The fastest way depends on what you're typing into

The degree symbol (°) has no dedicated key on most keyboards, so you'll use a keyboard shortcut, a character menu, or copy-paste depending on whether you're on Windows, Mac, or Linux. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together and press 8. On Linux, hold Ctrl and Shift, then press U, then type 00B0 and press Space or Enter. If none of those work in your application, you can open your operating system's character viewer and search for "degree sign" to copy it directly.

The method that works fastest for you depends on what program you're using. Some applications like Microsoft Word have their own symbol insertion menus that override keyboard shortcuts. Others, like web browsers or text fields in forms, accept all methods equally. If you type the degree symbol often, you can also set up a text replacement shortcut on any system — for example, typing "deg" automatically becomes "°".

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row), then release Alt.
  • Mac users hold Shift and Option together and press 8 to produce the degree symbol.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl and Shift, type U, then 00B0, then press Space to insert the symbol.
  • If keyboard shortcuts don't work in your application, use the character viewer built into your operating system to search for and copy the degree symbol.
  • You can create a text replacement shortcut in most operating systems so a short phrase like "deg" automatically types the degree symbol.

Windows: Using the Alt code

The Alt code method works in most Windows applications, including Word, email clients, and web browsers. Make sure you use the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard — the number row at the top will not work. Hold down the Alt key, type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. The degree symbol will appear where your cursor is.

If your keyboard doesn't have a numeric keypad (common on laptops), you may have a Num Lock key that activates a hidden numeric keypad overlaid on the letter keys. Press Num Lock first, then use those keys as your numeric pad. Some laptops require you to hold Fn while pressing Num Lock. If this becomes tedious, the character viewer method below is often faster on laptops.

The Alt code 0176 is specific to the degree symbol. Other symbols have different codes — for example, Alt 0169 produces the copyright symbol ©. Windows maintains a full list of Alt codes, though searching "Alt code degree symbol" is usually faster than looking up the number.

Mac: Using Shift and Option

On Mac, hold Shift and Option at the same time, then press 8. This works in most applications including Mail, Pages, and web browsers. The degree symbol appears immediately. This shortcut is consistent across all Mac keyboards, whether you're using a laptop or external keyboard.

If the shortcut doesn't work in a specific application, that program may have its own symbol menu. Microsoft Word for Mac, for example, uses Insert > Special Characters instead of the system shortcut. Try the shortcut first — it works in the vast majority of cases — and fall back to the character viewer if it doesn't.

Linux: Using Ctrl, Shift, and Unicode input

Linux uses Unicode input for special characters. Hold Ctrl and Shift together, type U, then type 00B0 (the Unicode code point for degree symbol), then press Space or Enter. The symbol will appear in your text. This method works in most Linux applications, though some older programs may not support Unicode input.

If the Unicode method doesn't work, your Linux distribution may require you to enable Unicode input first. This is usually a setting in your input method configuration, which varies by desktop environment (GNOME, KDE, etc.). Searching "[your desktop environment] enable Unicode input" will point you to the right setting.

Using the character viewer when shortcuts don't work

Every operating system includes a built-in character viewer that lets you search for and copy any symbol. On Windows, search for "Character Map" in the Start menu, then type "degree" in the search box. On Mac, press Control and Space to open Spotlight, search for "Character Viewer," then search for "degree." On Linux, the method varies by desktop environment, but GNOME includes a Characters application you can search.

Once you find the degree symbol in the character viewer, click or double-click it to copy it to your clipboard, then paste it into your document. This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works in any application, including web forms and text fields that might not recognize Alt codes or Unicode input.

Setting up a text replacement shortcut

If you type the degree symbol regularly, you can set up your operating system to replace a short phrase with the symbol automatically. On Windows, use the Settings app: go to Settings > Time & Language > Typing > Advanced Typing Options > Autocorrect, then add a replacement rule. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text and add the replacement there. On Linux, this depends on your input method, but most support custom shortcuts through their configuration files.

For example, you could set it so typing "deg" automatically becomes "°". Choose a phrase you won't accidentally type in normal writing. This method is especially useful if you work with temperatures, angles, or geographic coordinates regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your laptop likely doesn't have a dedicated numeric keypad. Look for a Num Lock key (often labeled Num Lk), press it to activate the hidden numeric keypad, then try the Alt code again. If that still doesn't work, use the Character Map method instead — it's often faster on laptops anyway.

Can I copy the degree symbol from somewhere and paste it everywhere?

Yes. Copy the symbol (°) from this page or from your character viewer, then paste it wherever you need it. This works in any application. You can also save it in a text file or note-taking app as a quick reference to copy from later.

Does the degree symbol work in all applications?

The symbol itself works everywhere, but the method to insert it varies. Keyboard shortcuts work in most places, but some applications like older software or certain web forms may only accept copy-paste. If a shortcut fails, the character viewer method will work as a backup.

What's the difference between the degree symbol and the superscript zero?

The degree symbol (°) is a distinct character designed to sit next to numbers. A superscript zero (⁰) is the number 0 formatted smaller and raised. They look similar but are different characters. Use the degree symbol for temperatures and angles — it's the correct choice for those contexts.

Can I type the degree symbol on my phone or tablet?

On most phones, long-press the 0 key in the number row to see a menu of related symbols including the degree sign. On tablets with keyboards, use the same shortcuts as your computer (Alt 0176 on Windows, Shift-Option-8 on Mac). On virtual keyboards without long-press options, use the symbol or emoji menu built into your keyboard app.