How to Type a Degree Sign in Microsoft Word

Whether you're writing about temperatures, geographic coordinates, or angles in geometry, the degree symbol (°) is one of those characters that isn't sitting on your keyboard but comes up more often than you'd expect. Microsoft Word gives you several ways to insert it — and the right method depends on how you work, what device you're using, and how often you need it.

Why the Degree Symbol Isn't on Your Keyboard

Standard keyboards are designed around the most frequently typed characters. Symbols like °, ©, and ™ didn't make the cut for dedicated keys, even though they appear constantly in technical, scientific, and everyday writing. Instead, operating systems and applications like Word provide multiple workarounds — some faster, some more accessible depending on your setup.

Method 1: Use the Keyboard Shortcut (Windows)

The fastest method for most Windows users is a numeric keypad shortcut:

1. Place your cursor where you want the degree sign
2. Hold Alt
3. Type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the top row numbers)
4. Release Alt

The ° symbol appears instantly. This works in Word and in most Windows applications.

⌨️ Important: This requires a numeric keypad — the number block on the right side of a full-size keyboard. If you're on a laptop without one, this shortcut won't work as-is (though some laptops have a Fn key that activates a virtual numpad).

Method 2: Use the Keyboard Shortcut (Mac)

On a Mac, the shortcut is simpler and doesn't require a numpad:

• Press Option + Shift + 8

That's it. The degree symbol inserts wherever your cursor is. This works system-wide on macOS, not just in Word.

Method 3: Word's Built-In Symbol Menu

If you prefer a visual approach or can't remember shortcuts:

1. Click where you want the symbol
2. Go to the Insert tab in the Word ribbon
3. Click Symbol → More Symbols
4. In the dialog box, set the font to (normal text) and the subset to Latin-1 Supplement
5. Find and click the ° symbol
6. Click Insert

This method works on both Windows and Mac and requires no memorization. The downside is it takes longer — it's better suited for occasional use rather than frequent insertion.

Method 4: AutoCorrect or AutoText (For Repeated Use)

If you regularly type temperatures or angular measurements, Word's AutoCorrect feature can save you significant time.

You can configure Word to automatically replace a custom text string — something like (deg) — with °:

1. Go to File → Options → Proofing → AutoCorrect Options (Windows) or Word → Preferences → AutoCorrect (Mac)
2. In the Replace field, type your trigger (e.g., (deg))
3. In the With field, paste or insert °
4. Click Add, then OK

From then on, every time you type (deg) and press Space or Enter, Word replaces it with the degree symbol automatically.

Method 5: Copy and Paste

The simplest method that works everywhere: copy ° from a reliable source and paste it into your document. This is especially useful on devices or configurations where shortcuts behave unexpectedly, or when you need it just once.

You can copy the symbol directly from search results, character maps, or reference pages.

Method 6: Unicode Entry (Word for Windows)

Word on Windows supports a direct Unicode input method:

1. Type 00B0 (the Unicode code point for °)
2. Immediately press Alt + X

Word converts the code to the degree symbol. This is quick once you've memorized the code, and it works without a numeric keypad — making it useful on laptops.

Quick Comparison of Methods

Does the Method Affect How the Symbol Looks?

Not meaningfully. Regardless of how you insert °, Word treats it as the same Unicode character (U+00B0). Its appearance is controlled by the font applied to it in your document, just like any other character. If the degree symbol looks different than expected, check that the character is formatted in the same font as the surrounding text — some specialty fonts render it differently.

Variables That Change the Right Answer for You

Several factors shape which method actually fits your workflow:

• Device type: Desktop with a full keyboard vs. a laptop without a numpad changes which shortcuts are physically available
• Operating system: Windows and macOS have different native shortcuts
• Word version: Older versions of Word may have slightly different menu layouts for the Symbol dialog
• Frequency of use: If you insert ° dozens of times a week, AutoCorrect setup is worth the two minutes. If it's once a month, copy-paste is fine
• Technical comfort level: Some users find keyboard codes feel natural; others prefer clicking through menus

🖥️ The "best" method for a technical writer producing scientific reports looks very different from what makes sense for someone adding a temperature to a single document.

What About Word on Mobile?

Microsoft Word on iOS and Android handles symbol insertion differently — through the device's on-screen keyboard and its special character panels, or through the app's Insert → Symbol option if available in your version. The Alt key shortcuts don't apply in mobile environments, and access to symbols depends on your keyboard app and its settings.

The degree symbol is commonly available by long-pressing the zero (0) key on many mobile keyboards, which surfaces a small menu of related characters including °.

Which approach actually works depends on your specific keyboard, your Word version, your operating system, and how often you need that symbol in context.