The fastest way depends on what you're typing into

The degree symbol (°) has no dedicated key on most keyboards, so the method changes based on whether you're using Windows, Mac, or a web browser. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8. In most web browsers and Google Docs, you can type the degree symbol directly by searching for it in your character map, or you can copy and paste it from anywhere you find it online.

The numeric keypad method on Windows is the most reliable across programs because it works in nearly every application — email, Word documents, text editors, even older software. The Mac keyboard shortcut is equally fast once you memorize it. If you type the degree symbol often, you might also set up a text replacement so a short code expands into the symbol automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, hold Alt and press 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row), then release Alt to insert the degree symbol.
  • On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol in almost any program.
  • In Google Docs, Sheets, or Gmail, use Insert > Special Characters, search for "degree", and click to insert it.
  • You can set up text shortcuts in Windows (AutoCorrect) or Mac (Text Replacements) so typing something like ":deg" automatically becomes °.

Windows: Using the Alt code

The Alt code method works in Word, Notepad, email clients, web browsers, and most other programs. You need the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard — the number row at the top of the keyboard will not work.

Hold down the Alt key, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the zero is important), then release Alt. The degree symbol appears instantly. If nothing happens, make sure Num Lock is turned on — there is usually a light on the Num Lock key that shows whether it is active. If you are on a laptop without a dedicated numeric keypad, you may have a secondary keypad hidden under the letter keys (often marked with small numbers printed on them), or you can use the character map method instead.

Mac: The keyboard shortcut

On Mac, the combination is Shift + Option + 8. This works in nearly every application — Mail, Pages, Notes, web browsers, and most third-party programs. The Option key is also labeled Alt on some Mac keyboards.

If the shortcut does not work, check that you are pressing the right keys. The 8 key must be on the number row at the top of the keyboard, not on a numeric keypad. If you still have trouble, your Mac may have a different keyboard layout (such as AZERTY or QWERTY variants in other languages), in which case the shortcut may differ slightly.

Google Docs, Sheets, and Gmail

In Google's web applications, the fastest method is to use the Insert menu. Click Insert, then Special Characters. A search box appears — type "degree" and the degree symbol shows up immediately. Click it to insert it into your document.

Alternatively, you can copy the symbol from anywhere online and paste it into your Google document. Once you have typed it once in a Google Doc, Google's autocomplete may remember it and suggest it when you type "deg" in the future.

Setting up a text shortcut for frequent use

If you type the degree symbol regularly (for temperatures, angles, or coordinates), you can set up your computer to expand a short code into the symbol automatically.

On Windows: Open any Microsoft Office program, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. In the Replace field, type something short like ":deg" or "degr". In the With field, paste the degree symbol (copy it from somewhere first). Click Add, then OK. Now whenever you type ":deg" followed by a space, it automatically becomes °.

On Mac: Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text. Click the + button at the bottom left. In the Replace column, type your shortcut (like ":deg"). In the With column, paste the degree symbol. Close the window. The shortcut now works system-wide in most applications.

Copy and paste from the character map

On Windows: Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, type "charmap" and press Enter. The Character Map window opens. Scroll down or use the search function to find the degree symbol. Click it, then click Copy. Now you can paste it anywhere with Ctrl + V.

On Mac: Open Spotlight (Command + Space), type "character viewer" and press Enter. Search for "degree" in the search box. Double-click the degree symbol to insert it into your active document, or click it once and click the Insert button at the bottom right.

Why the degree symbol has no dedicated key

The degree symbol is used far less often than letters and numbers, so keyboard designers did not give it its own key. Instead, it is grouped with other special characters that you access through modifier keys (Alt, Option, Shift) or through your operating system's character map. This is true for many symbols — copyright (©), trademark (™), and the euro sign (€) work the same way.

Different languages and regions also use different symbols frequently, so a universal keyboard layout would be impractical. The methods described here work on English-language keyboards; if you use a keyboard with a different language layout, the key combinations may differ.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most laptops do not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Look for small numbers printed on your letter keys (usually on the right side of the keyboard). Hold Num Lock, then use those keys with Alt. If your laptop has no numeric keypad at all, use the Character Map method instead, or use the Mac/Google Docs methods if you are on a Mac.

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

On iPhone and iPad, hold down the 0 (zero) key on the keyboard and a menu appears with the degree symbol as an option. On Android, the method varies by keyboard app, but usually you can long-press the 0 key or access special characters through a dedicated symbols key.

Is there a way to type it in a web browser without using Insert menus?

Yes — the Alt code (Windows) and Shift + Option + 8 (Mac) work in most web browsers, including email websites like Gmail and Outlook. If those do not work, copy the symbol from any webpage and paste it into your text field.

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

Set up a text shortcut as described in the "Setting up a text shortcut for frequent use" section. This is much faster than using Alt codes or keyboard shortcuts repeatedly. Alternatively, type it once, copy it, and paste it as many times as you need.

Does the degree symbol look different in different fonts?

Slightly. The symbol is the same character, but different fonts render it at slightly different sizes and positions. In most fonts it appears as a small circle above the baseline. If it looks wrong in your document, check that you are using a standard font like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri.