The fastest way depends on what you're typing into

The degree symbol (°) is not a key on your keyboard, so you cannot type it the way you type a letter. Instead, you use a keyboard shortcut or a menu option that varies by what program you're using — Windows, Mac, phone, or web browser all have different paths. The method that works in Microsoft Word will not work in Gmail, and the Windows shortcut will not work on a Mac.

The good news is that once you know which method matches your device and program, the symbol takes one or two seconds to insert. You do not need to download anything or change your keyboard layout.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad to insert a degree symbol instantly.
  • Mac users press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol in almost any program.
  • In Microsoft Word on either system, you can use Insert > Special Character and search for "degree" instead of memorizing a shortcut.
  • On phones and tablets, hold down the zero key (0) until a menu appears with the degree symbol as an option.
  • In web browsers and online documents, the Insert menu or right-click context menu often has a Special Characters option.

Windows keyboard shortcut using Alt codes

On Windows, the most reliable method is the Alt code. Hold down the Alt key on your keyboard, then type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the numbers on the right side of your keyboard, not the numbers above the letters). When you release Alt, the degree symbol appears.

This works in almost every Windows program: email, web browsers, text editors, spreadsheets, and word processors. The numeric keypad is essential — typing 0176 on the number row above the letters will not work. If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad (common on laptops), you may need to enable Num Lock first, which usually has its own key or requires holding Fn while pressing a key labeled Num Lock.

If the Alt code does not work, your program may not support it. In that case, use the Insert menu method described below.

Mac keyboard shortcut

On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol. This works in most Mac programs without any additional steps. Option is the key also labeled Alt on your keyboard.

If that shortcut does not work in a specific program, try the Insert menu method instead. Some older or specialized Mac programs do not recognize the keyboard shortcut, but the menu option works almost everywhere.

Using the Insert menu in Microsoft Word

In Microsoft Word on Windows or Mac, you do not need to memorize a shortcut. Click the Insert menu at the top, then look for a button or option labeled "Symbol" or "Special Character." A menu will open showing many symbols. Type "degree" in the search box if one appears, or scroll down to find the degree symbol (°). Click it, then click Insert.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works the same way on both Windows and Mac, so you only need to remember one process. If you use the degree symbol often, Word will remember it and show it in your recently used symbols, making it even faster the next time.

On phones and tablets

On both iPhone and Android, hold down the zero key (0) on your keyboard. A small menu will pop up showing variations of the zero, including the degree symbol. Tap the degree symbol to insert it. This works in email, text messages, notes, and most other apps.

If holding the zero key does not show a menu, your keyboard app may not have the degree symbol mapped to that key. Try opening your keyboard settings and looking for an option to add more symbols, or use the method for your device type described above.

In Google Docs, Gmail, and web browsers

In Google Docs, click Insert at the top menu, then select "Special characters." A search box will appear. Type "degree" and the symbol will show up. Click it to insert it into your document.

In Gmail, the Insert menu is usually at the bottom of the compose window. Look for a paperclip icon or a button labeled Insert, then follow the same steps as Google Docs. In other web-based programs, right-click where you want the symbol and look for "Insert Special Character" or a similar option in the menu that appears. If that does not work, try the keyboard shortcut for your device (Alt + 0176 on Windows, Shift + Option + 8 on Mac).

Copying and pasting the symbol

If none of the above methods work, the simplest backup is to copy the degree symbol from somewhere else. You can copy this symbol: °. Paste it into your document, then use Find and Replace to change it to the symbol you need, or simply keep it as is.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut, but it works in any program on any device. You can also bookmark a page with the degree symbol on it, or save it in a notes app, so you always have it available to copy when you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your laptop may not have a separate numeric keypad. Try pressing Num Lock (usually a key on the right side of your keyboard, or Fn + Num Lock) to enable the numeric keypad, then try the Alt code again. If that still does not work, use the Insert menu method instead.

Can I create a keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol?

Yes, but the process differs by program. In Microsoft Word, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options, then create a shortcut (like typing "deg" and having it auto-replace with °). In other programs, check the Settings or Preferences menu for keyboard shortcuts or text replacement options.

Is there a degree symbol on my keyboard I'm missing?

No. The degree symbol is not printed on any standard keyboard. It must be typed using a shortcut, menu, or copy-paste method.

Does the degree symbol work the same way in all programs?

The keyboard shortcuts (Alt + 0176 on Windows and Shift + Option + 8 on Mac) work in most programs, but some specialized software may not recognize them. The Insert menu method works in almost every program and is the most reliable fallback.