How to Enter the Degree Symbol on Any Keyboard

Whether you're typing a temperature reading, an angle in geometry, or geographic coordinates, the degree symbol (°) is one of those characters that doesn't live on any standard key. Yet it comes up constantly in everyday writing — and most people either skip it, type a lowercase "o" as a substitute, or spend five minutes hunting through character maps.

Here's a clear breakdown of exactly how to type the degree symbol across different devices and operating systems.

Why the Degree Symbol Isn't on Your Keyboard

Standard keyboards follow the ASCII layout, which prioritizes letters, numbers, and common punctuation. The degree symbol (°) is part of the extended Latin character set (Unicode character U+00B0), meaning it exists in every modern operating system — it's just not assigned to a visible key by default.

The method you use to access it depends entirely on what device you're using, which operating system is running, and sometimes what software you're typing in.

Entering the Degree Symbol on Windows

Windows offers several methods, and which one works best depends on your keyboard type and how often you need the symbol.

Using the Numeric Keypad (Alt Code)

If your keyboard has a numeric keypad on the right side:

1. Make sure Num Lock is on
2. Hold Alt
3. Type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row)
4. Release Alt

The degree symbol appears immediately. This is the fastest method for users with full-size keyboards.

⚠️ This does not work with the number row at the top of the keyboard — it only works with the dedicated numeric keypad.

Using the Character Map

1. Press Windows key, search for Character Map
2. Find the degree symbol (°), click it, and copy it
3. Paste it where needed

This works on any Windows keyboard, including laptops without a numpad.

Using a Keyboard Shortcut in Microsoft Word

Inside Microsoft Word specifically:

• Type 00B0, then immediately press Alt + X

Word converts the Unicode code point into the symbol. This shortcut only works within Word and a handful of other Microsoft Office apps.

Copy-Paste from Emoji/Symbol Panels

Press Windows key + . (period) to open the emoji panel, search for "degree," and insert it directly.

Entering the Degree Symbol on Mac

Mac makes this notably straightforward.

Standard Shortcut

• Option + Shift + 8

That's the universal shortcut across macOS. It works in virtually every app — text editors, browsers, email clients, spreadsheets.

Using the Special Characters Viewer

1. Press Control + Command + Space
2. Search "degree" in the viewer
3. Double-click to insert

Entering the Degree Symbol on iPhone and iPad 📱

On iOS and iPadOS:

1. Open any keyboard
2. Press and hold the zero (0) key
3. A pop-up shows the degree symbol (°)
4. Slide to it and release

No settings change required. This works in any app using the native iOS keyboard.

Entering the Degree Symbol on Android

Android behavior varies slightly depending on the keyboard app installed (Gboard, Samsung Keyboard, SwiftKey, etc.), but the general approach is consistent:

• Hold the zero (0) key on the number row
• Or switch to the symbols view (tap ?123 or =<) and look for °

On Gboard specifically, holding the zero key reliably surfaces the degree symbol as a long-press option.

Entering the Degree Symbol in Linux

Linux users working in a graphical environment can typically use:

• Compose key sequences (if a Compose key is configured): Compose, then o, then o
• Unicode entry: Press Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00b0, then press Enter (works in GTK apps and many terminals)
• Copy from the GNOME Characters app or equivalent

The available method depends on the desktop environment (GNOME, KDE, XFCE) and whether a Compose key has been configured in the keyboard settings.

Quick Reference Table

Variables That Affect Which Method Works for You

Even with this reference, a few factors determine which approach is actually usable in your situation:

• Laptop vs. desktop keyboard: Laptops often lack a numeric keypad, ruling out Alt codes on Windows
• Keyboard language/layout: Non-English layouts may reassign modifier key behavior
• Third-party keyboard apps: On mobile, apps like SwiftKey or custom keyboards may handle long-press differently than the default
• Application context: Some shortcut methods (like Alt + X in Word) only work inside specific software
• Operating system version: Older Windows or macOS versions may not include the emoji panel or Unicode input tools in the same form 🖥️

The "best" method isn't universal — it's the one that fits inside your existing workflow without breaking your typing rhythm. A writer who spends all day in Word has different options available than someone typing in a browser form or a terminal window.