How to Add the Degree Symbol in Microsoft Word

Typing a degree symbol (°) seems like it should be simple — but if you've ever hunted through your keyboard looking for it, you already know it's not printed on any key. Whether you're writing about temperatures, angles, or geographic coordinates, Word gives you several reliable ways to insert it. Which method works best depends on how often you need it, what kind of document you're working on, and how comfortable you are with keyboard shortcuts.

What Is the Degree Symbol and Why Isn't It on Your Keyboard?

The degree symbol (°) is a standard Unicode character — Unicode value U+00B0 — used across mathematics, science, geography, and everyday writing. Standard keyboards don't include it because the physical key count is limited, and it's considered a specialty character compared to letters and numbers that appear in almost every document.

Word handles it just fine, though. The character exists in every font set you'd realistically use, and multiple insertion methods are built directly into the software.

Method 1: The Keyboard Shortcut (Windows)

The fastest method for most Windows users is a two-key shortcut:

1. Place your cursor where you want the symbol.
2. Press Alt + 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top of the keyboard).

This uses Windows' Alt code system, where you hold Alt and type a numeric code. It works across most Windows applications, not just Word — though it requires a numeric keypad, which laptops without a full keyboard may lack.

If you're on a laptop without a dedicated numeric keypad, this method won't work as expected unless you enable NumLock and use the embedded number overlay some keyboards include (typically activated with Fn + NumLock). Results vary by laptop model and keyboard layout.

Method 2: Word's Built-In Keyboard Shortcut

Microsoft Word has its own dedicated shortcut that works independently of the numeric keypad:

1. Type the number or text before the degree symbol.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + @, then immediately press the spacebar.

This shortcut is specific to Word (and some other Office applications). It's reliable on both desktop keyboards and laptops because it uses the standard key row. The @ key is typically Shift+2 on US keyboards — if your keyboard uses a different regional layout, the shortcut key may differ.

Method 3: Insert Symbol Dialog

For occasional use or when you can't remember shortcuts, Word's symbol menu is a dependable fallback:

1. Click Insert in the top ribbon.
2. Select Symbol, then choose More Symbols from the dropdown.
3. In the dialog box, set Font to your current font and Subset to Latin-1 Supplement.
4. Locate the degree symbol (°), click it, then click Insert.

This method is slower but visual — useful when you're unsure of the character you need or working with an unfamiliar keyboard layout. The dialog also shows you the shortcut key at the bottom, which can help you learn it for future use.

Method 4: Copy and Paste

A practical option that works everywhere: copy the symbol directly — ° — and paste it into your document. The pasted character adopts your document's current font and size, so it typically blends in without adjustment. This approach works across Word versions, operating systems, and devices, including tablets and touchscreen setups where keyboard shortcuts are awkward.

Method 5: AutoCorrect

If you type degree symbols frequently, Word's AutoCorrect feature can automate the process:

1. Go to File → Options → Proofing → AutoCorrect Options.
2. In the Replace field, type a short trigger (e.g., (deg)).
3. In the With field, paste the degree symbol (°).
4. Click Add, then OK.

After this, every time you type your trigger text, Word replaces it automatically. This is particularly efficient for scientific documents, weather reports, or any writing where the degree symbol appears dozens of times. 🌡️

Method 6: Mac Users

On a Mac, the shortcut is different:

• Press Option + Shift + 8 to insert the degree symbol instantly.

This works in Word for Mac as well as most other macOS applications. It doesn't require a numeric keypad and is generally considered the cleanest method on Apple hardware.

Comparing Your Options at a Glance

The Variables That Actually Matter Here

These methods all produce the same character — the difference is convenience. A few factors shape which approach makes practical sense:

Keyboard type matters significantly. Full desktop keyboards with numeric keypads open up the Alt code method. Laptop keyboards without them push you toward the Ctrl shortcut or AutoCorrect. Tablet and touchscreen setups often make copy-paste the simplest path. 💻

Frequency of use is the other major variable. If you type degree symbols a few times a year, any method works fine. If you're writing lab reports, engineering documents, or temperature logs regularly, the effort of setting up AutoCorrect or memorizing the Ctrl shortcut pays back quickly.

Word version and OS can also introduce small differences. The Ctrl + Shift + @ shortcut behavior, for instance, can vary slightly depending on regional keyboard settings and the specific version of Office installed. If a method isn't behaving as expected, the Insert Symbol dialog is always the consistent fallback regardless of version or locale.

Document context matters too — if you're collaborating or working in a template with strict formatting, understanding how the symbol is inserted (rather than relying on a system-level paste) helps ensure consistent character encoding across machines. 🔠

The method that feels obvious to one user — someone with a full desktop setup who learned Alt codes early — can be completely unavailable to another user on a compact laptop in a different region. Your own keyboard, OS, and workflow are the deciding factors, not any single "correct" answer.