Where Is the Degree Symbol on a Keyboard — and How Do You Type It?

The degree symbol (°) doesn't have a dedicated key on most standard keyboards. That surprises a lot of people, especially when they need it for temperature readings, geographic coordinates, or angle measurements and suddenly realize there's no obvious place to find it. The good news: there are several reliable ways to type it — they just depend on which device and operating system you're using.

Why the Degree Symbol Doesn't Have Its Own Key

Standard keyboard layouts — QWERTY being the most common — were designed around the most frequently used characters in written language. The degree symbol is useful but specialized enough that it didn't make the cut for a dedicated key. Instead, it's tucked away as a special character, accessible through shortcuts, alt codes, or character menus depending on your platform.

This is similar to how symbols like © (copyright), ™ (trademark), or ½ (fractions) work — they exist in every operating system's character set but require a deliberate method to insert.

How to Type the Degree Symbol on Windows ⌨️

Windows offers more than one method, and the right one depends on your keyboard type and workflow.

Using Alt Code (Numeric Keypad Required)

The classic method on Windows is the Alt code:

• Hold Alt, type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt
• The ° symbol appears

This only works with a full-size keyboard that has a dedicated numeric keypad. It will not work using the number row across the top of the keyboard. Laptops without a numpad typically need a different approach.

Using the Character Map App

Windows includes a built-in tool called Character Map:

• Open the Start menu and search for "Character Map"
• Find the degree symbol, click it, and copy it to your clipboard
• Paste it wherever you need it

This method works on any Windows keyboard and requires no memorization.

Using Windows Emoji & Symbol Panel

On Windows 10 and 11:

• Press Windows key + . (period) or Windows key + ;
• Switch to the Symbols or Omega (Ω) tab
• Search for "degree" to locate and insert the symbol

This is often the fastest method on laptops.

How to Type the Degree Symbol on Mac

Mac users have a simpler, more consistent shortcut regardless of keyboard size:

• Press Option + Shift + 8

That combination inserts ° immediately in any text field. It works across macOS apps — whether you're in Pages, a browser, Notes, or email. No numpad needed, no menu to navigate.

How to Type the Degree Symbol on iPhone and iPad 📱

On iOS and iPadOS, the degree symbol is hidden inside the number/symbol keyboard:

• Tap the 123 key to switch to numbers
• Long-press the 0 (zero) key
• A small pop-up appears with the ° symbol
• Slide your finger to it and release

This is easy once you know it's there, but completely invisible until someone tells you. The zero key is the consistent location across most iOS keyboards.

How to Type the Degree Symbol on Android

Android keyboards vary by manufacturer and app, but the most common path:

• Switch to the symbols keyboard (usually a ?123 or #+= key)
• Look for the degree symbol directly — on many Android keyboards, it appears in the first or second symbols panel
• If you don't see it, try long-pressing the 0 key, similar to iOS

Samsung keyboards, Gboard, and SwiftKey all handle this slightly differently. Gboard users can also search for "degree" in the emoji/symbol search bar.

How to Insert the Degree Symbol in Specific Apps

Some applications offer their own shortcuts or insertion tools worth knowing about.

In Microsoft Word, the Alt + X method is particularly useful: type 00B0 (the Unicode code point for °) and immediately press Alt + X — Word converts it to the degree symbol in place.

Copy-Paste as a Fallback

If shortcuts aren't sticking, there's no shame in keeping a simple workaround:

°

Copy that character and paste it wherever you need it. For people who use the degree symbol infrequently, this is often the most practical solution. You can also bookmark a Unicode character reference page or store the symbol in a text expander tool if you type it regularly.

The Variable That Changes Everything

The "right" method for typing the degree symbol isn't universal — it shifts depending on whether you're on a laptop or desktop, which OS version you're running, which keyboard app is installed on your phone, and which software you're working in. Someone writing scientific documents in Word all day has different needs than someone occasionally texting weather updates from an Android phone.

Even within Windows alone, the difference between having a numeric keypad and not having one changes which approach is actually practical. On mobile, the keyboard app you're using determines whether long-pressing zero works, or whether you'll need to dig through a symbols panel instead. Your specific setup is what ultimately determines which method clicks into place most naturally. 🎯