The fastest way: Alt code on Windows

On a Windows keyboard, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row), then release Alt. The degree symbol (°) appears instantly. This works in Word and almost everywhere else on your computer.

The numeric keypad is the cluster of number keys on the right side of most full-size keyboards. If you are on a laptop without a dedicated numeric keypad, you may need to enable Num Lock first — usually a key labeled Fn + Num Lock or similar, depending on your laptop model. Once Num Lock is on, a subset of your letter keys acts as a number pad.

If the Alt code does not work, make sure Num Lock is actually on — most keyboards have a light that shows this. Also check that you are using the numeric keypad, not the numbers across the top of the keyboard.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad to insert a degree symbol instantly.
  • On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol without using menus.
  • The Insert menu method works on both Windows and Mac but requires more clicks: Insert > Special Character, search for "degree", then click Insert.
  • You can also copy a degree symbol from anywhere and paste it, or create a keyboard shortcut in Word for symbols you use often.

Mac keyboard shortcut

On a Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 to type a degree symbol. This is faster than using menus and works the same way every time.

If that combination does not work, check that you are using the correct keys — Option is the key next to the spacebar (sometimes labeled Alt), and 8 is the number key at the top of the keyboard, not on a numeric pad.

Using the Insert menu (Windows and Mac)

If you prefer not to memorize keyboard codes, Word has a built-in menu for special characters. Click the Insert tab at the top of Word, then look for a button labeled Symbol (on Windows) or Special Characters (on Mac). A window opens showing hundreds of symbols.

Type "degree" in the search box to find the symbol quickly. Click it once to select it, then click the Insert button. The symbol appears in your document at the cursor position. Close the window when you are done.

This method is slower than keyboard shortcuts but works the same way regardless of your keyboard layout or language settings, which can matter if you use a non-English keyboard.

Copy and paste from anywhere

You can also find a degree symbol anywhere online, copy it, and paste it into Word. Search "degree symbol" in your web browser, copy the ° character from the results, then paste it into your document using Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac).

This is useful if you forget the keyboard shortcut, but it is slower than typing it directly. Once you have pasted it once, you can also copy it from your own document and reuse it.

Create a custom keyboard shortcut in Word

If you type degree symbols often, you can set up a custom shortcut so you do not have to remember Alt + 0176 or Shift + Option + 8. On Windows, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. Click the AutoCorrect tab.

In the "Replace" field, type something short and unlikely to appear in normal text — for example, :deg:. In the "With" field, paste or type a degree symbol. Click Add, then OK. Now whenever you type :deg: in Word, it automatically becomes °.

On Mac, the process is similar: go to Word > Preferences > AutoCorrect, then follow the same steps. Choose a replacement text that you will remember and that will not conflict with words you actually use.

Using Find and Replace

Another approach is to use Word's Find and Replace feature. Press Ctrl + H (Windows) or Command + H (Mac) to open Find and Replace. In the "Find" field, type a placeholder like DEGREE. In the "Replace" field, paste a degree symbol.

Click Replace All to swap every instance at once. This is useful if you have already written a document and want to replace text placeholders with the actual symbol. For ongoing use, the AutoCorrect method above is faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your laptop may not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Enable Num Lock (usually Fn + Num Lock) and try again using the number keys that double as letters. If it still does not work, use the Insert > Symbol menu instead, or try the Mac shortcut if your laptop supports it.

Can I use the degree symbol for temperature, angles, and coordinates?

Yes, the ° symbol works for all three. For temperature, you might also see a superscript O used, but the degree symbol is standard. For coordinates, degree symbols are followed by minutes (′) and seconds (″) symbols, which you can also insert through the Symbol menu.

Does the Alt code work in other programs besides Word?

Yes, Alt + 0176 works in most Windows programs — email, browsers, text editors, and spreadsheets. Mac shortcuts vary by program, but Shift + Option + 8 works in most Apple applications and many third-party programs.

What if I need a superscript zero instead of a degree symbol?

A superscript zero (⁰) is different from a degree symbol (°). To make a superscript, select the zero, then press Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows) or Command + Shift + P (Mac). The degree symbol is usually what you want for temperature and angles.