The fastest way depends on your device

The degree symbol (°) is not on your keyboard as a dedicated key, but you can type it in seconds using a keyboard shortcut. The method changes depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or a Chromebook, and whether you are typing in a document, email, or web form. Once you know your device's shortcut, you will not have to hunt for it again.

The symbol itself is small and circular, and it appears after a number to show temperature (72°F), angles (90°), or coordinates. Most people need it rarely enough that they forget where it is, but frequently enough that copying and pasting feels wasteful.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt to produce the degree symbol.
  • On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol in any application.
  • On Chromebook, press Ctrl + Shift + U, then type 00b0 and press Space or Enter.
  • If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, Windows offers an on-screen keyboard or character map as a backup method.
  • The degree symbol works in email, documents, spreadsheets, and web forms without any special setup.

Windows: Using the Alt code

On Windows, the degree symbol uses an Alt code — a number you hold Alt and type to produce a special character. The code for the degree symbol is 0176, and it must be typed on the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard, not the number row at the top.

Here is the exact sequence: Hold down the Alt key. While holding it, type 0176 on the numeric keypad. Release Alt. The degree symbol will appear where your cursor was. If nothing happens, make sure Num Lock is on — you should see a light on your keyboard indicating this, usually near the numeric keypad.

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad (common on laptops), use the Character Map instead. Press the Windows key, type "character map", and open the app. Scroll down to find the degree symbol, click it, click Copy, then paste it where you need it. This is slower but works on any Windows machine.

Mac: Using the Option key shortcut

On Mac, the degree symbol is built into the keyboard shortcut system. Press and hold Shift + Option + 8 at the same time. Release all three keys, and the degree symbol appears. This works in any Mac application — email, documents, web browsers, everything.

The shortcut is the same whether you have a full-size keyboard or a laptop keyboard, and it does not require Num Lock or any special setup. If you type the degree symbol often, you can add it to your Mac's text replacements so that typing a short code (like "deg") automatically expands to °. Go to System Settings, Keyboard, Text Replacement, and add your own shortcut.

Chromebook: Using the Unicode input method

Chromebooks use a different system called Unicode input. Press Ctrl + Shift + U, then type 00b0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol), then press Space or Enter. The degree symbol will appear and replace the code you typed.

This method works in most Chromebook applications, including Google Docs, Gmail, and web forms. If it does not work in a specific app, that app may not support Unicode input — in that case, copy and paste the symbol from another source, or use Google's built-in special characters tool by pressing Ctrl + Shift + 5 in Google Docs.

Pasting from a search result if you forget the shortcut

If you forget the shortcut in the moment, the fastest backup is to search for "degree symbol" in your web browser, find one in the search results, and copy it. Then paste it into your document or email. This takes about 10 seconds and works on any device.

You can also keep a text file on your computer with a degree symbol in it, so you can open it and copy the symbol whenever you need it. Some people add it to their phone's keyboard shortcuts or autocorrect settings so they can type it on mobile devices too.

Why the degree symbol is not on your keyboard

The degree symbol is not a dedicated key because it is used less often than letters and numbers, and keyboards have limited space. Instead of adding a key that most people would never use, manufacturers include it in the special character system — Alt codes on Windows, Option shortcuts on Mac, and Unicode on Chromebooks. This keeps the keyboard layout simple while still making the symbol available to anyone who needs it.

The same principle applies to other symbols like the copyright mark (©), the euro sign (€), and the em dash (—). Once you understand how your device's special character system works, you can type any of these without thinking about it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most laptops do not have a separate numeric keypad. You may need to enable Num Lock and use the number keys on the right side of your keyboard (usually marked with small numbers), or use the Character Map app instead. Some laptops have a hidden numeric keypad activated by holding Fn while typing — check your keyboard's documentation.

Can I use the degree symbol in spreadsheets like Excel?

Yes. The keyboard shortcut works exactly the same in Excel, Google Sheets, and any other spreadsheet. Type the symbol into a cell just as you would in a document. It will display and print normally.

Does the degree symbol work in email?

Yes, in any email service — Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or your company email. Type it using your device's shortcut, and it will send and display correctly to the person who receives it.

What if I need to type the degree symbol many times in one document?

Use your device's text replacement or autocorrect feature. On Mac, add a shortcut in System Settings. On Windows, use AutoCorrect in Microsoft Word (File, Options, Proofing, AutoCorrect Options). On Chromebook, use Google Docs' built-in abbreviation feature. Then you can type a short code like "deg" and it expands to °.

Is there a way to type the degree symbol on a phone or tablet?

On iPhone, hold down the 0 key and swipe to the degree symbol. On Android, long-press the 0 key in most keyboards. On Chromebook tablets, use the same Ctrl + Shift + U method as on a Chromebook laptop.