The fastest way: Alt code on Windows

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. The degree symbol (°) appears instantly. This works in Word, Google Docs, email, and almost anywhere else you type.

The numeric keypad is the separate set of number keys on the right side of most full-size keyboards. If you are on a laptop without a dedicated numeric keypad, you may need to enable Num Lock first — look for a key labeled Num Lock or Fn + Num Lock, depending on your model. Some laptops require you to hold Fn while typing the Alt code on the number row at the top of the keyboard instead.

If the Alt code does not work, make sure Num Lock is on. You should see a light on the Num Lock key itself, or check your keyboard settings in Windows to confirm it is active.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type Alt + 0176 on the numeric keypad to insert a degree symbol instantly in Word or any other program.
  • Mac users should press Option + Shift + 8 to type the degree symbol without opening any menus.
  • Word's Insert menu offers a Symbol dialog where you can search for the degree symbol and insert it, though this is slower than keyboard shortcuts.
  • If you type temperature or angle measurements often, you can create a Word AutoCorrect entry so a short code like "deg" expands to the degree symbol automatically.

The Mac shortcut: Option + Shift + 8

On Mac, hold Option and Shift together, then press 8. Release all keys and the degree symbol appears. This works the same way in Word, Google Docs, email, and most other Mac applications.

Unlike Windows, Mac does not use numeric keypads for this shortcut — you use the regular number row at the top of the keyboard. The combination is the same whether you are on a MacBook or a desktop Mac keyboard.

Using Word's Symbol menu when you forget the shortcut

If you do not remember the keyboard shortcut, you can insert the degree symbol through Word's menu. Click the Insert tab at the top, then click Symbol (on the far right of the ribbon). A dropdown menu appears with a few common symbols.

Click More Symbols at the bottom of that dropdown. The Symbol dialog opens. In the search box at the bottom, type "degree" and Word highlights the degree symbol. Click it once to select it, then click Insert. Close the dialog when you are done.

This method is reliable but slower than using a keyboard shortcut. Most people use it once or twice, then remember the Alt or Option shortcut and stop opening the menu.

Setting up AutoCorrect for repeated use

If you type degree symbols often — for temperature readings, angles, or coordinates — you can set Word to replace a short code with the symbol automatically. Open Word and go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options.

In the AutoCorrect dialog, find the Replace tab. In the "Replace" field, type a short code like "deg" or "degree". In the "With" field, type or paste the degree symbol (°). Click Add, then OK.

Now whenever you type "deg" followed by a space or punctuation, Word automatically replaces it with °. You can create as many of these shortcuts as you need. If you ever want to type "deg" without it expanding, press Ctrl + Z immediately after to undo the replacement.

Why the symbol matters in different contexts

The degree symbol has different meanings depending on what you are writing. In temperature, 72° means 72 degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius. In geometry or navigation, 45° means 45 degrees of an angle or direction. In coordinates, 40°N means 40 degrees north latitude.

Using the actual degree symbol (°) instead of typing the letter "o" or the number "0" makes your document look professional and ensures the meaning is clear. Some programs and systems read the degree symbol differently than a letter or number, so using the correct character matters if your document will be processed by software or shared across different platforms.

Troubleshooting when nothing works

If the Alt code does not work on Windows, check that you are using the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard, not the number row at the top. The number row will not work for Alt codes. Also confirm that Num Lock is on — you should see an indicator light on the key or in your system tray.

If you are on a laptop, you may need to hold Fn in addition to Alt, or your laptop may map the numeric keypad to a different set of keys. Check your laptop manual or keyboard settings to find where the numeric keypad is located on your model.

On Mac, if Option + Shift + 8 does not work, make sure you are holding both Option and Shift at the same time before pressing 8. If it still does not work, your keyboard layout may be set to something other than US English. Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources to check your active keyboard layout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I copy and paste a degree symbol instead of typing it?

Yes. You can copy the degree symbol from anywhere — this article, a web search result, or a document you have already written — and paste it into Word. This works but is slower than using a keyboard shortcut or AutoCorrect. It is useful as a backup if you forget the shortcut.

Does the degree symbol work in all fonts?

The degree symbol is part of standard Unicode and appears in virtually every font. If it looks strange or does not appear at all, the font itself may be corrupted or very old. Switching to a common font like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman will fix it.

What if I need to type a degree symbol in a different program, not Word?

The Alt code (Windows) and Option + Shift + 8 (Mac) work in most programs — email, browsers, text editors, spreadsheets, and more. The Symbol menu is specific to Word, but the keyboard shortcuts are universal. If a program does not respond to the shortcut, copying and pasting the symbol from another source is your backup option.

Is there a way to type the degree symbol on a phone or tablet?

On most phones, long-press the "0" key in the number pad and a menu of related symbols appears, including the degree symbol. On iPad, the process is similar — hold down the number key until a popup shows options. The exact steps vary by device and keyboard app, so check your device manual if this does not work.