The fastest way depends on what you're typing into

The degree symbol (°) is not on your keyboard's main keys, but you can make it in seconds using a method that matches what you're working with. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together and press 8. On a Chromebook or phone, hold down the 0 key until a menu appears with the degree symbol. If none of those work for your situation, you can copy and paste the symbol from anywhere online, or use your program's built-in character menu.

The method you choose depends on whether you're typing in a document, a web form, a text message, or something else. Some programs have their own symbol menus that are faster than keyboard shortcuts. If you type the degree symbol often, you can also set up a text replacement so that typing a short code automatically becomes the symbol.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type the degree symbol by holding Alt and pressing 0176 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of most keyboards).
  • Mac users hold Shift and Option at the same time, then press 8 to make the degree symbol.
  • On Chromebooks and phones, press and hold the 0 key until a menu appears with symbol options.
  • If keyboard shortcuts do not work in your program, you can copy the symbol from a web search result and paste it where you need it.
  • Many programs have a character or symbol menu you can open instead of memorizing a keyboard shortcut.

Windows: Using the Alt code

On Windows, the degree symbol has a dedicated Alt code that works in most programs. 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 appears where your cursor was. This works in Word, Google Docs, email, text editors, and most other programs. If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad (common on laptops), you may need to enable Num Lock first, or use one of the other methods instead.

If the Alt code does not work, your program may not support it. Try copying the symbol from a search result instead, or use your program's character menu — usually found under Insert or Format.

Mac: Using Shift and Option

On Mac, hold Shift and Option (the key labeled Alt on some keyboards) at the same time, then press 8. Release all three keys and the degree symbol appears.

This shortcut works in most Mac programs including Mail, Pages, Google Docs, and web browsers. If it does not work, your program may have its own symbol menu. Check the Edit or Insert menu for an option called Characters, Special Characters, or Symbols.

Chromebook and phone: Hold down the 0 key

On a Chromebook or Android phone, press and hold the 0 key. A menu pops up showing the degree symbol and other related characters. Tap the degree symbol to insert it.

On iPhone or iPad, hold down the 0 key in the same way. The menu appears and you can tap the degree symbol. This method works in any app that accepts text input.

Copy and paste from a web search

If keyboard shortcuts are not working in your program, the simplest solution is to copy the symbol from anywhere online. Open a web browser, search for "degree symbol", and copy the symbol from the search results. Then paste it into your document or form.

This method works in any program and on any device. It takes a few extra seconds but requires no memorization and never fails. You can also bookmark a page with the symbol so you can paste it again later without searching.

Using your program's character or symbol menu

Most programs have a built-in menu for inserting special characters. In Microsoft Word, go to Insert, then click Symbol. A menu opens showing hundreds of characters including the degree symbol — just click it and it inserts into your document.

In Google Docs, go to Insert, then Special Characters. Type "degree" in the search box and the symbol appears. Click it to insert. In Mac Mail or Pages, go to Edit and look for Characters or Special Characters. These menus are slower than keyboard shortcuts but work reliably and require no memorization.

Setting up a text replacement shortcut

If you type the degree symbol often, you can set up your computer to replace a short code with the symbol automatically. On Windows, go to Settings, then Ease of Access, then Keyboard, and look for Replace. You can set it so that typing something like "deg" automatically becomes °.

On Mac, go to System Preferences, then Keyboard, then Text. Click the + button and type the code you want (like "deg") in the left column and the degree symbol in the right column. Now whenever you type "deg" followed by a space, it becomes the degree symbol. This method is fastest if you use the symbol regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Alt 0176 not work on my Windows laptop?

Laptops often do not have a separate numeric keypad. Try enabling Num Lock (usually a key in the top-left corner of the keyboard), then use the number keys that have Num Lock symbols on them. If that does not work, use the copy-and-paste method or your program's character menu instead.

Can I make the degree symbol on a tablet or iPad?

Yes. On iPad, hold down the 0 key and tap the degree symbol from the menu that appears. On Android tablets, do the same. You can also copy and paste the symbol from a web search on any device.

Does the degree symbol work in text messages and social media?

Yes. The symbol works in text messages, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and most other apps. Use the method for your device: hold 0 on phone or tablet, or use Alt 0176 on Windows or Shift-Option-8 on Mac if you are typing from a computer.

What if I need to type many degree symbols in a row?

Set up a text replacement shortcut so you can type a code that becomes the symbol automatically. This is much faster than using a keyboard shortcut or menu each time. On Windows and Mac, both have built-in text replacement tools in their settings.

Is there a difference between the degree symbol and the circle symbol?

Yes. The degree symbol (°) is smaller and positioned higher than a regular circle (○). The methods described here produce the correct degree symbol used for temperature and angles. If you need a different symbol, search for its name in your program's character menu.