The fastest way depends on your device

The degree symbol (°) is not on your keyboard's main keys, but you can type it in seconds using a keyboard shortcut. The shortcut changes depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux, and whether you are typing in a document, email, or web form.

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together and press 8. On Linux, hold Ctrl and Shift, then type U and 00B0. Each method works in most programs — word processors, browsers, email clients — though some older software may not recognize the Linux method.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row), then release Alt to produce the degree symbol.
  • Mac users hold Shift and Option at the same time, then press 8 to type the degree symbol.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl and Shift, type U, then type 00B0 to produce the degree symbol.
  • The numeric keypad method on Windows does not work on laptops without a dedicated keypad unless you enable Num Lock on a secondary keypad.

Windows: Using the numeric keypad

The numeric keypad is the block of number keys on the right side of a full-size keyboard. If you have a desktop keyboard with a separate numeric pad, this is the fastest method.

Hold down the Alt key. While holding Alt, type 0176 on the numeric keypad — not the number row at the top of the keyboard. The numbers must come from the keypad on the right. Release Alt, and the degree symbol appears. This works in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, email clients, and most web forms.

If you have a laptop without a dedicated numeric keypad, you can enable a secondary keypad. On most laptops, hold Fn and press Num Lock (usually labeled Num Lk or sharing a key with another function). This turns part of your keyboard — usually the right side of the letter keys — into a temporary number pad. Then use the Alt + 0176 method as normal. When you are done, press Fn and Num Lock again to turn the secondary keypad off.

Mac: Using Shift and Option

Mac keyboards do not have a numeric keypad by default, so the Alt code method does not work. Instead, use the Option key (sometimes labeled Alt on older Macs).

Hold Shift and Option at the same time, then press the 8 key on the number row. Release all keys, and the degree symbol appears. This works in Pages, Google Docs, Mail, Safari, and most other Mac applications. The method is consistent across all Macs, whether you use a built-in keyboard or an external one.

Linux: Using Ctrl, Shift, and Unicode

Linux systems use a Unicode input method that works in most modern applications. Hold Ctrl and Shift together, then type the letter U (uppercase). While still holding Ctrl and Shift, type 00B0 — that is zero, zero, B, zero. Release all keys, and the degree symbol appears.

This method works in Firefox, Chrome, LibreOffice, and most text editors. Some older applications or terminal windows may not recognize it. If the symbol does not appear, try releasing Ctrl and Shift after typing U, then typing 00B0 without holding any modifier keys — some systems require this variation.

Alternative methods if shortcuts do not work

If the keyboard shortcut does not produce the symbol, you can copy and paste it from another source. Open a web browser, search for "degree symbol," and copy the ° character from the search results. Paste it into your document or form. This method works on any device and in any program that accepts pasted text.

Another option is to use your operating system's character map or symbol picker. On Windows, open the Character Map application (search for "charmap" in the Start menu), find the degree symbol in the list, click it, then click Copy. On Mac, use the Character Viewer by pressing Control and Command and Space at the same time, then search for "degree" in the search box. On Linux, the method varies by desktop environment, but GNOME systems include a Characters application accessible from the Activities menu.

When you might need the degree symbol

The degree symbol appears most often when you write about temperature (72°F or 25°C), angles in geometry (a 90° angle), or geographic coordinates (40°N latitude). It is also used in some scientific and technical writing. In casual emails or messages, many people type "degrees" as a word instead, which is perfectly acceptable and requires no special keyboard shortcut.

Some programs, like Microsoft Word, can auto-correct the text "deg" or "degree" into the symbol if you enable that feature in settings. Check your application's autocorrect or autoformat options if you type the symbol frequently — you may be able to set up a custom shortcut that suits your workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your laptop likely does not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Enable the secondary keypad by holding Fn and pressing Num Lock, then try Alt + 0176 again using the number keys on the right side of your keyboard. If Num Lock is already on, make sure you are typing on the keypad side, not the number row at the top.

Does the degree symbol work in all programs?

It works in nearly all modern programs — word processors, email, web browsers, and forms. Very old software or specialized terminal applications may not display it correctly. If the symbol does not appear, copy and paste it instead, which works everywhere.

Can I use these shortcuts on a phone or tablet?

Phone and tablet keyboards work differently. On iPhone, hold the 0 key and a menu of symbols appears — select °. On Android, the method varies by keyboard app, but most show a symbols menu when you tap the ?123 key, then look for the degree symbol or search for it. Copying and pasting from a web search is often faster on mobile devices.

Is there a way to type the degree symbol without memorizing a code?

Yes. Copy the symbol from a web search and paste it into a document you use often, then copy it from there whenever you need it. You can also set up autocorrect in Word or Google Docs to replace a short text string — like "deg" — with the actual symbol.