The fastest way depends on your device

The degree symbol (°) appears on every keyboard, but the path to it changes depending whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8. On Linux, hold Ctrl + Shift and type U, then 00B0, then Space. None of these require you to hunt through menus or install anything — they work in any program that accepts text.

If you don't have a numeric keypad (common on laptops), Windows offers a second route: the Character Map application. Linux users can also open their system's character picker. These are slower than keyboard shortcuts, but they work when the Alt code doesn't.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad to produce the degree symbol instantly.
  • Mac users press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol in any program.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl + Shift, type U00B0, then press Space to insert the degree symbol.
  • If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, Windows Character Map and Linux character pickers offer an alternative route.
  • The degree symbol works in email, documents, spreadsheets, and web forms without any special software.

Windows: Alt codes and Character Map

The numeric keypad method is the fastest on Windows. Make sure Num Lock is on (you'll see a light on your keyboard), then hold Alt and type 0176. Release Alt and the degree symbol appears. This works in Word, email, browsers, and anywhere else you type text. The leading zero matters — typing just 176 without the zero won't work.

If your laptop has no dedicated numeric keypad, use Character Map instead. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog, type charmap, and press Enter. In the window that opens, search for "degree" in the search box at the bottom. Click the degree symbol when it appears, click Copy, then paste it where you need it. This takes longer than a keyboard shortcut, but it's reliable and works on any Windows machine.

Mac: The Option key shortcut

On Mac, the degree symbol lives behind the Option key. Press Shift + Option + 8 and the symbol appears immediately. This works in Mail, Pages, web browsers, and any text field. Unlike Windows, you don't need to remember a number code — the key combination is the same everywhere.

If you forget the shortcut, you can also open Spotlight (Command + Space), type "character viewer," and press Enter. Search for "degree" in the window that opens, double-click the symbol, and it pastes into your document. This is slower than the keyboard shortcut, but it's a useful backup if you're on an unfamiliar Mac.

Linux: Unicode input method

Linux uses Unicode input for the degree symbol. Hold Ctrl + Shift, type U00B0 (the Unicode code point for degree), then press Space. The symbol appears and you can continue typing. This method works in most Linux applications, though some older programs may not support it.

If Unicode input doesn't work in your program, open your system's character picker. On GNOME (the most common Linux desktop), press Ctrl + ; (semicolon) or search for "Characters" in your applications menu. Search for "degree," click it, and copy it to paste where you need it. On other Linux desktops, the character picker may be in a different location, but the principle is the same.

When you're typing temperature or angles

The degree symbol is most common in temperature readings (98.6°F or 37°C) and angle measurements (a 45° angle). In both cases, type the number first, then insert the symbol immediately after with no space. Some style guides prefer a space between the number and the symbol, so check your document's requirements if you're writing formally.

In spreadsheets like Excel or Google Sheets, the same keyboard shortcuts work. You can also format cells to add the degree symbol automatically if you're working with a column of temperature data, though the keyboard shortcut is usually faster for one-off entries.

Copying from another source

If you can't remember the keyboard shortcut and the character picker feels slow, the simplest route is to copy the symbol from somewhere else. Search online for "degree symbol," copy it from a search result, and paste it into your document. This works in a pinch, though it's slower than learning the keyboard shortcut for your device.

You can also keep a text file with common symbols you use regularly — degree, copyright, trademark, and so on — and copy from there when you need them. This is useful if you type these symbols often but don't use them frequently enough to memorize the codes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't Alt + 0176 work on my laptop?

Most laptops don't have a dedicated numeric keypad. Try holding Alt and using the numbers across the top of your keyboard instead — usually this doesn't work. Use Character Map instead: press Windows Key + R, type charmap, search for "degree," and copy it.

Can I make the degree symbol appear automatically when I type certain words?

Yes, in Microsoft Word you can set up AutoCorrect. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options, then add a shortcut (like typing "deg" automatically becomes °). This works only in Word, not in other programs.

Does the degree symbol work in text messages and social media?

Yes. The degree symbol is a standard character that works in SMS, email, Twitter, Facebook, and most online platforms. Use the same keyboard shortcut for your device, and it will paste into the message box like any other character.

What if I need the degree symbol but I'm on someone else's computer?

The keyboard shortcuts work on any Windows, Mac, or Linux machine. If you can't remember the code, open the character picker (Character Map on Windows, Character Viewer on Mac, Characters on Linux) and search for "degree." It's slower but always available.