The fastest way to insert a degree symbol

The quickest method in Microsoft Word is to hold Alt and type 0176 on your numeric keypad, then release Alt. The degree symbol (°) will appear where your cursor is. This works on Windows machines with a numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard.

If you are on a laptop without a dedicated numeric keypad, or if the Alt code does not work, Word offers a menu-based alternative that works on any machine. Go to the Insert tab at the top, click Symbol (on the far right), then scroll down to find the degree symbol and click it. The symbol will insert at your cursor position.

A third option, useful if you type the degree symbol often, is to set up an AutoCorrect shortcut. Type a character combination you will remember — like :deg — and Word will automatically replace it with ° every time you use it. You can set this up in File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows with a numeric keypad, hold Alt and type 0176 to insert the degree symbol instantly.
  • On any machine, use Insert > Symbol > scroll to find the degree symbol and click it.
  • You can create a keyboard shortcut like :deg that Word will automatically replace with the degree symbol.
  • The degree symbol appears the same in all fonts and sizes, so the method you choose depends only on your keyboard and how often you need it.

Using the Insert menu on Windows and Mac

The Insert menu method works identically on both Windows and Mac versions of Word. Click the Insert tab in the ribbon at the top of the window. On the far right side of that ribbon, you will see a Symbol button (it looks like the Greek letter Omega, Ω). Click it.

A dropdown menu will appear. Click More Symbols at the bottom of that menu. A larger dialog box opens showing many special characters. In the search field at the top, type degree and the list will filter to show only the degree symbol. Click it once to select it, then click the Insert button. The symbol will appear in your document at the cursor position. You can close the dialog box after that.

If you use the degree symbol regularly, you can leave this dialog box open while you work. Each time you need the symbol, just click it in the list and click Insert again. This is slower than a keyboard shortcut but requires no memorization.

Setting up AutoCorrect for repeated use

If you type temperature readings, coordinates, or angles often, creating an AutoCorrect entry saves time. Open Word and go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. A dialog box will open with several tabs; make sure you are on the AutoCorrect tab.

In the field labeled Replace:, type a shortcut you will remember and will not appear in normal writing — something like :deg, degr, or (deg). In the field labeled With:, type or paste the degree symbol (°). Click Add, then OK. From that point forward, whenever you type your shortcut and press Space or Enter, Word will replace it with the degree symbol automatically.

You can create as many AutoCorrect entries as you want. Common ones for technical writing include shortcuts for other symbols like ± (plus-minus) or µ (micro). Be careful not to choose a shortcut that might appear in real words — for example, using deg without punctuation could cause problems if you ever type the word "degrade."

Why the Alt code method does not work on Mac or laptops

The Alt+0176 method only works on Windows computers with a full numeric keypad — the separate set of number keys on the right side of a standard desktop keyboard. Laptops and Mac keyboards do not have this keypad, so the Alt code method will not produce the degree symbol on those machines.

Mac users have their own keyboard shortcut: hold Shift + Option and press 8 (the number key at the top of the keyboard, not a keypad). This produces the degree symbol on Mac versions of Word, Google Docs, and most other applications. If you switch between Windows and Mac, the Insert menu method is the most reliable because it works the same way on both systems.

Laptop users on Windows can use the Insert menu method or set up an AutoCorrect entry. Some laptops have a "Fn" key that activates a hidden numeric keypad on certain letter keys, but this varies by manufacturer and is usually slower than the other methods.

Copying and pasting the symbol

If you have already typed the degree symbol somewhere — in an email, a web page, or another document — you can simply copy it and paste it into Word. Highlight the symbol with your mouse, press Ctrl+C (or Cmd+C on Mac), click where you want it in Word, and press Ctrl+V (or Cmd+V on Mac).

This method is useful as a one-time solution but becomes tedious if you need the symbol repeatedly. It is most practical when you are working on a document that already contains the symbol elsewhere — you can reuse it without looking up how to type it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Alt+0176 not work on my Windows laptop?

Your laptop likely does not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Try the Insert > Symbol menu instead, or check whether your laptop has a hidden numeric keypad activated by the Fn key (this varies by brand). Setting up an AutoCorrect shortcut is often the fastest solution for laptop users.

Can I use the degree symbol in Excel or PowerPoint?

Yes. All three Office applications — Word, Excel, and PowerPoint — support the same methods: Alt+0176 on Windows, Shift+Option+8 on Mac, and Insert > Symbol on any machine. AutoCorrect shortcuts work across all Office programs once you set them up.

What if I need other symbols like plus-minus or micro?

The Insert > Symbol menu contains hundreds of special characters. You can search for them by name (type "plus minus" or "micro" in the search field) or browse by category. You can also create AutoCorrect shortcuts for any symbol you use regularly.

Does the degree symbol look different in different fonts?

The degree symbol appears consistent across nearly all fonts and sizes. It is a standard character, so Word renders it the same way whether you use Times New Roman, Arial, or any other font installed on your computer.

Can I insert the degree symbol on a phone or tablet?

On most phones and tablets, you can access special characters by holding down the number 0 key (on iPhone) or by switching to the symbols keyboard. Microsoft Word on mobile devices also has an Insert menu, though it works differently than the desktop version. The exact steps depend on your device and operating system.