How to Insert a Degree Symbol in Microsoft Word

The degree symbol (°) is one of those small characters that appears simple but trips up a surprising number of people. Whether you're writing about temperatures, angles, or geographic coordinates, knowing how to reliably insert it saves time and keeps your documents looking professional. The good news: Word gives you several ways to do it, and the right one depends on your keyboard, workflow, and how often you need it.

Why the Degree Symbol Isn't on Your Keyboard

Standard keyboards — both Windows and Mac — don't include a dedicated degree key. It's a special character, part of the extended Unicode character set (U+00B0), which means it lives outside the regular alphanumeric layout. That's why you need a workaround, and why there are multiple routes to get there depending on your setup.

Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut (Fastest for Most Users)

On Windows

The quickest approach for Windows users is the Alt code method:

1. Make sure Num Lock is on
2. Hold down Alt
3. Type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the top row number keys)
4. Release Alt — the ° symbol appears

This works in Word and most other Windows applications. The catch: it requires a numeric keypad, which many laptops don't have. If your laptop lacks a numpad, this method won't work without first enabling a virtual numpad through your function keys (the exact key combination varies by manufacturer).

On Mac

Mac users have it slightly easier:

• Press Option + Shift + 8

That's it. No numeric keypad required, and it works system-wide, not just in Word.

Method 2: Word's Built-In Keyboard Shortcut 🎯

Microsoft Word has its own dedicated shortcut that works regardless of your keyboard layout:

1. Place your cursor where you want the symbol
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + @ (that's Ctrl, Shift, and the @ key together), followed by the spacebar

This is a chord shortcut — two keystrokes in sequence rather than simultaneously. It's Word-specific but reliable across Windows versions and doesn't depend on a numeric keypad.

Method 3: Insert Symbol Menu

If shortcuts feel unreliable or you want a visual approach:

1. Go to the Insert tab in the Word ribbon
2. Click Symbol (far right of the ribbon)
3. Select More Symbols from the dropdown
4. In the dialog box, look for the degree symbol — it's usually visible in the default view, or you can search by setting the Character code to 00B0 in the bottom field
5. Click Insert

This method is slower but useful if you're unfamiliar with shortcuts or only need the symbol occasionally. It also shows you the keyboard shortcut assigned to the symbol, which can help you learn the faster method for next time.

Method 4: AutoCorrect — Best for Frequent Use

If you regularly type temperatures or angles, setting up an AutoCorrect entry is worth the one-time setup:

1. Go to File → Options → Proofing → AutoCorrect Options
2. In the Replace field, type a trigger like deg or (deg)
3. In the With field, insert the ° symbol (paste it or use one of the methods above first)
4. Click Add, then OK

From that point on, typing your trigger text and pressing space or Enter will automatically substitute the degree symbol. This approach suits writers who deal with technical documents, scientific content, or recipes on a regular basis.

Method 5: Copy-Paste

Sometimes the simplest method is the right one. You can copy ° directly from:

• A previous document where you've already used it
• A web search ("degree symbol")
• Character Map (Windows) or Character Viewer (Mac)

Character Map on Windows is found by searching "Character Map" in the Start menu. Character Viewer on Mac is accessible via Edit → Emoji & Symbols in most apps, or by pressing Control + Command + Space.

Comparing Your Options

A Few Things That Affect Which Method Works for You

Operating system is the first variable — the Mac shortcut and the Windows Alt code are entirely separate. Keyboard hardware matters next: compact laptops without a numeric keypad make the Alt code method impractical. Word version plays a minor role too — the ribbon layout and shortcut behavior are consistent across Word 2016 and later, but older versions may behave slightly differently. And how often you need the symbol shifts the equation: occasional users are fine with copy-paste or the Insert menu, while frequent users will want a shortcut or AutoCorrect entry memorized.

The degree symbol is also easy to confuse with two similar characters: the masculine ordinal indicator (º, used in languages like Spanish and Italian) and the ring above diacritic. If your symbol looks slightly different or behaves oddly in formatted text, it's worth checking you're inserting the correct Unicode character (U+00B0) rather than a lookalike.

Which method actually fits your workflow depends on how you work, what hardware you're on, and how often the need comes up — factors only you can weigh against each other.