How to Make a Degree Symbol in Microsoft Word

The degree symbol (°) is one of those characters you rarely need — until you suddenly need it constantly. Whether you're writing about temperatures, angles, or geographic coordinates, knowing how to insert it quickly makes a real difference in your workflow. The good news: Word gives you several ways to do it, and the best one depends entirely on how you work.

Why the Degree Symbol Isn't on Your Keyboard

Standard keyboards follow a layout designed decades ago for general typing. Specialty characters like °, ©, ™, and ½ weren't included because they'd be used infrequently by most people. Instead, operating systems and applications like Microsoft Word provide workarounds — keyboard shortcuts, character maps, and symbol menus — to access them when needed.

The degree symbol has a specific Unicode code point (U+00B0) and an ASCII code (Alt+0176 on Windows), which is why most insertion methods reference one of those two values.

Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut (Fastest for Regular Use)

The quickest method in Microsoft Word on Windows is:

Alt + 0176 — hold Alt, type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.

This only works with the numeric keypad (the number block on the right side of a full keyboard). It won't work using the number row across the top of the keyboard.

On a Mac, the shortcut is simpler:

Option + Shift + 8 — press all three simultaneously.

This works system-wide on macOS, not just in Word.

⌨️ If you're on a laptop without a numeric keypad, this method may require enabling Num Lock or using a different approach entirely.

Method 2: Word's Built-In AutoCorrect

Microsoft Word has an AutoCorrect feature that can automatically replace typed text with symbols. By default, Word doesn't always include a degree symbol shortcut, but you can add one yourself:

1. Go to File → Options → Proofing → AutoCorrect Options
2. In the Replace field, type something you'll remember (like deg)
3. In the With field, paste the ° symbol
4. Click Add, then OK

From that point on, typing deg (or whatever trigger you chose) followed by a space will automatically swap it out for °. This approach is particularly useful if you're writing a long document and inserting the symbol repeatedly.

Method 3: Insert Symbol Menu

This method works well if you only need the symbol occasionally and don't want to memorize shortcuts:

1. Place your cursor where you want the symbol
2. Click the Insert tab in the ribbon
3. Select Symbol → More Symbols
4. In the dialog, set the font to Normal Text and look for the degree symbol, or type 00B0 in the "Character code" box (with Unicode selected)
5. Click Insert

This approach is slower but reliable, and it's the best starting point if you're unsure which method your version of Word supports.

Method 4: Copy and Paste

Straightforward and universally compatible: copy the symbol from somewhere and paste it into your document.

You can copy it directly from here: °

This works across all versions of Word, all operating systems, and all keyboard types. It's the go-to for one-off use.

Method 5: Unicode Entry (Windows)

On Windows, you can type a Unicode character directly in some applications using:

00B0 + Alt + X

Type 00B0, then immediately press Alt + X. Word will convert the code into the ° symbol. This works natively in Microsoft Word and a few other Microsoft applications, but not in most browsers or general text fields.

Comparing the Methods 🔍

Factors That Affect Which Method Works for You

Not every method works in every situation. A few variables change which approach makes the most sense:

Keyboard type is the biggest factor. Full desktop keyboards with a numeric keypad unlock the Alt code method. Laptop keyboards often lack a true numpad, which rules out Alt + 0176 unless you enable a mapped numpad via Fn keys — and that varies by laptop manufacturer.

Operating system matters significantly. The Mac shortcut (Option + Shift + 8) is elegant and always available, but it only applies to macOS. Windows users have more options but also more variation between methods.

Word version can also play a role. Older versions of Word may have slightly different Insert Symbol menu layouts, and AutoCorrect options are stored locally — so settings won't transfer if you move to a new machine.

How often you need the symbol determines whether learning a shortcut is worth the effort. Writing a one-page note with a single temperature reference? Copy and paste. Writing a scientific report with degrees scattered throughout? AutoCorrect or a keyboard shortcut pays off quickly.

Touch devices and Word Online add another layer. On tablets or in the browser-based version of Word, many keyboard shortcuts don't apply. The Insert Symbol menu is usually your most reliable option, though availability depends on the specific version and interface.

The right method isn't universal — it's the one that fits your keyboard, your operating system, and how frequently you're reaching for that small but essential circle.