The fastest way depends on your device

The degree symbol (°) appears on most keyboards only through a keyboard shortcut or menu, not as a dedicated key. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8. On a Chromebook, press Ctrl + Shift + U, then type 00b0 and press Space. On a phone or tablet, hold down the zero key until the degree symbol appears as an option.

If you use the symbol often — for temperature, angles, or coordinates — you can set up a text replacement so a short code expands to °. This takes a few minutes to configure but saves time over months of typing.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt to insert the degree symbol.
  • Mac users press Shift + Option + 8 as a single keyboard combination.
  • Chromebook users press Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00b0, then press Space.
  • Phone and tablet users can usually long-press the zero key to see the degree symbol as a swipe option.
  • Setting up text replacement (like typing "deg" to expand to "°") works across most apps on your device.

Windows: Alt code method

On Windows, the degree symbol uses the Alt code 0176. First, make sure Num Lock is on — the Num Lock key is usually in the upper right of the numeric keypad. Then hold down the Alt key, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top), and release Alt. The degree symbol appears where your cursor was.

This method works in most Windows programs: Word, Notepad, email clients, web browsers, and spreadsheets. It does not work on laptops without a numeric keypad unless you enable Num Lock on an on-screen keyboard or use the Fn key to activate number keys. If you have a laptop without a numeric keypad, the Ctrl + Shift + U method (used on Chromebooks) sometimes works in certain programs, but the text replacement method below is more reliable.

Mac: Shift + Option + 8

On a Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 at the same time. This is faster than Windows because it is a single combination rather than a code you have to remember. The degree symbol appears immediately in any app — Word, Mail, Notes, web browsers, or text editors.

If the shortcut does not work, check that you are using the Option key (next to the Command key), not Alt. Some older Mac keyboards label it differently, but it is always the key between Control and Command on the left side of the spacebar.

Chromebook: Unicode input method

On a Chromebook, press Ctrl + Shift + U to enter Unicode input mode. The cursor changes to show you are in this mode. Type 00b0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol), then press Space or Enter. The degree symbol appears and Unicode mode closes.

This method works in most Chromebook apps, including Google Docs, Gmail, and web-based text editors. It does not work in all apps — some older web pages or specialized software may not recognize Unicode input — but it covers the most common writing situations.

Phone and tablet: Long-press the zero key

On an iPhone, iPad, or Android phone, open any text field and hold your finger on the 0 (zero) key. A menu of related symbols appears, including the degree symbol. Tap it to insert it. This works in Messages, Mail, Notes, and most other apps that accept text input.

On some Android keyboards, you may need to long-press and then swipe to the degree symbol rather than tap it. If the zero key does not show the degree symbol, try the settings menu of your keyboard app — some keyboards require you to enable symbol variants first, or you can search for "degree" in the keyboard's symbol picker.

Setting up text replacement to save time

If you type the degree symbol regularly, set up a text replacement so a short code expands to °. On Windows, use AutoCorrect in Microsoft Word or a third-party tool like AutoHotkey. On Mac, go to System Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacement, click the plus button, type a short code (like "deg") in the Replace field, and paste ° in the With field. On Chromebook, go to Settings > Languages and Input > Input Method, then add a custom shortcut. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement and add the same way.

Once set up, typing "deg" (or whatever code you choose) automatically expands to ° in most apps. This is especially useful if you write about weather, mathematics, or geography. The setup takes five minutes but pays off after a few dozen uses.

Copy and paste from a reference

If you need the degree symbol once and do not want to remember a shortcut, the simplest method is to copy it from somewhere else. Search "degree symbol" in your web browser, find one on a results page, select it, copy it (Ctrl + C on Windows or Command + C on Mac), and paste it (Ctrl + V or Command + V) where you need it. This takes about 30 seconds and requires no memorization.

You can also bookmark a page with the degree symbol, or save it in a notes app, so you can paste it without searching each time. This is less elegant than a keyboard shortcut but works on any device and in any app that accepts pasted text.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your laptop probably does not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Try enabling Num Lock and using the number keys on the right side of your keyboard (usually marked with Fn), or use the on-screen keyboard: press Windows key + semicolon, find the numeric keypad tab, and click the numbers while holding Alt. If neither works, use the copy-and-paste method or set up text replacement instead.

Can I type the degree symbol in a web browser search box?

Yes, the keyboard shortcuts work in search boxes on Google, Bing, and most other sites. Type the symbol using your device's method (Alt + 0176 on Windows, Shift + Option + 8 on Mac, etc.), and it appears in the search field just like any other character. You can then search for "temperature 98°F" or "angle 45°" without any issues.

Is there a way to type the degree symbol without memorizing a code?

Yes. The easiest no-memory methods are long-pressing the zero key on a phone, copying and pasting from a web search, or setting up text replacement so you type a short word like "deg" instead. Text replacement is the best long-term solution if you use the symbol more than once a month.

Does the degree symbol work in all programs?

It works in almost all modern programs: Word, Google Docs, email, web browsers, and messaging apps. Some older or specialized software may not display it correctly, but this is rare. If a program does not show the degree symbol after you type it, try copying and pasting it instead, or check whether the program uses a different character encoding.

Can I use the degree symbol on a keyboard without a numeric keypad?

Yes. Use Shift + Option + 8 on Mac, Ctrl + Shift + U then 00b0 on Chromebook, long-press zero on a phone, or set up text replacement on any device. Windows laptops without a numeric keypad can use the on-screen keyboard or enable Num Lock on the letter keys, but text replacement is usually simpler.