The fastest way: Option + Shift + 8

On a Mac, hold Option (also labeled Alt), then Shift, then press 8. This produces the degree symbol: °. It works in any program — email, documents, web forms, text editors.

This is the quickest method if you type degree symbols regularly. The keystroke is the same whether you use an external keyboard or the built-in MacBook keyboard.

Key Takeaways

  • Option + Shift + 8 produces the degree symbol on any Mac keyboard and works in every program.
  • Character Viewer lets you search for and insert the degree symbol without memorizing the keystroke.
  • You can create a text replacement shortcut so that typing a short phrase automatically expands to the degree symbol.
  • The degree symbol is different from the superscript zero and the ring above letter, though they look similar.

Using Character Viewer if you forget the keystroke

If you do not use the degree symbol often, Character Viewer is easier than remembering the key combination. Press Control + Command + Space to open Character Viewer, then type "degree" in the search box at the top.

The degree symbol appears in the results. Double-click it to insert it into whatever document or field you are working in. Character Viewer stays open, so you can insert multiple symbols without reopening it.

Character Viewer also shows you the keystroke for any symbol you search for, so you can learn the shortcut if you find yourself using it repeatedly.

Setting up a text replacement for common use

If you type degree symbols often — for temperature readings, angles, or coordinates — you can set up a text replacement so that a short phrase expands to the symbol automatically.

Go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions), then Keyboard. Click the Text Replacements tab. Click the plus button to add a new replacement. In the "Replace" field, type a short phrase like "degr" or "°°". In the "With" field, paste the degree symbol (you can copy it from Character Viewer or type it using Option + Shift + 8). Click Add.

Now whenever you type "degr" followed by a space or punctuation, your Mac replaces it with °. The replacement works across all programs that support text replacement, including Mail, Notes, and most web browsers.

Copying and pasting from another source

If you have a degree symbol somewhere else — in an email, a web page, or a document you already created — you can copy it and paste it wherever you need it. Select the symbol, press Command + C, then click where you want it and press Command + V.

This method is slower than the keyboard shortcut but useful if you are already working with a document that contains the symbol and do not want to switch to Character Viewer or remember the keystroke.

Why the degree symbol is not the same as other similar characters

The degree symbol (°) is distinct from the superscript zero (⁰) and the ring above letter (å). They look similar on screen, but they are different characters in the computer's code. Using the wrong one can cause problems if you are pasting data into a spreadsheet or a program that expects the actual degree symbol.

Option + Shift + 8 always produces the true degree symbol. Character Viewer labels it clearly as "Degree Sign" to avoid confusion. If you copy a symbol from a web page or another document, paste it into Character Viewer and search for it to confirm you have the right character.

Degree symbols on external keyboards

The keystroke Option + Shift + 8 works the same way on external keyboards connected to a Mac — whether they are Apple keyboards, mechanical keyboards, or keyboards from other manufacturers. The Mac interprets the keys based on the keyboard layout you have selected in System Settings, not the physical labels on the keyboard itself.

If you use a keyboard with a different language layout, the keystroke may differ. Check your keyboard layout in System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources to see which layout is active, then search for "degree" in Character Viewer to find the correct keystroke for that layout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the degree symbol in passwords or usernames?

Most websites and programs accept the degree symbol in passwords. However, some older systems reject special characters. If a password field rejects the degree symbol, try a different character. For usernames, check the site's rules first — many restrict special characters in usernames even if they allow them in passwords.

Why does my text replacement not work in some programs?

Text replacement in macOS does not work in all programs. It works in Mail, Notes, Safari, and most web-based forms, but some third-party applications and older programs do not support it. If text replacement fails, use Option + Shift + 8 or Character Viewer instead.

Is there a way to type the degree symbol on an iPhone or iPad?

On iPhone and iPad, hold down the zero key (0) on the keyboard and select the degree symbol from the menu that appears. You can also add the degree symbol to your keyboard shortcuts in Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement, the same way you would on a Mac.

What if I need to type degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit?

Type the degree symbol using Option + Shift + 8, then immediately type the letter C or F. For example: 72°F or 22°C. Some programs have autocorrect that may try to change this, so check your result before submitting.