The fastest way: Alt code 0176

Hold down the Alt key on your keyboard, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the number block on the right side of your keyboard), then release Alt. The degree symbol ° will appear where your cursor was. This works in Word on Windows computers.

The numeric keypad is essential — the numbers across the top of your keyboard will not work. If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad, or you are on a laptop without one, skip to the next section.

This method is the fastest once you memorize the code. You can use it anywhere in your document, and it produces the exact same symbol every time.

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 opening any menus.
  • If you do not have a numeric keypad, use Word's Insert menu: go to Insert > Symbol, find the degree symbol, and click Insert.
  • You can also type the degree symbol by typing a lowercase "o" and formatting it as superscript, though this looks less professional.
  • Once you insert a degree symbol, you can copy it and paste it elsewhere in your document to avoid retyping the code.

Using the Insert menu on any computer

If the Alt code does not work or you do not have a numeric keypad, Word's Insert menu will find the symbol for you. Click the Insert tab at the top of Word, then click Symbol on the right side of the ribbon.

A dropdown menu will appear. Click More Symbols at the bottom. The Symbol dialog box opens. In the search field at the bottom, type degree and Word will highlight the degree symbol. Click it once to select it, then click the Insert button.

This method is slower than the Alt code, but it works on any computer and you do not need to remember a number. The Symbol menu also shows you what the symbol looks like before you insert it, which is useful if you are unsure whether you have the right one.

On a Mac keyboard

Mac keyboards do not have numeric keypads, so the Alt code does not work. Instead, press Shift + Option + 8 at the same time. The degree symbol ° will appear immediately.

This keyboard shortcut is built into macOS and works in Word and most other programs. If you forget the shortcut, you can also use the Insert > Symbol menu the same way you would on Windows — the steps are identical.

The superscript workaround

If you cannot access the methods above, you can type a lowercase letter o and format it as superscript to approximate a degree symbol. Type the letter o, select it, then press Ctrl + Shift + P on Windows or Cmd + Shift + P on Mac. The o will shrink and move up.

This is not a true degree symbol — it is just a small o positioned higher than normal text. It looks noticeably different from the real symbol and should only be used as a last resort. Most readers will notice the difference, especially in technical or scientific writing.

Copying and pasting the symbol

Once you have typed the degree symbol once, you do not need to type it again. Select the symbol with your mouse or trackpad, press Ctrl + C on Windows or Cmd + C on Mac to copy it, then click wherever you need it and press Ctrl + V or Cmd + V to paste.

This is faster than retyping the Alt code or opening the Symbol menu every time. If you use the degree symbol often, consider keeping a blank Word document open with the symbol already typed so you can copy it whenever you need it.

Creating a keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol

Word lets you assign your own keyboard shortcut to the degree symbol so you can type it as fast as the Alt code. Open the Symbol dialog again (Insert > Symbol > More Symbols), click the degree symbol to select it, then look for the Shortcut Key button near the bottom left.

Click it, then press the key combination you want to use — something like Ctrl + Alt + D works well. Click Assign, then Close. From now on, that shortcut will type the degree symbol in any Word document on your computer.

This custom shortcut only works in Word, not in other programs. If you switch between Word and other applications often, stick with the Alt code or Mac shortcut instead, since those work everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Alt code not work on my laptop?

Most laptops do not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Try holding Fn (function key) and Alt together while typing 0176, or use the Insert > Symbol menu instead. Some laptops have a hidden numeric keypad accessed through the Fn key — check your keyboard manual to see if yours does.

Is there a difference between the degree symbol and a superscript o?

Yes. The degree symbol (°) is a single character designed to look like a small circle. A superscript o is just the letter o made smaller and raised. In professional or scientific writing, the real degree symbol is expected. Most readers will not notice the difference in casual writing, but technical documents should use the true symbol.

Can I use these methods in other Microsoft programs like Excel or Outlook?

Yes. The Alt code 0176 and the Mac shortcut Shift + Option + 8 work in Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and most other programs on Windows and Mac. The Insert > Symbol menu also works the same way in all Microsoft Office applications.

What if I need to type multiple degree symbols in one document?

Copy the first one you type and paste it wherever else you need it. This is faster than retyping the Alt code or opening the Symbol menu each time. Alternatively, create a custom keyboard shortcut so you can type it as quickly as any other character.