your operating system

The degree symbol (°) is not a dedicated key on most keyboards, so you need a keyboard shortcut or a menu. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together and press 8. On Linux, hold Ctrl and Shift, type u, type 00b0, then press Space or Enter. Each method works in almost any program — email, documents, web forms, spreadsheets.

If you use the degree symbol often, you can also set up a text replacement so that typing a short code (like "deg") automatically becomes °. This is faster than remembering a multi-key combination, especially if you work with temperatures, angles, or geographic coordinates regularly.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row), then release Alt to produce °.
  • Mac users hold Shift and Option together and press 8 to type the degree symbol in any program.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl and Shift, type u00b0, then press Space or Enter.
  • Text replacement shortcuts let you type a short code like "deg" and have it automatically become °, which is faster for frequent use.

Windows: The Alt code method

On Windows, the degree symbol uses what is called an Alt code. Make sure Num Lock is on (you should see a light on your keyboard), then hold down the Alt key on the left side of your keyboard. While holding Alt, type 0176 on the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard — not the numbers across the top. Release Alt, and the degree symbol appears.

This works in Word, Notepad, email programs, web browsers, and most other software. The numeric keypad is essential — if your keyboard does not have one (common on laptops), you may need to enable a software numeric keypad or use one of the other methods below.

Mac: The Shift-Option shortcut

On Mac, hold Shift and Option at the same time, then press 8. Release all three keys, and the degree symbol appears. This is faster than the Windows Alt code because it uses only three keys instead of four, and it works on any Mac keyboard without needing a separate numeric pad.

The shortcut works in Mail, Pages, Google Docs, web browsers, and any other Mac program. If you forget the combination, you can also open the Character Viewer (Control-Command-Space on most Macs) and search for "degree" to insert it from a menu.

Linux: The Ctrl-Shift-U method

On Linux, hold Ctrl and Shift together, then type the letter u. Type 00b0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol), then press Space or Enter. The degree symbol appears in place of what you typed. This method works in most Linux text editors and web browsers, though some programs may not support Unicode input this way.

If the Ctrl-Shift-U method does not work in your program, you can also copy and paste the degree symbol from another source, or use your Linux distribution's character map tool to insert it from a menu.

Using text replacement for faster typing

If you type the degree symbol regularly, setting up a text replacement is faster than using a keyboard shortcut each time. On Windows, you can use AutoCorrect in Microsoft Office: go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options, then add a shortcut (like "deg") that automatically becomes °. On Mac, go to System Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacements and create the same kind of shortcut.

Once set up, you simply type "deg" followed by a space, and it automatically becomes °. This works across most programs on your computer. Some programs like Google Docs and Microsoft 365 online have their own text replacement settings, so you may need to set it up separately in each one if you use them frequently.

Copy and paste when shortcuts do not work

If you cannot remember the shortcut or your program does not support it, the simplest method is to copy the degree symbol from somewhere else and paste it where you need it. You can copy the symbol from this article (°), save it in a text file on your desktop, and paste it whenever you need it. This is slower than a keyboard shortcut, but it works in any program that accepts pasted text.

You can also search online for "degree symbol" and copy it from a search result or a reference page. Keep a note of the symbol in an easy-to-reach place — a sticky note on your desktop, a note in your phone, or a document you keep open — so you do not have to search for it each time.

Why the degree symbol is not on the keyboard

The degree symbol is not a dedicated key because it is used less often than letters, numbers, and common punctuation. Keyboards have a limited number of keys, so manufacturers prioritize the characters most people type every day. The degree symbol is common in specific fields like science, engineering, and geography, but rare in general writing, so it lives behind a shortcut instead.

The same is true for other symbols like the copyright mark (©), the euro sign (€), and the British pound (£). Each has a keyboard shortcut or can be inserted from a menu, but none has its own key because they are not needed by most users most of the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my keyboard does not have a numeric keypad?

Many laptops do not have a dedicated numeric keypad. On Windows laptops, you can enable Num Lock and use the number keys on the right side of the keyboard (usually marked with blue numbers), or use the Mac or Linux method instead. Some Windows laptops also have a software numeric keypad you can enable in Settings.

Does the degree symbol shortcut work in all programs?

The keyboard shortcuts work in most programs — email, web browsers, word processors, spreadsheets, and text editors. Some older or specialized software may not support them. If a shortcut does not work, try copying and pasting the symbol instead, which works almost everywhere.

Can I use the degree symbol on my phone or tablet?

On iPhone and iPad, hold down the zero key (0) on the keyboard and select the degree symbol from the menu that appears. On Android, the method varies by keyboard app — try holding down the zero key, or open the symbols menu and search for "degree".

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

Yes. Set up a text replacement so that typing a short word like "deg" automatically becomes °. This is faster than a keyboard shortcut and works across most programs on your computer. You can also copy and paste the symbol from a saved document or website whenever you need it.