The fastest way to type a degree symbol

The quickest method is to hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. The degree symbol (°) appears instantly. This works on Windows machines with a numeric keypad — laptops without one need a different approach.

On a Mac, hold Shift + Option and press 8. On a Windows laptop without a numeric keypad, use the Fn key: hold Alt + Fn and type 0176 using the number row at the top of the keyboard (not the numeric keypad). If neither of these works on your device, the Insert menu method below will work on any machine.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows desktop: Hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt to insert the degree symbol.
  • Mac: Hold Shift + Option and press 8 to type the degree symbol directly.
  • Windows laptop: Use Alt + Fn plus 0176 on the number row if your keyboard has no numeric keypad.
  • Word's Insert menu offers a Symbol dialog where you can search for and insert the degree symbol without memorizing codes.
  • You can save the degree symbol as an AutoCorrect entry so typing a shortcut like (deg) automatically replaces it with °.

Using Word's Insert menu when you don't remember the code

Open the Insert tab at the top of Word. Click Symbol on the right side of the ribbon, then select More Symbols from the dropdown menu. A dialog box opens showing available symbols.

Type 00B0 in the "Character code" field at the bottom right of the dialog. The degree symbol appears highlighted. Click Insert, then close the dialog. This method works the same way on Windows and Mac, and it requires no keyboard codes or special key combinations.

Setting up AutoCorrect for faster typing

If you type degree symbols often, you can create a shortcut that saves time across all your documents. Open File > Options (or Word > Preferences on Mac), then select Proofing and click AutoCorrect Options.

In the AutoCorrect dialog, go to the AutoCorrect tab. Type a shortcut in the "Replace" field — for example, (deg) — and paste the degree symbol in the "With" field. Click Add, then OK. Now whenever you type (deg) followed by a space, Word replaces it with °. This shortcut will work in every document you open in Word from that point forward.

Copying and pasting the symbol from elsewhere

If the keyboard codes don't work on your setup, you can copy the degree symbol from any source and paste it into Word. Search online for "degree symbol," select and copy it from the search results, then paste it into your document using Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac).

Once you have the symbol in your document, you can copy it again and reuse it throughout your work. This is slower than the other methods but works when technical codes fail or when you're on a device where keyboard shortcuts behave unpredictably. You can also save the symbol to a text file on your computer for quick access later.

Why the numeric keypad method doesn't work on some keyboards

Laptops and compact keyboards often lack a dedicated numeric keypad. The Alt + number method relies on that keypad specifically — using the number row at the top of the keyboard won't work without the Fn key. This is why the Alt + Fn combination exists on laptops: the Fn key activates the hidden numeric keypad function built into the number row.

If Alt + Fn + 0176 still doesn't work, your keyboard may not support this feature. In that case, use the Insert menu method or the AutoCorrect shortcut instead. Some gaming keyboards and specialty keyboards have different layouts that may not respond to these codes, so the Insert menu is the most reliable fallback.

Typing degree symbols in temperatures and measurements

When writing temperatures, place the degree symbol directly after the number with no space: 72°F or 22°C. In angle measurements, the same rule applies: 90°. Some style guides prefer a space before the unit letter, so check your document's style guide if you're writing for a specific publication or organization.

If you're writing many temperature or angle measurements, the AutoCorrect method saves the most time. Set up a shortcut like (f) that expands to °F so you type 72(f) and it becomes 72°F automatically. You can create separate shortcuts for Fahrenheit, Celsius, and plain degree symbols depending on what you use most often.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Alt + 0176 method work in other Microsoft programs?

Yes, the Alt + 0176 code works in Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and most other Windows applications. The Insert menu method also works across all Microsoft Office programs on both Windows and Mac.

What if I'm using Word on a Chromebook or iPad?

On a Chromebook, hold Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00b0, then press Space. On iPad, use the Insert menu: tap Insert > Special Characters (or Symbols depending on your version), search for "degree," and tap to insert it.

Can I make the degree symbol a keyboard shortcut in Word?

Yes, through AutoCorrect as described above. You can also assign a custom keyboard shortcut by opening File > Options > Customize Ribbon, clicking Keyboard Shortcuts, searching for the degree symbol in the Symbol category, and assigning your own key combination.

Why does my Alt + 0176 sometimes insert a different symbol?

This usually happens if Num Lock is off on your keyboard. Make sure the Num Lock light is on before trying the Alt code. Also, some keyboards in non-English layouts may interpret the code differently — if this happens, use the Insert menu method instead.