The fastest way to type a degree symbol

The degree symbol (°) appears in Word through three methods, and the fastest depends on what you're typing. If you're writing temperatures or angles regularly, the keyboard shortcut is quickest: hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. The symbol appears instantly.

If you don't have a numeric keypad or prefer not to memorize numbers, use the Insert menu: click Insert, then Symbol, search for "degree", and double-click it. For one-off uses, this takes about five seconds. On a laptop without a dedicated numeric keypad, this menu route is usually faster than hunting for the Alt code.

A third option exists if you type the degree symbol often: create a AutoCorrect entry so that typing a short code (like "deg") automatically becomes °. This saves time across all your documents once it's set up.

Key Takeaways

  • The Alt code 0176 (hold Alt, type 0176 on the numeric keypad, release Alt) produces the degree symbol instantly on any Windows computer.
  • The Insert menu route (Insert > Symbol > search "degree" > double-click) works on any computer, including laptops without numeric keypads.
  • AutoCorrect lets you type a short code like "deg" and have Word replace it with ° automatically, useful if you use the symbol frequently.
  • The degree symbol is different from the letter O or the superscript zero — Word's Symbol menu shows you the exact character to use.

Using the Alt code on Windows

The Alt code method works on any Windows computer with a numeric keypad. Position your cursor where you want the degree symbol. Hold down the Alt key, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top of the keyboard), then release Alt. The ° symbol appears.

The numeric keypad is the separate set of number keys on the right side of most full-size keyboards. Laptops often don't have one, which is why this method fails on many portable computers. If your laptop has a Fn key and a number pad hidden in the letter keys (usually marked with small numbers), you can sometimes use Fn + Alt + the hidden number pad, but results vary by model.

Using the Insert menu on any computer

This method works on Windows and Mac, and on any keyboard. Open your Word document and click the Insert tab at the top. In the ribbon, find and click Symbol (it usually shows a Greek letter Ω). A dropdown menu appears with common symbols; if you see the degree symbol there, click it and you're done.

If the degree symbol isn't in the dropdown, click "More Symbols" to open the full Symbol dialog. In the search box at the bottom, type "degree" and Word shows you the symbol. Double-click it to insert it into your document at the cursor position. Close the dialog and continue typing.

Setting up AutoCorrect for repeated use

If you type the degree symbol often — for scientific writing, weather reports, or technical specs — AutoCorrect saves time. First, insert one degree symbol using either method above. Then go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. In the AutoCorrect dialog, the degree symbol you just typed should appear in the "With" field at the bottom.

In the "Replace" field, type a short code you'll remember, like "deg" or "°°" (two degree symbols). Click Add, then OK. Now whenever you type "deg " (with a space after it), Word replaces it with °. You can create multiple AutoCorrect entries for different symbols you use regularly.

Why the degree symbol isn't just the letter O

The degree symbol (°) is a distinct character from the letter O, the number 0, or a superscript zero. They look similar but are technically different, and using the wrong one can cause problems if you're sharing documents with others or if the file is processed by software that reads the actual character code.

In formal scientific or technical writing, the degree symbol is the correct choice. If you're in a hurry and type a regular O instead, it's readable to humans but may confuse automated systems. Word's spell-check won't flag it as wrong because O is a valid letter, but the document is technically incorrect.

Troubleshooting the Alt code method

The Alt code doesn't work if you're using the number row at the top of the keyboard instead of the numeric keypad. It also fails on most laptops without a dedicated numeric keypad, even if they have Fn key combinations. If Alt + 0176 produces nothing, switch to the Insert menu method instead.

On some keyboards, Num Lock must be on for the numeric keypad to work. Look for a Num Lock key (usually in the upper left of the numeric keypad) and press it if the Alt code isn't working. A light on the key or keyboard indicates whether Num Lock is active.

Using the degree symbol in different contexts

In temperature writing, the degree symbol goes directly before the letter: 72° F or 22° C. In angle measurements, it's the same: a 45° angle. In coordinates, the degree symbol is followed by a minute mark (′) and sometimes a second mark (″), though these are less common in everyday writing.

If you're copying and pasting text from another source and the degree symbol doesn't paste correctly, it may have been encoded differently. Delete it and insert a fresh one using one of the methods above. This ensures the symbol is in the correct format for your document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I type the degree symbol on a Mac?

Yes, using the Insert menu method. Click Insert > Symbol, search for "degree", and double-click it. Mac doesn't have the same Alt code system as Windows, so the menu is the most reliable route on Apple computers.

What if the Alt code doesn't work on my laptop?

Most laptops lack a dedicated numeric keypad, which is why Alt + 0176 fails. Use the Insert menu instead (Insert > Symbol > search "degree"), which works on any computer. If your laptop has a hidden numeric keypad activated by the Fn key, check your manual for the correct key combination.

Is there a keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol on Mac?

Mac uses Shift + Option + 8 to produce the degree symbol directly, without opening a menu. This is faster than the Insert menu if you use it often, though it requires memorizing the key combination.

Can I use a superscript zero instead of the degree symbol?

Visually, a superscript zero looks similar, but it's technically a different character. For formal or technical documents, use the actual degree symbol. For casual writing, a superscript zero is readable, but it's not the correct character.

How do I delete an AutoCorrect entry I created?

Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. Find the entry you created in the list, click it, then click Delete. Click OK to save the change. The code will no longer trigger the automatic replacement.