How to Type the Degree Symbol on Windows (Every Method Explained)

The degree symbol — ° — is one of those characters that doesn't live on any standard keyboard key, yet people need it constantly: weather reports, temperature readings, geographic coordinates, scientific notation, cooking instructions. Windows gives you several ways to insert it, and which method works best depends on how often you use it, what software you're in, and how your keyboard is configured.

What the Degree Symbol Actually Is

Before jumping to methods, it helps to know what you're working with. The degree symbol is a Unicode character (U+00B0) and also exists in the older ASCII/Latin-1 character set as decimal code 176. That matters because different input methods reference different coding systems — some use Alt codes, some use Unicode entry, and some bypass both entirely through shortcuts or menus.

Method 1: Alt Code (Most Widely Known)

On keyboards with a numeric keypad, this is the classic approach:

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

The ° character appears instantly.

⚠️ A few variables affect whether this works:

• Num Lock must be on. If Num Lock is off, the numpad keys act as navigation keys, and the Alt code won't register.
• Laptop keyboards often lack a dedicated numeric keypad. Some laptops have a hidden numpad embedded in letter keys (activated by Fn or a NumLock toggle), but this varies by manufacturer and model.
• This method works in most Windows applications — Word, Notepad, browsers, Excel — but behavior can differ in some specialized software.

Method 2: Unicode Entry (Word and Some Apps)

In Microsoft Word and a handful of other applications, you can type the Unicode code point and convert it:

1. Type 00B0
2. Immediately press Alt + X

Word converts the text to °. This is fast once you remember the code, but it only works in applications that support Unicode entry — which is notably not most browsers or plain text editors.

Method 3: Windows Emoji & Symbol Picker 🔍

Windows 10 and Windows 11 include a built-in character picker that works almost everywhere:

1. Press Windows key + . (period) or Windows key + ; (semicolon)
2. Click the Symbols tab (the omega Ω icon)
3. Select Math symbols or search for "degree"
4. Click the ° symbol to insert it

This method requires no memorization and works in browsers, email clients, Office apps, and most text input fields. The downside is speed — if you're inserting degree symbols frequently, opening the picker every time adds up.

Method 4: Character Map (Built-In Windows Utility)

Windows includes a utility called Character Map that predates the emoji picker:

1. Open the Start menu and search for Character Map
2. In the font dropdown, leave it on your current font
3. Scroll to find °, or check "Advanced view" and search for "degree sign"
4. Click Select, then Copy
5. Paste wherever you need it

Character Map is more useful for finding obscure symbols than for quick degree symbol entry specifically, but it's always available regardless of Windows version.

Method 5: Copy-Paste (Fastest for Occasional Use)

If you only need the degree symbol occasionally, copying it from a reliable source and pasting it is perfectly valid. ° — copy that. It pastes as a proper Unicode character in virtually every application.

Method 6: AutoCorrect or Text Expansion

For users who type degree symbols regularly, setting up AutoCorrect in Microsoft Word (or a third-party text expander) can eliminate the manual steps entirely:

• In Word: File → Options → Proofing → AutoCorrect Options
• Set a trigger like (deg) to automatically replace with °

Third-party tools like AutoHotkey (free, Windows-native) let you create system-wide shortcuts — meaning the replacement works in any application, not just Word.

Comparing the Methods

The Variables That Change Your Best Option

Several factors shift which method makes the most sense for a given person:

• Keyboard type — Full desktop keyboards with numpads make Alt codes easy. Compact and laptop keyboards make the emoji picker or AutoCorrect more practical.
• Windows version — The emoji picker shortcut (Win + .) is only available in Windows 10 version 1903 and later. Older installs may fall back to Character Map.
• Application context — Working mainly in Word? Unicode entry or AutoCorrect is efficient. Working across browsers, email, and multiple apps? A system-wide solution like AutoHotkey or the emoji picker tends to travel better.
• Frequency of use — Typing the degree symbol once a week is a different problem than needing it dozens of times per day.
• Technical comfort level — AutoHotkey is powerful but requires writing a short script. Alt codes are low-friction once memorized. The emoji picker needs no setup at all.

None of these methods is universally "best." The right one sits at the intersection of your keyboard, your software environment, and how often you're reaching for that symbol.