The fastest way depends on what you're typing into

The degree symbol (°) is not on your keyboard as a single key, so you make it by holding modifier keys while typing a number or letter. The exact combination changes depending on whether you're on Windows, Mac, or Linux, and whether you're typing in a web browser, email, or a document. Most people find the Windows Alt code or Mac Option key method fastest once they've done it once or twice.

You do not need to install anything or change your keyboard layout. The symbol is built into every operating system — you just need to know which keys to press together.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row), then release Alt to make the degree symbol appear.
  • On Mac, hold Option and press Shift and 8 at the same time, then release all three keys.
  • On Linux, hold Ctrl and Shift, type U, then type 00B0, then press Space or Enter.
  • In Google Docs, Sheets, or Microsoft Word, you can search for the symbol by name in the Insert menu instead of memorizing a key combination.
  • If you type the degree symbol often, you can create a keyboard shortcut or autocorrect rule so typing "deg" automatically becomes °.

Windows: Using the Alt code

On Windows, the degree symbol uses what's called an Alt code. You hold the Alt key, type a four-digit number on the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard, then release Alt. The symbol appears where your cursor is.

The code for the degree symbol is 0176. Make sure you use the numeric keypad (the cluster of number keys on the far right), not the number row at the top of your keyboard — the Alt code only works with the keypad. If your laptop does not have a numeric keypad, you may need to enable Num Lock first, or use the Fn key plus the number keys that double as the keypad.

Type it like this: Hold Alt → Type 0 → Type 1 → Type 7 → Type 6 → Release Alt. The degree symbol should appear instantly.

Mac: Using the Option key

On Mac, hold the Option key (also labeled Alt on some keyboards) and press Shift and 8 at the same time. Release all three keys together, and the degree symbol appears.

The combination is: Option + Shift + 8. This works in any application — email, web browser, document, text editor. If nothing appears, make sure you are holding all three keys down before releasing them, and that you pressed 8 (not the number row, though on Mac it does not matter which 8 you use).

Linux: Using the Unicode input method

On Linux, the method varies slightly depending on your desktop environment, but the most common approach is the Unicode input method. Hold Ctrl and Shift, type the letter U, then type the Unicode code point 00B0, then press Space or Enter.

The sequence is: Ctrl + Shift + U → Type 00B0 → Press Space. The degree symbol appears and replaces what you typed. This works in most applications, though some older programs may not support it. If it does not work, your system may use a different input method — check your keyboard settings under Input Sources or Input Methods.

Using the Insert menu in Office and Google apps

If you use Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs, or Google Sheets, you do not need to memorize a key combination. Open the Insert menu, look for a "Special Characters" or "Symbol" option, then search for "degree" in the search box. Click the degree symbol in the results, and it inserts into your document.

In Microsoft Word, go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols, then type "degree" in the search box at the bottom. In Google Docs, go to Insert → Special Characters, then type "degree" in the search box. Both methods are slower than a keyboard shortcut if you type the symbol often, but they work if you forget the key combination.

Creating a shortcut or autocorrect rule

If you type the degree symbol regularly — for temperature, angles, or coordinates — you can set up your computer to insert it automatically when you type a short code. On Windows, you can use the AutoCorrect feature in Microsoft Word to replace "deg" with °. On Mac, you can create a Text Replacement in System Settings under Keyboard. On Linux, you can set up an input method or use a tool like AutoKey.

In Microsoft Word, go to File → Options → Proofing → AutoCorrect Options, then type "deg" in the Replace field and paste the degree symbol in the With field. Click Add, then OK. Now whenever you type "deg" followed by a space, Word replaces it with °. You can use any short code you remember — "degree", "dg", or anything else.

Copying and pasting the symbol

The simplest method if you only need the symbol once is to copy it from somewhere else. You can copy the degree symbol from this article (°), paste it into a document, then copy it from your document whenever you need it again. This avoids memorizing any key combination, though it is slower than using a keyboard shortcut if you type the symbol often.

Open a new document, paste the symbol, then save the document in an easy-to-find place. When you need the degree symbol, open that document, copy the symbol, and paste it where you need it. This method works on any device and in any application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Alt code not work on my Windows laptop?

Most laptops do not have a dedicated numeric keypad. You need to enable Num Lock (usually Fn + Num Lock or Fn + a key marked with a lock icon), then use the number keys that are printed with both letters and numbers. Some laptops require you to hold Fn while typing the Alt code. If this still does not work, use the Insert menu method or copy and paste instead.

Can I make the degree symbol on my phone or tablet?

On iPhone and iPad, hold down the 0 (zero) key on the keyboard until a menu appears with the degree symbol, then tap it. On Android, the method varies by keyboard app — try holding down the 0 key, or open the symbols menu and search for "degree". If neither works, copy and paste the symbol from a web search result.

What is the difference between the degree symbol and the superscript zero?

The degree symbol (°) is a separate character designed for temperatures and angles. A superscript zero is the number 0 made smaller and raised above the line. They look similar but are not the same. Use the degree symbol for temperatures and angles, and superscript for footnotes or mathematical notation.

Can I use the degree symbol in passwords or usernames?

Most websites and services do not allow the degree symbol in passwords or usernames because it can cause problems with different character encodings. Stick to letters, numbers, and common symbols like hyphens or underscores. Check the website's requirements before you try to use it.

Is there a way to type the degree symbol without using Alt codes or modifier keys?

Yes — copy and paste it from another source, use the Insert menu in Office or Google apps, or set up an autocorrect rule so a short code like "deg" becomes °. If you type the symbol often, an autocorrect rule is the fastest method because you only set it up once.