The fastest way to type a degree symbol

The easiest method is to use the keyboard shortcut: hold Ctrl and press Shift and the number 4 key at the same time (Ctrl+Shift+4). Release all three keys. The degree symbol (°) will appear where your cursor is positioned. This works in most versions of Word on Windows.

If that shortcut does not work on your computer, try the numeric keypad method instead. Hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the number keys on the right side of your keyboard), then release Alt. The degree symbol appears immediately. This method works reliably across nearly all Windows versions.

On a Mac, hold Shift and Option together, then press 8. Release all three keys and the degree symbol appears.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can press Ctrl+Shift+4 to insert a degree symbol instantly without opening any menus.
  • If the keyboard shortcut does not work, the Alt+0176 method on the numeric keypad is a reliable backup on Windows.
  • Mac users should use Shift+Option+8 to type the degree symbol.
  • The Insert menu method works on any computer but takes more steps than keyboard shortcuts.
  • You can save a degree symbol as AutoCorrect so typing a short code (like "deg") automatically replaces it with °.

Using the Insert menu when shortcuts do not work

If keyboard shortcuts are not working for you, Word's Insert menu offers a reliable alternative. Click the Insert tab at the top of the Word window, then look for the Symbol button (it usually appears on the right side of the ribbon). Click it and a dropdown menu opens.

Select More Symbols from the dropdown. A dialog box titled "Symbol" opens. In the search field at the bottom, type "degree" and Word highlights the degree symbol in the list above. Click the degree symbol to select it, then click the Insert button. The symbol appears in your document at the cursor position. Click Close to exit the dialog.

This method is slower than keyboard shortcuts but works the same way on Windows and Mac versions of Word.

Setting up AutoCorrect for repeated use

If you type the degree symbol often, you can set Word to replace a short code with the symbol automatically. First, insert a degree symbol into your document using any method above. Select the symbol by clicking and dragging across it, then copy it (Ctrl+C on Windows, Command+C on Mac).

Open the File menu and click Options (Windows) or Preferences (Mac). Navigate to Proofing, then click AutoCorrect Options. In the dialog that opens, paste the degree symbol into the ReplaceWith field, type a short code like "deg" or "degree". Click Add, then OK.

Now whenever you type "deg" followed by a space, Word automatically replaces it with the degree symbol. You can create multiple shortcuts this way for any symbol you use regularly.

Why the keyboard shortcut might not work

The Ctrl+Shift+4 shortcut fails on some computers because other programs or keyboard layouts claim that key combination first. If you have software installed that uses the same shortcut, that program intercepts the command before Word sees it.

Keyboard layout also matters. If your computer is set to a non-English layout (French, German, Spanish, etc.), the number keys may produce different characters. The numeric keypad method (Alt+0176) is more reliable across different layouts because it uses a universal code rather than a key position.

If neither shortcut works, check your keyboard settings. On Windows, go to Settings > Time & Language > Language and verify your active keyboard layout. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources. Switching back to a standard English layout often restores the shortcuts.

Copying and pasting a degree symbol

The simplest method for people who struggle with keyboard shortcuts is to copy a degree symbol from somewhere else and paste it. Search online for "degree symbol" and copy the ° character from the search results. Then paste it (Ctrl+V on Windows, Command+V on Mac) wherever you need it in your document.

You can also keep a text file on your computer with symbols you use often. Type or paste the degree symbol into a blank document, save it, and open it whenever you need to copy the symbol. This takes longer than a keyboard shortcut but requires no memorization.

Using the Character Map (Windows only)

Windows includes a built-in tool called Character Map that displays every symbol available on your computer. Press the Windows key, type "character map", and open the application. Scroll through the list or search for "degree" in the search field. When you find the degree symbol, click it to select it, then click Copy. Switch back to Word and paste it (Ctrl+V).

Character Map is useful if you need multiple symbols or want to see what codes produce each symbol. The numeric code for the degree symbol (0176) appears at the bottom of the Character Map window, which is helpful if you want to learn the Alt code method.

Degree symbols in different contexts

The degree symbol (°) works the same way whether you are typing temperature (98.6°F), angles (45°), or coordinates. Word treats it as a regular character, so it behaves like any other text — you can change its font, size, and color using the formatting toolbar.

Some fields like scientific writing or engineering documents use the degree symbol frequently. If you work in one of these fields, setting up AutoCorrect saves time over the course of a project. The symbol also works in headers, footers, tables, and text boxes without any special steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my degree symbol look different from other symbols in my document?

The degree symbol sometimes appears smaller or positioned higher than regular text because it is technically a superscript character. If this bothers you, select the symbol and use the font size controls to make it larger, or use the superscript button to adjust its position. Most people do not notice the difference in printed documents.

Can I type a degree symbol on a laptop without a numeric keypad?

Yes. Most laptops have a numeric keypad hidden in the letter keys — usually the right side of the keyboard has numbers printed in smaller text. Hold Num Lock (or Fn+Num Lock depending on your laptop) to activate it, then use Alt+0176 as normal. If your laptop has no numeric keypad at all, use Ctrl+Shift+4 or the Insert menu method instead.

Does the degree symbol work in all Microsoft Office programs?

Yes, the same keyboard shortcuts and Insert menu method work in Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. AutoCorrect settings sync across all Office programs on the same computer, so if you set up a shortcut in Word, it works in Excel too.

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

AutoCorrect is your best option for this situation. Set it up once so typing a short code produces the symbol, then you can type quickly without reaching for special key combinations. Alternatively, type one degree symbol, copy it, and paste it repeatedly — this is faster than using keyboard shortcuts if you need dozens of symbols.