The fastest way to type a degree symbol

The degree symbol (°) does not have its own key on most keyboards, but you can type it in seconds using a keyboard shortcut. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together and press the number 8. On Linux, hold Ctrl and Shift, then press U, type 00B0, and press Space.

If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad — common on laptops — Windows offers an alternative: use the Character Map application to copy the symbol, or type it directly in most programs using Ctrl + ; followed by o in some applications. The Mac and Linux shortcuts above work on all keyboards, including laptops.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users with a numeric keypad can type the degree symbol by holding Alt and pressing 0176.
  • Mac users hold Shift and Option together, then press 8 to produce the degree symbol.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl and Shift, press U, type 00B0, then press Space.
  • Laptop users without a numeric keypad can use Character Map on Windows or copy the symbol from another source.
  • Many word processors and web browsers have built-in menus to insert special characters without memorizing shortcuts.

Windows: Using the numeric keypad

The numeric keypad method works in almost any Windows program — email, word processors, web browsers, and text editors. Make sure Num Lock is turned on (a light on your keyboard usually indicates this). Hold down the Alt key, type 0176 on the numeric keypad using the numbers on the right side of your keyboard, then release Alt. The degree symbol appears immediately.

This method requires the numeric keypad on the right side of a full-size keyboard. If you are using a laptop without a dedicated numeric keypad, you may have a secondary number pad accessed by holding Fn (Function key), but this is unreliable. The Character Map method below works better for laptops.

Windows: Using Character Map for laptops

Character Map is a built-in Windows tool that displays every symbol your computer can type. Press the Windows key and type character map, then open the application. In the search box at the bottom, type degree and the symbol appears in the list. Double-click it to copy it to your clipboard, then paste it into your document using Ctrl + V.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works on any Windows device, including tablets and laptops without numeric keypads. You can also browse the full symbol list by scrolling through the grid, though searching by name is faster.

Mac: The Shift-Option-8 shortcut

On any Mac keyboard, hold Shift and Option at the same time, then press the number 8. This works on MacBooks, iMacs, and any keyboard connected to a Mac. The shortcut works in email, web browsers, word processors, and most other applications.

If the symbol does not appear, make sure you are holding both Shift and Option together before pressing 8. Some older Mac keyboards may have different key labels — Option is sometimes labeled Alt — but the key in the same position works the same way.

Linux: The Ctrl-Shift-U method

On Linux systems, hold Ctrl and Shift together, then press U. Type 00B0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol), then press Space or Enter. The symbol appears in place of the code you typed. This method works in most Linux applications, though some older programs may not support Unicode input.

If this shortcut does not work, your Linux system may use a different input method. Check your system settings under "Input Method" or "Keyboard" to confirm Unicode input is enabled. Most modern Linux distributions have this turned on by default.

Using the Insert menu in word processors

Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice all have built-in menus to insert special characters without memorizing shortcuts. In Word, click Insert at the top, then Symbol, then More Symbols. Search for degree in the search box, click the symbol, then click Insert. In Google Docs, click Insert, then Special characters, and search for degree the same way.

This method is useful if you type the degree symbol rarely and do not want to remember a keyboard shortcut. It is slower than a shortcut but faster than opening Character Map, and it works the same way on any computer or operating system.

Copying and pasting from the web

If you cannot remember any of the shortcuts above, you can copy the degree symbol from anywhere online and paste it into your document. Search for "degree symbol" in your web browser, find the symbol on a results page, select it, copy it with Ctrl + C (or Cmd + C on Mac), and paste it into your document with Ctrl + V (or Cmd + V on Mac).

This method works on any device but requires an internet connection and is slower than a keyboard shortcut. It is most useful as a backup if you forget the shortcut or your keyboard does not support it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your laptop likely does not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Try holding Fn and using the number keys at the top of your keyboard, but this often does not work. Use Character Map instead, or copy the symbol from a web search.

Can I type the degree symbol on a phone or tablet?

On most phones, hold down the number 0 key in the keyboard and a menu of symbols appears, including the degree symbol. On tablets, the method varies by operating system — check your keyboard settings or use the Insert menu in your word processor app.

Does the degree symbol work in all programs?

The keyboard shortcuts work in almost all programs — email, web browsers, word processors, and text editors. Some older or specialized software may not support it. If a shortcut does not work, try Character Map or copy-paste instead.

What is the difference between the degree symbol and the circle symbol?

The degree symbol (°) is smaller and positioned higher than a regular circle (○). The shortcuts above produce the degree symbol specifically. If you need a different symbol, search for it by name in Character Map or online.