How to Get a Degree Symbol in Microsoft Word

Typing a degree symbol (°) in Word isn't immediately obvious — it's not sitting on your keyboard like a comma or period. But once you know the options, inserting it takes just a second or two. There are several methods, and the one that works best depends on how you work, what device you're on, and how often you need the symbol.

Why the Degree Symbol Isn't on Your Keyboard

Standard keyboards follow a layout designed decades ago, prioritizing the most frequently typed characters. Symbols like °, ©, and ™ didn't make the cut for dedicated keys. Instead, they're accessible through keyboard shortcuts, character codes, or symbol menus built into your operating system and applications like Microsoft Word.

The degree symbol has two common uses: temperature (32°F, 100°C) and angles (90° angle). It looks similar to a superscript zero but is a distinct Unicode character — U+00B0 — and should be used instead of a workaround like a raised "o."

Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut (Windows)

The fastest method for most Windows users:

Press and hold Alt, then type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.

This produces: °

A few things to keep in mind:

• This requires the numeric keypad (the number block on the right side of a full-size keyboard). It does not work with the number row at the top.
• On laptops without a numeric keypad, you may need to enable Num Lock and use the embedded numpad keys (often labeled on J, K, L, U, I, O, 7, 8, 9 keys), or use a different method.
• This is an Alt code, a Windows-specific feature that works in Word and most other Windows applications.

Method 2: Keyboard Shortcut (Word-Specific)

Microsoft Word has its own built-in shortcut that works independently of the numeric keypad:

Press Ctrl + Shift + @, then press the spacebar.

This shortcut is native to Word and works on most Windows keyboards without needing Num Lock or a number pad. It's particularly useful on laptops.

Method 3: Unicode Entry (Windows)

If you know Unicode:

Type 00B0, then press Alt + X.

Word will convert the character code into the degree symbol on the spot. This only works inside Microsoft Word — it won't function in browsers or other apps.

Method 4: Insert Symbol Menu 🔍

For users who prefer a visual approach or only need the symbol occasionally:

1. Click where you want the symbol in your document
2. Go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols
3. In the Font box, leave it set to your current font
4. In the Subset dropdown, select Latin-1 Supplement
5. Find and click the degree symbol (°), then click Insert

This method works on all versions of Word, including Word for Mac, and doesn't require memorizing any codes. From this menu, you can also assign a custom shortcut to the degree symbol for future use.

Method 5: AutoCorrect (For Frequent Use)

If you type degrees regularly — in scientific documents, recipes, or engineering notes — setting up an AutoCorrect rule saves time:

1. Go to File → Options → Proofing → AutoCorrect Options
2. In the Replace field, type a trigger like `deg``
3. In the With field, paste the actual ° symbol
4. Click Add, then OK

Now every time you type your trigger, Word replaces it automatically. 🛠️

Method 6: Mac Keyboard Shortcut

On a Mac, the degree symbol shortcut is:

Option + Shift + 8

This works in Word for Mac and across most macOS applications. It's simple, requires no number pad, and is easy to remember.

Comparing the Methods

The Variables That Shape Which Method Works for You

No single method is universally ideal. A few factors shift which approach is worth using:

Keyboard type matters most. Full-size desktop keyboards with a dedicated numeric keypad make the Alt code method effortless. Compact laptops without one make it awkward or impossible without workarounds.

How often you need the symbol changes the math. Someone inserting a degree symbol once a month is fine reaching for the Insert menu. Someone writing temperature tables daily will want a shortcut or AutoCorrect rule that requires zero friction.

Word version and platform plays a role too. Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2019, Word 2016, and Word for Mac all support these methods, but the menus and option paths can look slightly different across versions. The Ctrl+Shift+@ shortcut, for instance, has worked consistently across modern Word versions on Windows but behaves differently on Mac.

Typing habit and memory is a real variable. Some people naturally reach for keyboard shortcuts; others prefer clicking through menus until a shortcut becomes second nature.

The right method isn't the "best" one in the abstract — it's the one that fits how you actually work, what keyboard you have in front of you, and whether this is a one-time need or a recurring task.