How to Make a Degree Symbol in Microsoft Word

The degree symbol (°) is one of those characters that comes up more often than you'd expect — temperature readings, angles in geometry, coordinates on a map — yet it's not sitting on any standard keyboard key. Knowing where to find it, and which method suits your workflow, makes a real difference in how smoothly you work in Word.

Why the Degree Symbol Isn't on Your Keyboard

Standard keyboards follow the QWERTY layout, which was designed around the most common characters in everyday English text. Symbols like °, ©, ™, and ± are considered extended characters — they exist in Unicode and can be typed in any modern application, but they don't have dedicated physical keys.

In Microsoft Word specifically, there are several reliable ways to insert the degree symbol, and which one works best depends on how you're working, what device you're on, and how often you need the symbol.

Method 1: The Keyboard Shortcut (Windows)

The fastest method for most Windows users is a keyboard shortcut. With Num Lock turned on, hold down the Alt key and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top of the keyboard). Release Alt, and ° appears.

This is the Alt code method, and it works in Word and most other Windows applications. The catch: it requires a numeric keypad, which full-size desktop keyboards have but many laptop keyboards do not. If you're on a compact laptop, this method may not work unless your keyboard has a hidden numpad accessible via the Fn key.

Method 2: Word's Built-In Keyboard Shortcut

Microsoft Word has its own dedicated shortcut that works regardless of whether you have a numeric keypad:

Type 2 then 0 then B then A — then immediately press Alt + X

More precisely: type 20BA, then press Alt + X. Wait — that's actually the wrong code. The correct Unicode code point for the degree symbol is 00B0.

So: type 00B0, then press Alt + X. Word will automatically convert that code into the ° symbol.

This method works exclusively inside Microsoft Word and won't function in browsers, Notepad, or other apps. It's reliable and doesn't require a numpad, making it a strong option for laptop users who frequently type degree symbols in documents.

Method 3: Insert Symbol Dialog Box

If you don't want to memorize shortcuts, Word's Insert menu gives you a point-and-click approach:

1. Place your cursor where you want the symbol
2. Click the Insert tab in the ribbon
3. Select Symbol (usually in the far-right section of the ribbon)
4. Click More Symbols
5. In the dialog box, set the font to normal text and the subset to Latin-1 Supplement
6. Find and click the degree symbol (°), then click Insert

This is the most discoverable method — great if you only need the symbol occasionally and don't want to remember codes. The dialog also shows you the shortcut key for any symbol, so it doubles as a learning tool.

Method 4: AutoCorrect and Custom Shortcuts ⚙️

If you type degree symbols frequently, it's worth setting up a custom trigger. Word's AutoCorrect feature can be configured to replace a text string of your choosing — like (deg) — with ° automatically as you type.

You can also assign a custom keyboard shortcut to the symbol through the same Insert > Symbol > More Symbols dialog. Click Shortcut Key, then press whatever key combination you want to assign. This stays saved in Word's settings on your machine.

This approach pays off most for people who write technical documents, scientific papers, or anything involving regular temperature or angle notation.

Method 5: Copy and Paste

It's basic, but it works: copy the symbol directly — ° — and paste it wherever you need it. If you keep a personal snippet file or use a clipboard manager, you can store the symbol for quick access at any time. This method is device-agnostic and works on any operating system.

On Mac: A Different Shortcut

If you're using Word on a Mac, the Windows Alt codes don't apply. Instead, the system-level shortcut for the degree symbol is Shift + Option + 8. This works in Word for Mac as well as most other Mac applications, making it the most consistent option across your Mac workflow.

Comparing the Methods at a Glance 🖥️

What Affects Which Method Is Right

A few variables shape which approach will actually fit into your workflow:

• Device type — Desktop with full keyboard vs. laptop with no numpad changes which shortcuts are physically available
• Operating system — Windows and macOS have entirely different system shortcuts
• Word version — The Alt+X method works in modern Word versions; very old installations may behave differently
• Frequency of use — Someone writing one document with a temperature reference has different needs than a scientist or engineer inserting the symbol dozens of times per session
• Comfort with shortcuts — Some users prefer muscle memory; others work faster with menus

The degree symbol is a small thing, but the right insertion method depends on exactly how and where you're working. Each method listed above is genuinely reliable — the differences lie in fit.