The fastest way depends on what you're typing into

The degree symbol (°) is not a dedicated key on any standard keyboard, so you have to build it using a combination. Which combination works depends on whether you're on Windows, Mac, or Linux, and sometimes on what program you're using. The Windows Alt code is the most reliable method across programs, but Mac users have a dedicated keyboard shortcut that's faster once you memorize it.

If you're typing into a web browser, phone, or tablet, there's often a symbols menu that includes the degree sign without needing to remember any codes at all. The method you choose should be whichever one you'll actually remember when you need it — a shortcut you forget is useless.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row), then release Alt to produce the degree symbol.
  • On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol in almost any program.
  • On Linux, hold Ctrl + Shift and type U, then type 00B0 and press Space or Enter to insert the degree symbol.
  • In Google Docs, Sheets, or most web-based programs, you can open the Insert menu and search for "degree" instead of using keyboard codes.
  • On phones and tablets, the degree symbol usually appears in the symbols keyboard — swipe to find it or search for it in the character picker.

Windows: Using the Alt code

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

This only works with the numeric keypad. If your keyboard doesn't have one — many laptops don't — you may need to enable Num Lock first. Look for a key labeled Num Lock, usually near the top right of the keyboard. Press it once to turn it on (you'll see a light indicator), then try the Alt code again.

If you're on a laptop without a numeric keypad and Num Lock doesn't help, try the alternative: type the degree symbol in Notepad first using the Alt code, copy it, and paste it wherever you need it. This is slower but works on any Windows machine.

Mac: The keyboard shortcut

On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 at the same time. This works in almost every program — email, word processors, web browsers, and text editors. There's no numeric keypad involved and no codes to remember, just three keys held together.

If that doesn't work, you're likely in a program that doesn't support standard Mac shortcuts (some older or specialized software). In that case, open the Character Viewer by pressing Control + Command + Space, search for "degree", and click the symbol to insert it. This method works everywhere but is slower than the keyboard shortcut.

Linux: The Unicode input method

On Linux, hold Ctrl + Shift and press U. Type 00B0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol), then press Space or Enter. The degree symbol appears in place of the code you typed.

This method works in most Linux text editors and web browsers. If it doesn't work in a specific program, that program may not support Unicode input — try copying and pasting the symbol from another source instead.

Google Docs, Sheets, and web-based programs

In Google Docs or Google Sheets, click Insert in the menu bar, then select Special characters. A search box opens. Type "degree" and the degree symbol appears in the results. Click it to insert it into your document. This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but requires no codes or key combinations to remember.

Most other web-based programs (Microsoft 365 online, Canva, Notion) have a similar Insert menu or character picker. If you can't find it, look for a button labeled with a symbol or special character icon, usually near the formatting options.

On phones and tablets

On iPhone or iPad, open the keyboard and look for a key labeled "123" or a globe icon. Tap it to switch to the numbers and symbols keyboard. Swipe left or right to find the degree symbol, or tap and hold on the zero (0) key — on some keyboards, the degree symbol appears as an alternate character. Tap it to insert it.

On Android, the process varies by keyboard app. Most show a symbols key (labeled "?123" or similar). Tap it, then look for the degree symbol. If you can't find it quickly, long-press the zero key — many Android keyboards show the degree symbol as an option. If neither works, open your keyboard settings and search for "special characters" to see if your keyboard app has a character picker.

Copying and pasting as a backup

If you type the degree symbol often, the fastest method is to type it once using whichever method works for you, then copy it. Keep it in a text file or note on your computer, and paste it whenever you need it. This bypasses the keyboard shortcut entirely and works on any device.

You can also search online for "degree symbol" and copy it from a search result, then paste it into your document. This is slower than learning the keyboard shortcut but useful if you only need it once or twice and don't want to remember codes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't the Alt code work on my Windows laptop?

Most laptops don't have a separate numeric keypad. Try pressing Num Lock first — it's usually a key near the top right of your keyboard. If that doesn't work, use the Character Viewer instead: press Windows key + period (.) to open the emoji and symbols menu, search for "degree", and click it to insert it.

Can I use the degree symbol in passwords or usernames?

Technically yes, but many websites and programs don't accept special characters in passwords or usernames. Test it before you rely on it. If a site rejects the degree symbol, use a standard letter or number instead.

Is there a way to make the degree symbol easier to access?

Yes. On Windows, you can create a keyboard shortcut in most programs by going to Tools or Preferences and looking for "AutoCorrect" or "Shortcuts". Set it to replace a short code (like "deg") with the degree symbol. On Mac, use System Preferences > Keyboard > Text to create a text replacement that does the same thing.

What if I need to type degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit?

Type the degree symbol using the method for your device, then immediately type the letter C or F. No space goes between them — write 25°C or 98°F. Some programs have a special character for Celsius (℃) and Fahrenheit (℉), but the degree symbol with a letter is more widely recognized and works everywhere.

Does the degree symbol work in Excel or other spreadsheets?

Yes, use the same keyboard shortcut or Alt code as you would in any other program. In Excel specifically, you can also type the symbol in a cell and then copy it to other cells. If you need it in many cells, create it once, copy it, then paste it wherever you need it in the spreadsheet.