The fastest way to type a degree symbol

The degree symbol (°) does not have its own key on most keyboards, but you can type it in seconds using a keyboard shortcut. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together and press the number 8. On Chromebook, hold Ctrl and Shift and press U, then type 00b0 and press Space.

If you use these shortcuts often, your operating system lets you create a custom shortcut or use autocorrect to replace a short word with the degree symbol automatically. This takes a few minutes to set up but saves time if you type temperatures, angles, or coordinates regularly.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type the degree symbol by holding Alt and pressing 0176 on the numeric keypad.
  • Mac users hold Shift and Option together and press 8 to type the degree symbol.
  • Chromebook users hold Ctrl and Shift, press U, type 00b0, and press Space.
  • You can set up autocorrect on any device so that typing a short code like "deg" automatically becomes the degree symbol.
  • If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, you can use the on-screen character map or copy and paste the symbol from another source.

Windows: Using the numeric keypad shortcut

The numeric keypad is the block of number keys on the right side of most full-size keyboards. If you have a laptop or compact keyboard without a numeric keypad, skip to the section below on using the character map instead.

To type the degree symbol on Windows, hold down the Alt key and type 0176 using only the numeric keypad. Do not use the number row at the top of the keyboard — it will not work. After you type the four digits, release the Alt key and the degree symbol will appear where your cursor is.

If this does not work, check that Num Lock is turned on. The Num Lock key is usually in the top left corner of the numeric keypad. A light on the key or on your keyboard will show when Num Lock is active.

Mac: Using Shift and Option

On Mac, the degree symbol shortcut uses the Option key, which is also called Alt on some keyboards. Hold down Shift and Option at the same time, then press the number 8. Release all three keys and the degree symbol will appear.

This shortcut works the same way on all Mac computers and in all programs. If you are using a wireless keyboard or external keyboard connected to your Mac, the shortcut still works — the Option key is in the same place.

Chromebook: Using the Unicode input method

Chromebooks use a different system called Unicode input. Hold down Ctrl and Shift together and press the letter U. You will see a small u with an underline appear on your screen. Type 00b0 (that is zero, zero, b, zero) and then press Space. The degree symbol will replace the underlined u.

This method works in most programs on a Chromebook, but some older web pages or apps may not support it. If the symbol does not appear, try copying and pasting it from another source instead.

Windows without a numeric keypad: Using Character Map

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, you can use the Windows Character Map tool to find and copy the degree symbol. Open the Start menu and search for Character Map. Click the result to open the tool.

In the Character Map window, search for "degree" in the search box at the bottom. The degree symbol will appear in the list. Click on it to select it, then click the Copy button. Go to the document or text field where you need the symbol and paste it using Ctrl + V.

Setting up autocorrect to type the degree symbol faster

If you type the degree symbol often, you can set up your computer to replace a short code with the symbol automatically. On Windows, open Settings, go to System, then Keyboard, and look for Text suggestions or Autocorrect. Add a new entry where the shortcut is something short like "deg" and the replacement is the degree symbol. After you set this up, typing "deg" followed by a space will automatically become °.

On Mac, go to System Settings, click Keyboard, then Text. Click the plus button to add a new entry. Type your shortcut (like "deg") in the left column and paste the degree symbol in the right column. From then on, typing your shortcut will replace it with the symbol.

On Chromebook, open Settings, go to Languages and input, then Input methods, and select Manage input methods. Add a new text shortcut where the shortcut text is "deg" and the replacement is the degree symbol.

Copying and pasting the degree symbol

The simplest method that works on any device is to copy the degree symbol from somewhere else and paste it into your document. You can copy this symbol: °. Paste it into your document using Ctrl + V on Windows or Command + V on Mac. After you paste it once, you can usually find it in your clipboard history if you need it again.

You can also search online for "degree symbol" and copy it from a search result. This method is slower than using a keyboard shortcut, but it works when shortcuts are not available or when you are using an unfamiliar device.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most laptops do not have a separate numeric keypad. Try using Character Map instead, or enable Num Lock and use the number keys on the right side of your keyboard if your laptop has them. Some laptops let you use Fn + Alt + the number keys to simulate the numeric keypad, but this varies by model.

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

Yes. On iPhone or iPad, hold down the zero key (0) on the keyboard and a menu will appear with the degree symbol as an option. On Android, the method varies by keyboard app, but usually you can long-press the zero key or access special characters through a symbols menu.

Is there a degree symbol for Fahrenheit versus Celsius?

No. The degree symbol (°) is the same for both Fahrenheit and Celsius. You type the symbol, then add the letter F or C after it to show which scale you mean, like 72°F or 22°C.

What if I need to type a degree symbol in a password or username?

The degree symbol works in passwords and usernames the same way as any other character. Use whichever method works on your device — the keyboard shortcut, Character Map, or copy and paste. Make sure you remember which method you used so you can type it the same way when you log in.