How to Make the Degree Symbol on a Computer Keyboard

The degree symbol (°) doesn't have a dedicated key on most keyboards, which catches a lot of people off guard the first time they need it. Whether you're writing about temperature, angles, or coordinates, knowing how to produce this character quickly makes a real difference in your workflow. The good news: there are multiple reliable methods, and the right one depends on which operating system and application you're using.

Why There's No Dedicated Degree Key

Standard keyboard layouts — QWERTY being the dominant one — were designed around the most frequently typed characters in written language. Special symbols like °, ©, and ™ didn't make the cut for their own keys. Instead, operating systems and software handle these through keyboard shortcuts, character maps, and Unicode input methods.

Understanding which method works for your setup requires knowing your OS, your keyboard type, and sometimes even the specific application you're typing in.

How to Type the Degree Symbol on Windows

Windows offers several approaches, and they behave differently depending on whether you have a full keyboard with a numeric keypad or a compact/laptop keyboard without one.

Using Alt Codes (Numeric Keypad Required)

The classic Windows method uses Alt codes — holding Alt and typing a number sequence on the numeric keypad:

• Hold Alt, type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt
• The ° symbol appears in the text cursor's current position

This only works with the dedicated numeric keypad (not the number row at the top). Num Lock must be on.

Using the Character Map Tool

Windows includes a built-in Character Map application:

1. Open the Start menu and search for "Character Map"
2. Find the degree symbol (°), click it, then click Copy
3. Paste it into your document with Ctrl + V

This method works on any Windows keyboard, with or without a numeric keypad.

Using the Emoji & Symbol Panel

On Windows 10 and 11, press Windows key + . (period) or Windows key + ; to open the emoji and symbol picker. Search for "degree" and insert it directly. This works in most text fields across the operating system. 🖥️

Using AutoCorrect or Text Replacement

If you frequently type temperatures or angles, setting up an AutoCorrect rule in Microsoft Word or similar applications can automate this. You can assign a short trigger like deg to automatically replace with °.

How to Type the Degree Symbol on macOS

Mac keyboards handle special characters more elegantly than Windows in most cases.

Keyboard Shortcut

The quickest method on a Mac:

• Press Option + Shift + 8

This works in nearly every native macOS application, including Pages, TextEdit, and most browsers.

Using the Character Viewer

For a more visual approach:

1. Go to System Settings → Keyboard and enable "Show Input menu in menu bar"
2. Click the input menu icon and open Character Viewer
3. Search "degree" to locate and insert the symbol

Using the Special Characters Menu

In many macOS apps, pressing Control + Command + Space opens the Special Characters picker, where you can find the degree symbol by searching or browsing the symbols category.

How to Type the Degree Symbol on Linux

Linux behavior depends heavily on the desktop environment and keyboard layout configuration.

• Many setups support Ctrl + Shift + U, followed by typing 00B0 (the Unicode code point for °), then pressing Enter
• Some desktop environments support a Compose key sequence: Compose, then o, then o
• The GNOME Characters application provides a searchable symbol picker similar to macOS's Character Viewer

The Unicode input method is the most universally reliable across Linux distributions.

How to Type the Degree Symbol on Chromebooks

Chromebooks don't natively support Alt codes. The most reliable methods are:

• Copy and paste from a website or document
• Using the built-in emoji picker: Press Search + Shift + Space or right-click in a text field and look for emoji/special characters options
• Enabling international keyboard layouts in Chrome OS settings, which unlocks additional character entry methods

Quick Reference Table

Variables That Change the Right Method for You

Even with all of the above, the "best" method isn't the same for every user. Several factors shape which approach is actually practical: 🔑

Keyboard type matters most on Windows. A compact laptop keyboard without a numeric keypad rules out Alt codes entirely, making the emoji panel or character map the logical fallback.

Application context plays a role too. Some web-based apps intercept keyboard shortcuts before the OS can process them, which means a shortcut that works in a desktop word processor may not function in a browser-based text field.

Frequency of use determines whether a shortcut is worth learning or whether AutoCorrect and text expansion tools make more sense. Someone writing scientific reports daily has different needs than someone who types a temperature once a month.

Operating system version can affect which features are available. The Win + . emoji panel, for example, became more capable across successive Windows 10 and 11 updates.

Accessibility settings sometimes remap modifier keys, which can conflict with shortcuts like Option + Shift + 8 on macOS if keys have been reassigned.

The degree symbol itself is a single, standardized Unicode character (U+00B0) — every method above produces the same character. The difference is purely in how your specific setup and habits make it easiest to get there.