The fastest way depends on what device you're using

The degree symbol (°) is not on your keyboard as a dedicated key, but you can type it in seconds using a keyboard shortcut. The method changes depending on whether you're on Windows, Mac, or a Chromebook, and whether you're typing in a document, email, or web form. Once you know your device's shortcut, you'll be able to insert it without hunting through menus.

All three methods work in Word, Google Docs, email, and most other programs where you can type text. The shortcut you use depends only on your device, not on what application you're in.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad to produce the degree symbol.
  • On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol in any application.
  • On Chromebook, press Ctrl + Shift + U, then type 00b0 and press Space or Enter.
  • If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, use your device's character map or copy the symbol from another source.
  • The degree symbol works the same way in Word, Google Docs, email, and most other programs once you learn the shortcut.

Windows: Using the Alt code

On a Windows computer with a numeric keypad, the quickest method is the Alt code. Hold down the Alt key on your keyboard, then type 0176 using only the numbers on the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard. When you release Alt, the degree symbol appears.

This works in Word, Google Docs, email, web forms, and almost any program where you can type text. The numeric keypad is essential — typing 0176 on the number row at the top of your keyboard will not work. If your laptop does not have a dedicated numeric keypad, you can enable Num Lock and use the number keys that double as letter keys (usually on the right side of the keyboard), or use the Character Map method described below.

Mac: Using the keyboard shortcut

On a Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 at the same time. This works in any application — Word, Google Docs, Mail, web browsers, text editors, and everywhere else you type. There is no numeric keypad requirement, and the shortcut is the same whether you have a desktop keyboard or a laptop keyboard.

If the shortcut does not work, check that you are pressing Option (also labeled Alt on some keyboards) and not Command. The three keys must be pressed together: Shift, Option, and 8. Release all three at once, and the degree symbol will appear where your cursor is positioned.

Chromebook: Using the Unicode input method

On a Chromebook, press Ctrl + Shift + U to start Unicode input mode. Your cursor will change slightly to show you are in this mode. Type 00b0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol), then press Space or Enter. The degree symbol appears and Unicode mode closes.

This method works in Google Docs, Gmail, web forms, and most text fields on a Chromebook. If it does not work in a specific application, that application may not support Unicode input. In that case, you can copy the degree symbol from Google Docs or another source and paste it where you need it.

If you don't have a numeric keypad

Laptops and compact keyboards often lack a dedicated numeric keypad, which makes the Windows Alt code method difficult. The easiest solution is to use your device's built-in character map. On Windows, search for "Character Map" in the Start menu, find the degree symbol in the list, click it, then click Copy. Paste it wherever you need it.

Another option is to type the degree symbol once in a document you keep open (like a Notes app or a blank email draft), then copy and paste it each time you need it. This takes longer than learning the keyboard shortcut, but it works on any device and in any program. You can also search online for "degree symbol," copy it from the search results, and paste it into your document.

Using the symbol in temperature and angles

The degree symbol is used most often for temperature (72°F or 25°C) and angles (a 90° turn). In both cases, the symbol goes immediately after the number with no space. If you are writing temperature, the degree symbol comes before the F or C. For angles, the symbol stands alone after the number.

Some style guides prefer a space between the number and the symbol, so check your organization's guidelines if you are writing for a specific publication or company. In most everyday writing — emails, documents, web forms — no space is standard and looks correct.

Copying and pasting as a backup method

If you cannot remember the shortcut or your keyboard does not support it, copying and pasting works everywhere. Search your web browser for "degree symbol," right-click the symbol in the search results, select Copy, then paste it into your document using Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac). This is slower than the keyboard shortcut, but it takes only a few seconds and requires no memorization.

You can also store the degree symbol in a notes app, document, or email draft that you keep open while you work. Each time you need the symbol, copy it from that document and paste it where you are typing. This method is useful if you type the degree symbol frequently and have not yet memorized the keyboard shortcut for your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your laptop likely does not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Try enabling Num Lock (usually a key in the upper right of the keyboard) and using the number keys that also have letters on them. If that does not work, use the Character Map method: search for "Character Map" in the Start menu, find the degree symbol, click Copy, and paste it into your document.

Can I use the degree symbol in a text message or social media post?

Yes. The degree symbol works in text messages, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and most social media platforms. Use the keyboard shortcut for your device (Alt + 0176 on Windows, Shift + Option + 8 on Mac, or Ctrl + Shift + U then 00b0 on Chromebook). If the shortcut does not work in a specific app, copy and paste the symbol instead.

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 (o or •). The keyboard shortcuts described here produce the correct degree symbol. If you type a lowercase o, it will look noticeably different and is not the proper symbol for temperature or angles.

Do I need to do anything special to use the degree symbol in Google Docs or Microsoft Word?

No. The keyboard shortcuts work exactly the same in Google Docs, Word, and any other program. Type the shortcut for your device, and the degree symbol appears. There is no special menu or setting required.