The fastest way depends on your operating system

The degree symbol (°) is not a dedicated key on most keyboards, so you type it using a keyboard shortcut or a character menu. On Windows, hold Alt and press 0176 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together, then press 8. On Linux, hold Ctrl and Shift, then press U, then type 00B0 and press Space or Enter.

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad — common on laptops — Windows offers an alternative: type the degree symbol in most programs by holding Alt and pressing 248 instead. Some keyboards let you hold Alt Gr (the right Alt key) and press a number key, but this varies by keyboard layout and region.

The method you choose depends on whether you type the symbol often, what device you use, and whether your keyboard has a numeric keypad. If you type it rarely, the character menu is reliable. If you type it often, memorizing the shortcut saves time.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, or Alt and 248 on laptops without a numeric keypad.
  • Mac users hold Shift and Option together, then press 8.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl and Shift, type U, then 00B0, then press Space or Enter.
  • All operating systems let you open a character or symbol menu and search for "degree" or click it from a list.
  • The numeric keypad method only works when Num Lock is on; check the Num Lock indicator light on your keyboard.

Windows keyboard shortcuts for the degree symbol

On Windows, the most common method is the Alt code. Hold the Alt key on the left side of your keyboard, then type 0176 on the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard. Release Alt, and the degree symbol appears. This works in most programs including Word, email clients, web browsers, and text editors.

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad — many laptops do not — use Alt and 248 instead. Hold Alt and type 248 on the number row at the top of the keyboard. This method works in most programs but not all; if it fails, use the character menu instead.

Before using an Alt code, check that Num Lock is on. Look for the Num Lock key, usually in the top left of the numeric keypad, and check whether the Num Lock indicator light is lit. If the light is off, press Num Lock to turn it on. Without Num Lock, the numeric keypad types arrow keys and navigation commands instead of numbers.

Mac keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol

On Mac, hold Shift and Option at the same time, then press 8. Release all keys, and the degree symbol appears. This works in most Mac programs including Mail, Pages, web browsers, and text editors.

If this shortcut does not work, your keyboard layout may be set to a non-English language. Open System Settings, go to Keyboard, then check the Input Sources or Language & Region section. If you see a language other than English listed, the keyboard shortcut may differ. Switch to English layout, try the shortcut again, then switch back if needed.

Linux keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol

On Linux, hold Ctrl and Shift together, then type the letter U. Release those keys, then type 00B0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol). Press Space or Enter, and the degree symbol appears. This method works in most Linux programs and web browsers.

If this does not work, your Linux distribution or text editor may not support Unicode input. Try the character menu instead, or check whether your text editor has a preferences or settings menu that enables Unicode input.

Using the character or symbol menu on any operating system

Every operating system includes a built-in character menu that lets you search for and insert the degree symbol without memorizing a shortcut. On Windows, open the Start menu, search for "Character Map," and open it. Type "degree" in the search box, click the degree symbol in the list, click Copy, then paste it where you need it.

On Mac, open any text field, then go to the menu bar and click Edit, then Emoji & Symbols (or Special Characters in older versions). Search for "degree," click the degree symbol, then click Insert. On Linux, the method varies by desktop environment, but most include a character map application accessible from the applications menu.

The character menu is slower than a keyboard shortcut if you type the symbol often, but it is reliable on any device and requires no memorization. It also works if your keyboard layout is unusual or if you are using a borrowed computer.

When the degree symbol does not appear

If you type the shortcut and nothing happens, check whether Num Lock is on (Windows only). If Num Lock is off, the numeric keypad does not send numbers to your program. Press Num Lock and try again.

If Num Lock is on and the shortcut still does not work, the program you are using may not support Alt codes. This is rare but happens in some older programs or specialized software. Switch to the character menu instead, or try pasting the degree symbol from another source — copy it from a web search result or from a text file you have saved.

On Mac and Linux, if the shortcut does not work, your keyboard layout may be set to a language other than English. Check your keyboard settings and switch to English layout, try the shortcut, then switch back if needed.

Typing the degree symbol in specific programs

In Microsoft Word, you can also insert the degree symbol by going to the Insert menu, clicking Symbol, searching for "degree," and clicking Insert. This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works if you forget the shortcut. In Google Docs, go to Insert, then Special Characters, search for "degree," and click it.

In web browsers, the keyboard shortcut works in most text fields and comment boxes. If it does not work in a specific website, try the character menu instead. Some websites have their own symbol pickers or formatting toolbars that include the degree symbol; look for a button with special characters or symbols.

In spreadsheet programs like Excel or Google Sheets, the keyboard shortcut works in cells. If you need to type the degree symbol often in a spreadsheet, consider creating a custom format or using a formula that includes the symbol, so you do not have to type it manually each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Alt 0176 not work on my laptop?

Laptops usually do not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Instead, use Alt and 248 on the number row at the top of your keyboard. If that does not work, use the character menu. Some laptops let you hold Fn and use the numeric keypad built into the letter keys, but this varies by model.

Can I save the degree symbol as a keyboard shortcut?

Yes, on Windows you can create a custom keyboard shortcut using AutoCorrect. In Word, go to File, Options, Proofing, AutoCorrect Options, then type a shortcut (like "deg") in the Replace field and paste the degree symbol in the With field. On Mac, go to System Settings, Keyboard, Text, and create a text replacement. On Linux, this depends on your desktop environment and text editor.

Does the degree symbol work in all programs?

The keyboard shortcut works in most programs, but some older or specialized software may not support it. The character menu works in almost all programs. If neither works, copy the degree symbol from a web search result and paste it into your program.

What if I need to type many degree symbols?

If you type the degree symbol often, memorize the keyboard shortcut for your operating system — it is faster than the character menu. If you type it in the same program repeatedly, check whether that program has a text replacement or AutoCorrect feature that lets you type a short code and have it expand to the degree symbol automatically.

Is there a degree symbol on the keyboard itself?

No, the degree symbol is not printed on any standard keyboard key. It is accessed only through keyboard shortcuts or the character menu. Some specialized keyboards for science or engineering may include it, but standard keyboards do not.