The fastest way: Alt code on Windows

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. The degree symbol (°) appears instantly. This works in Word, Outlook, Excel, and most other programs.

The numeric keypad is the set of number keys on the right side of your keyboard, separate from the numbers above the letters. If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad, or if you are on a laptop without a dedicated one, you may need to enable Num Lock first — look for a key labeled Num Lock, usually near the top right of the keyboard.

If Num Lock is off, the numeric keypad keys produce different characters. Turn it on and try again. You should see a small light on the Num Lock key when it is active.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type Alt+0176 on the numeric keypad to insert a degree symbol instantly.
  • Mac users should press Option+Shift+8 to produce the degree symbol.
  • Word's Insert menu offers a Symbol dialog where you can search for the degree symbol by name and insert it without memorizing a code.
  • You can create a keyboard shortcut in Word to insert the degree symbol with custom key combinations you choose.
  • The degree symbol character code is U+00B0 if you need to reference it in technical settings.

Mac keyboard shortcut

On Mac, press Option+Shift+8 to insert the degree symbol. This combination works in Word, Pages, Mail, and most other Mac applications.

If that combination does not work, check that you are using the correct modifier keys. Option is the key labeled Option or Alt on the left side of your keyboard. Shift is the key above Ctrl. Press all three at the same time, then release them together.

Using Word's Symbol dialog

If you do not want to memorize a keyboard shortcut, use Word's built-in Symbol tool. Click the Insert tab at the top of the ribbon, then click Symbol on the right side. A dropdown menu appears.

Click More Symbols at the bottom of the dropdown. The Symbol dialog box opens. In the search field at the bottom, type degree and press Enter. Word highlights the degree symbol in the grid above. Click it once to select it, then click Insert.

The Symbol dialog stays open so you can insert multiple symbols without closing it. When you are done, click Close.

Creating a custom keyboard shortcut in Word

If you insert the degree symbol often, you can assign it to a key combination you choose. Open the Symbol dialog as described above, find and select the degree symbol, then click Shortcut Key instead of Insert.

A second dialog appears asking you to press the key combination you want to use. Press your chosen keys — for example, Ctrl+Alt+D — and Word shows you what you typed. If that combination is already in use, Word tells you what it does. Click Assign to confirm, then Close.

From that point forward, pressing your custom shortcut in Word inserts the degree symbol. This shortcut only works in Word, not in other programs.

Copying and pasting the symbol

If none of the above methods work for your setup, you can copy the degree symbol from anywhere it already exists and paste it into your document. Find a degree symbol online, in another document, or in a reference page, select it, and press Ctrl+C (or Cmd+C on Mac) to copy.

Then click in your Word document where you want the symbol and press Ctrl+V (or Cmd+V on Mac) to paste. This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works on any device.

When you need the degree symbol for temperature or angles

The degree symbol is most common in temperature measurements (72°F or 25°C) and angle measurements (90° angle). In both cases, the symbol goes immediately after the number with no space between them.

If you are writing temperatures, add the letter F or C after the symbol — for example, 98.6°F. For angles in geometry or technical drawings, the degree symbol stands alone after the number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Alt+0176 not work on my Windows laptop?

Most laptops do not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Instead, they use a secondary number layer on the regular keys. Look for a key labeled Fn (function key), usually in the bottom left corner. Hold Fn while pressing Alt and the number keys that have small numbers printed on them. If this does not work, use the Symbol dialog instead.

Can I use the degree symbol in file names?

Yes, the degree symbol works in file names on both Windows and Mac. However, some older systems or cloud storage services may have trouble with special characters in file names. If you encounter problems, use a regular number and the word "degrees" instead.

Is there a difference between the degree symbol and the superscript zero?

Yes. The degree symbol (°) is a single character designed to sit next to numbers. A superscript zero is a regular zero made smaller and raised above the line. They look similar but are different characters. Use the degree symbol for temperatures and angles.

How do I insert a degree symbol in a Word table?

The same methods work inside tables. Click the cell where you want the symbol and use your keyboard shortcut, the Symbol dialog, or Alt+0176. Word treats table cells the same as regular text for symbol insertion.

Does the degree symbol work in Word Online?

Yes, but keyboard shortcuts may not work the same way. Use the Insert menu and select Symbol to find the degree symbol. The Alt code method depends on your browser and operating system, so the Symbol dialog is more reliable in Word Online.