The fastest way: Alt code on Windows, Option key on Mac

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row), then release Alt. The ° symbol appears. This works in Word and most other programs.

On Mac, hold Option and press Shift + 8. Release both keys and the degree symbol appears. No numeric keypad needed.

These shortcuts work anywhere in your document — in the middle of text, in a table, in a header. They are faster than any menu route once you remember them.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type Alt + 0176 (using the numeric keypad) to insert a degree symbol instantly.
  • Mac users hold Option + Shift + 8 to type the degree symbol without opening any menus.
  • The Insert menu route works on both systems but takes more clicks: Insert > Special Character > search for "degree".
  • You can save a degree symbol as AutoCorrect so typing a shortcut like "(deg)" replaces it automatically.

Using the Insert menu if you do not have a numeric keypad

If you are on a laptop without a dedicated numeric keypad, the Alt code method may not work. Instead, go to the Insert tab at the top of Word, then click Symbol (on Mac, this is in the top menu under Insert).

A dropdown menu appears. Click More Symbols to open the full symbol dialog. In the search box, type "degree" and the ° symbol shows up immediately. Click it and then click Insert.

This route is slower than a keyboard shortcut, but it works on any computer and you do not need to memorize a code.

Setting up AutoCorrect to type degree symbols faster

If you type degree symbols often, you can teach Word to replace a short code with the symbol automatically. Go to File > Options (on Mac: Word > Preferences), then find AutoCorrect Options.

Click the AutoCorrect tab. In the "Replace" field, type something short like (deg) or degr. In the "With" field, paste or type the degree symbol (you can copy it from anywhere or insert it using one of the methods above). Click Add, then OK.

Now whenever you type (deg) followed by a space, Word replaces it with °. You can set up as many shortcuts as you want this way.

Typing degree symbols in temperatures and angles

The degree symbol is most common in temperature (72°F) and angle measurements (90°). In both cases, the symbol goes directly after the number with no space between them.

If you are writing temperatures regularly, AutoCorrect is worth the two-minute setup. You type "72(deg)" and Word converts it to "72°" instantly. The same works for angles: "45(deg)" becomes "45°".

Some style guides ask for a space before the F or C (72° F instead of 72°F), so check your document's requirements before you start. Once you know the format, AutoCorrect can handle it — just include the space in the "With" field when you set it up.

Why the Alt code does not work on some laptops

Laptops often combine the numeric keypad into the regular number row using the Fn key. If Alt + 0176 does not work, try holding Alt + Fn together while typing 0176 on the number row. Some laptops still will not respond — in that case, use the Insert menu or AutoCorrect instead.

If you use an external USB numeric keypad with your laptop, the Alt code method works normally. This is worth knowing if you type degree symbols constantly and find yourself frustrated with the laptop keyboard.

Copying and pasting a degree symbol

The simplest workaround if you cannot remember any shortcut: find a degree symbol anywhere online or in another document, select it, copy it (Ctrl + C on Windows, Cmd + C on Mac), then paste it into Word (Ctrl + V or Cmd + V) wherever you need it.

This is slow for one-off use, but if you are copying from a reference document or a previous version of your current file, it takes seconds. You can also keep a degree symbol in a text file on your desktop and paste from there whenever you need one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the degree symbol the same as a superscript zero?

No. A superscript zero is smaller and raised above the line. The degree symbol ° is a distinct character designed to sit on the baseline. They look similar but are not the same, and using the wrong one looks unprofessional in technical or scientific writing.

Can I type a degree symbol on my phone in Word Online?

On most phones, open the symbol keyboard (usually by holding down a key or tapping a special key), search for "degree", and tap it. Word Online on mobile is slower than the desktop version, so copy-paste from a notes app is often faster if you need the symbol more than once.

Why does my degree symbol sometimes turn into a question mark?

This usually means the document is saved in the wrong text format. Make sure your Word file is saved as .docx (the default) rather than .txt or .rtf. Plain text formats do not support special characters. Right-click the file, choose "Open with" > "Word", then save it as .docx.

Can I make a degree symbol in a Word table or header?

Yes. The Alt code and Option key shortcuts work anywhere in Word — inside tables, headers, footers, text boxes, and comments. The Insert menu method works everywhere too. Use whichever shortcut you prefer; the location does not matter.