The fastest way depends on what device and program you're using

The degree symbol (°) appears in different places depending on whether you're on Windows, Mac, or Linux, and whether you're typing in a web browser, email, or document. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together and press 8. On Linux, hold Ctrl and Shift, then type U and 00B0. If your keyboard doesn't have a numeric keypad or you find these combinations hard to remember, you can also copy the symbol from a character map program, paste it into a text file you keep open, or search for "degree symbol" and copy it from a web page.

The method you choose depends on how often you need it and whether your keyboard layout supports it. If you type the degree symbol regularly—for temperature, angles, or coordinates—it's worth memorizing the shortcut for your device. If you need it once in a while, copying and pasting is usually faster than hunting for the right key combination.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type the degree symbol by holding Alt and pressing 0176 on the numeric keypad, then releasing Alt.
  • Mac users hold Shift and Option at the same time, then press 8 to produce the degree symbol.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl and Shift, type the letter U, then type 00B0 to insert the degree symbol.
  • If your keyboard lacks a numeric keypad or these shortcuts don't work in your program, copying the symbol from a character map or web search is a reliable backup method.

Windows: Using the Alt code

The numeric keypad is the standard way to type special characters on Windows. Make sure Num Lock is on (you'll see a light on your keyboard or a small indicator on screen). Position your cursor where you want the degree symbol to appear. Hold down the Alt key, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top of the keyboard), then release Alt. The symbol should appear immediately.

If your keyboard doesn't have a numeric keypad—common on laptops—you may have a Num Lock mode that overlays numbers on letter keys. Check your keyboard manual or look for a key labeled Fn or Num Lock. On some laptops, you hold Fn and press a key marked with a lock symbol to enable the numeric keypad layer, then use the Alt code as normal. If this doesn't work, the character map method below is more reliable.

Mac: Using the Option key combination

On Mac, the degree symbol is built into the keyboard shortcut system. Hold Shift and Option (also called Alt) at the same time, then press 8. Release all three keys and the degree symbol appears. This works in most Mac programs including Mail, Pages, and web browsers.

If the symbol doesn't appear, check that you're using the correct keys. Option is usually on the bottom left of the keyboard, next to the Command key. Shift is above it. The 8 key must be the number 8 at the top of the keyboard, not on a numeric keypad. If you're in a program that doesn't recognize the shortcut, try the character viewer instead: press Control, Command, and Space at the same time to open the character viewer, search for "degree", and double-click the symbol to insert it.

Linux: Using the Unicode input method

Linux systems typically use Unicode input for special characters. Hold Ctrl and Shift together, type the letter U (uppercase), then type 00B0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol), then release all keys. The symbol should appear in your text.

This method works in most Linux programs and web browsers. If it doesn't work, your system may use a different input method. Check your system settings under "Input Methods" or "Keyboard" to see if Unicode input is enabled. Some Linux distributions use Compose key sequences instead; if Ctrl+Shift+U doesn't work, look for a Compose key setting in your keyboard preferences.

Using the character map when shortcuts don't work

Every operating system includes a character map program that displays all available symbols. On Windows, search for "Character Map" in the Start menu. On Mac, use Spotlight (Command+Space) to search for "Character Viewer". On Linux, search your applications menu for "Character Map" or a similar tool. Open the program and search for "degree" to find the symbol instantly.

Once you find the degree symbol, click or double-click it to copy it to your clipboard, then paste it (Ctrl+V on Windows and Linux, Command+V on Mac) into your document or email. This method is slower than using a keyboard shortcut, but it works in any program and doesn't require you to remember a combination of keys. You can also keep a text file with frequently used symbols open on your desktop and copy from it whenever you need one.

Copying from the web when you're stuck

If you're in a program where none of the above methods work, the simplest solution is to search for "degree symbol" in your web browser, find one on a web page, select it, copy it (Ctrl+C or Command+C), and paste it into your document. This takes about 10 seconds and requires no memorization.

You can also create a bookmark or a text file containing the degree symbol so you always have it available. Some people keep a small text document on their desktop with a collection of symbols they use regularly—degree, copyright, registered trademark, and so on. When you need one, you open the file, copy the symbol, and paste it where you need it. This is slower than a keyboard shortcut but faster than searching the web each time.

Why the degree symbol isn't on your keyboard

Keyboards have a limited number of keys, so manufacturers include only the most common characters. The degree symbol is used mainly in specific contexts—temperature, angles, geographic coordinates, and academic writing—so it doesn't appear as a direct key on most keyboards. Instead, operating systems let you access it through combinations of keys or through character maps.

Different operating systems chose different shortcuts based on their design. Windows uses Alt codes, which work for hundreds of special characters. Mac uses Option key combinations, which are faster to type once you memorize them. Linux uses Unicode input, which is the international standard for character encoding. None of these methods is objectively better; they're just different ways of solving the same problem on different systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Alt code method work on a laptop without a numeric keypad?

Not always. Some laptops have a hidden numeric keypad layer that you activate with Fn or Num Lock, but not all do. If your laptop doesn't have this feature, the character map method is more reliable. You can also check your laptop's manual to see if it supports Alt codes.

Will the degree symbol work in all programs?

Yes. The degree symbol is a standard character that every program recognizes. It will display correctly in email, web browsers, word processors, spreadsheets, and text editors. The only difference is how you type it—the symbol itself is the same everywhere.

Can I set up a custom keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol?

Yes, depending on your program. Most word processors like Microsoft Word and Google Docs let you create custom shortcuts through their settings. On Mac, you can add custom shortcuts in System Preferences under Keyboard. On Windows, some programs have their own shortcut settings. Check your program's preferences or help menu for "keyboard shortcuts" or "custom shortcuts".

What if I need the degree symbol in a different language or keyboard layout?

The shortcuts listed here work for English keyboard layouts. If you use a different language layout (French, German, Spanish, etc.), the key positions may be different. The character map method always works regardless of keyboard layout, since you're selecting the symbol visually rather than typing a combination.

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

On most phones, hold down the 0 (zero) key in the number row and a menu of related symbols appears, including the degree symbol. On some keyboards, you may need to switch to the symbols view and search for it. If that doesn't work, copy and paste from a web search, just as you would on a computer.