The fastest way depends on what you're typing into

You can type a degree symbol (°) on most keyboards without installing anything new. The method changes depending on whether you're on Windows, Mac, or Linux, and whether you're using a number pad. On Windows with a number pad, hold Alt and press 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8. On Linux, press Ctrl + Shift + U, then type 00B0 and press Enter or Space.

If your keyboard has no number pad — common on laptops — Windows offers a character map tool built into the operating system. You can also type the degree symbol directly in many applications by copying it from this page or another source and pasting it where you need it. Some programs like Microsoft Word have their own symbol insertion menus that may be faster than memorizing keyboard shortcuts.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows with a number pad: hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad to produce the degree symbol.
  • Mac keyboards use Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol without a number pad.
  • Windows laptops without a number pad can use the Character Map tool (charmap.exe) to find and copy the symbol.
  • Microsoft Word and Google Docs both have Insert menu options to add special characters including the degree symbol.
  • You can copy a degree symbol from any webpage and paste it into your document as a workaround on any device.

Windows with a number pad

The Alt code method is the quickest if your keyboard has a separate numeric keypad on the right side. Hold down the Alt key on the left side of your keyboard, then type 0176 using only the numbers on the numeric keypad (not the numbers across the top of the keyboard). Release Alt when you finish typing the four digits. The degree symbol should appear where your cursor was.

This works in most Windows programs including Notepad, Word, email clients, and web browsers. The numeric keypad is essential — using the number row at the top of the keyboard will not work. If you are unsure whether your keyboard has a numeric keypad, look for a separate cluster of number keys to the right of the main keyboard area, often with a Num Lock key above it.

Mac keyboards

On Mac, the degree symbol uses a different key combination: Shift + Option + 8. The Option key is also called Alt on some Mac keyboards. Hold Shift and Option at the same time, then press 8, then release all three keys. The degree symbol appears immediately.

This shortcut works in any Mac application — Mail, Pages, Google Docs, web browsers, and text editors. Unlike the Windows Alt code, you do not need a number pad. If the shortcut does not work, check that you are using the correct Option key (usually to the left of the spacebar) and that Num Lock is not interfering with your keyboard settings.

Linux and other systems

On Linux, use the Ctrl + Shift + U method, which works in most applications. Press Ctrl and Shift together, then type 00B0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol), then press Enter or Space. The symbol appears at your cursor position.

This method also works on some Chromebooks and in web applications on any system. If it does not work in a specific program, that program may not support Unicode input. In those cases, copying and pasting from another source is usually the fastest option.

Windows without a number pad

If your Windows laptop or keyboard has no numeric keypad, the Alt code method will not work. Instead, use the Character Map tool built into Windows. Press the Windows key, type "charmap" and press Enter. A window opens showing all available characters on your system.

In the Character Map window, type "degree" in the search box at the bottom, or scroll through the list until you find the degree symbol (°). Click it once to select it, then click the Copy button. The symbol is now in your clipboard. Go to the document or field where you need it and paste using Ctrl + V.

Using Microsoft Word or Google Docs

Both Word and Google Docs have built-in menus for inserting special characters. In Microsoft Word, click the Insert menu at the top, then click Symbol (or Special Character on Mac). A window opens showing hundreds of symbols. Scroll down or search for "degree" to find the degree symbol, click it, then click Insert.

In Google Docs, click Insert at the top, then Special Characters. Type "degree" in the search box or browse the list. Click the degree symbol to insert it at your cursor. Both methods are slower than keyboard shortcuts but work on any device and do not require memorizing codes.

Copying and pasting from the web

The simplest method that works everywhere is to copy a degree symbol from any webpage and paste it into your document. You can copy the symbol from this sentence: °. Highlight it, press Ctrl + C (or Cmd + C on Mac), then go to your document and press Ctrl + V (or Cmd + V on Mac) to paste it. The symbol appears exactly as it should.

This method works on any device, in any program, and requires no memorization. The downside is that you have to do it each time unless you save the symbol somewhere you can find it again. If you type the degree symbol often, learning the keyboard shortcut for your system is faster in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't the Alt code work on my Windows laptop?

Most laptops do not have a separate numeric keypad. The Alt code method requires the dedicated number pad on the right side of a full-size keyboard. On a laptop, use Character Map instead, or try the Shift + Option + 8 shortcut if your laptop has an Option key.

Can I make a keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol?

Yes, in most programs. In Microsoft Word, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options, then create a custom entry that replaces a short code (like "deg") with the degree symbol. In Google Docs, you can use Find and Replace to do something similar. The exact steps vary by program.

Does the degree symbol work in all fonts?

The degree symbol is part of standard Unicode and appears in nearly all modern fonts. If it shows as a box or question mark, your font is missing it. Try changing to a common font like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri, which all include the degree symbol.

What if I need to type degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit?

Type the degree symbol using any method above, then immediately type the letter C or F. For example: 72°F or 22°C. Some programs have special formatting for temperature, but the degree symbol plus the letter is the standard way and works everywhere.