The fastest way to type a degree symbol

The degree symbol (°) appears in Word through three methods. The quickest for most people is holding Alt and typing 0176 on the numeric keypad, then releasing Alt. This works on Windows machines with a separate number pad on the right side of your keyboard.

On a Mac, hold Shift + Option and press 8. On Windows laptops without a numeric keypad, you will need one of the other methods below, since the Alt code requires that dedicated number pad.

Test it now: type the number 98, then use your method. You should see 98° appear on your screen.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users with a numeric keypad can type Alt + 0176 to insert a degree symbol instantly.
  • Mac users hold Shift + Option and press 8 to type the degree symbol.
  • Windows laptop users without a numeric keypad should use the Insert menu or AutoCorrect method instead.
  • You can set up Word to automatically replace a shortcut like "(deg)" with the degree symbol so you never have to remember the code.

Using the Insert menu on any device

This method works on Windows, Mac, and laptops without a numeric keypad. Click the Insert tab at the top of Word, then click Symbol on the right side of the ribbon. A dropdown menu appears.

Click More Symbols at the bottom of that dropdown. The Symbol dialog box opens. In the search field at the bottom, type degree. The degree symbol appears in the list above. Click it once to select it, then click Insert. Close the dialog when you are done.

This takes longer than the Alt code, but it works everywhere and you do not have to remember anything. The symbol stays in your document once inserted.

Setting up AutoCorrect for repeated use

If you type the degree symbol often, set Word to replace a shortcut with the symbol automatically. Click File in the top left, then Options at the bottom of the menu. The Word Options window opens.

Click Proofing on the left side, then click AutoCorrect Options. The AutoCorrect dialog opens. In the Replace field, type a shortcut you will remember — for example, (deg) or deg. In the With field, paste or type the degree symbol (°).

Click Add, then OK twice to save. Now whenever you type your shortcut and press Space or Enter, Word replaces it with the degree symbol. This is the easiest method if you use the symbol regularly in temperature readings, angles, or coordinates.

Why the Alt code does not work on your laptop

Laptops without a dedicated numeric keypad cannot use the Alt + 0176 method because the number keys across the top of the keyboard do not register the same way to Windows. Even if your laptop has a Num Lock key, holding Alt and typing on the top row will not produce the degree symbol.

If your laptop has a numeric keypad built into the right side of the keyboard (usually with numbers printed in a second color on the letter keys), you can enable it with Num Lock and use the Alt code. Check your keyboard — if the letters M, U, I, O, P, J, K, L have small numbers printed on them, you have a hidden numeric keypad. Press Num Lock, then use Alt + 0176 on those keys.

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad at all, use the Insert menu or AutoCorrect method instead.

Copying and pasting the symbol

The simplest method if you only need the symbol once: copy it from this text — ° — and paste it into your document with Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac). This requires no memorization and works on any device.

You can also search online for "degree symbol," copy it from a search result, and paste it into Word. This is slower than the other methods but works as a backup if nothing else is available.

Common mistakes that prevent the symbol from appearing

The Alt code fails most often because the numeric keypad is not active. Check that Num Lock is turned on — there is usually a light on your keyboard that indicates this. Without Num Lock, the Alt code will not work.

Another common mistake is typing the code too slowly or releasing Alt before you finish typing all four numbers. Type 0176 quickly while holding Alt, then release Alt. If nothing appears, try again without pausing between the numbers.

On Mac, make sure you are holding Shift + Option together, not one at a time. If you press Shift first and then Option, the symbol will not appear. Both keys must be held down at the same time while you press 8.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the degree symbol in headers and footers?

Yes. The degree symbol works anywhere in Word — headers, footers, text boxes, and tables. Use whichever method you prefer (Alt code, Insert menu, or AutoCorrect) and the symbol will appear in the same way.

Does the degree symbol work in older versions of Word?

Yes. The Alt code, Insert menu, and AutoCorrect methods all work in Word 2010 and later. If you are using an older version, the Insert menu method is the most reliable.

What if I need the degree symbol but I am using Google Docs instead of Word?

In Google Docs, go to Insert at the top, click Special characters, search for "degree," and click the symbol to insert it. You can also use Ctrl + Cmd + U (Mac) or Ctrl + Shift + U (Windows) followed by 00B0 and Enter, though this varies by browser.

Can I make the degree symbol smaller or change its size?

Yes. After inserting the degree symbol, select it and use the font size dropdown in the toolbar to make it larger or smaller, just like any other character. You can also apply bold, italic, or color to it.

Why does my degree symbol look different from the one in my textbook?

Different fonts display the degree symbol slightly differently — some are larger, some smaller, some positioned higher or lower. If you need it to match a specific appearance, try changing your font or using a superscript number (like a small raised 0) instead, though the true degree symbol is more correct.