The fastest way to type a degree symbol

The quickest method in Microsoft Word 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.

If you are on a Mac or using a laptop without a dedicated numeric keypad, this shortcut will not work. You will need one of the other methods below instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users with a numeric keypad can type Alt+0176 to insert a degree symbol in seconds.
  • Mac users should press Shift+Option+8 to type the degree symbol directly.
  • The Insert menu offers a Symbol dialog where you can search for and click the degree symbol without memorizing a code.
  • You can create a keyboard shortcut or AutoCorrect entry so Word automatically replaces a short code with the degree symbol every time you type it.
  • Copy-pasting a degree symbol from another source takes longer than any built-in method but works on any device.

Using the Insert menu for any device

The Symbol dialog works the same way on Windows and Mac, and does not require a numeric keypad. Click the Insert tab at the top of Word, then select Symbol (on Mac, it may say Special Characters). A window opens showing hundreds of characters.

Type "degree" in the search box at the top of the dialog. The degree symbol appears in the results. Click it once to select it, then click Insert. The symbol is placed wherever your cursor was in the document.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works reliably on any computer. If you use the degree symbol often, you can click AutoCorrect at the bottom of the Symbol dialog to set up a replacement — for example, making Word automatically change "deg" into "°" every time you type it.

Mac keyboard shortcut

On a Mac, press Shift+Option+8 to type the degree symbol. This is the native Mac shortcut and works in Word and most other applications.

If that combination does not work, open the Symbol dialog instead: click Insert at the top, then Special Characters, search for "degree", and click Insert.

Windows without a numeric keypad

Laptops and some desktop keyboards do not have a separate numeric keypad. The Alt+0176 shortcut will not work on these machines. Use the Insert menu method instead: click Insert, then Symbol, search for "degree", and click Insert.

Alternatively, you can enable the on-screen numeric keypad on Windows. Press the Windows key, type "on-screen keyboard", and open it. Click the Num Lock button to activate number-entry mode, then use Alt+0176 as normal. This is slower than the Insert menu but works if you prefer keyboard shortcuts.

Setting up AutoCorrect for repeated use

If you type the degree symbol regularly, create an AutoCorrect rule so Word replaces a short code automatically. Open the Symbol dialog (Insert > Symbol), click the degree symbol, then click AutoCorrect at the bottom left.

In the AutoCorrect dialog, type a short code in the Replace field — for example, "deg" or "°°". Type the degree symbol in the With field (it should already be there). Click Add, then OK. From now on, whenever you type your code and press Space or Enter, Word automatically replaces it with the degree symbol.

This setup takes a minute the first time but saves time if you use the symbol dozens of times in a document. You can create AutoCorrect entries for any symbol or phrase you type often.

Creating a custom keyboard shortcut

You can assign a custom keyboard shortcut to the degree symbol instead of using AutoCorrect. Open the Symbol dialog (Insert > Symbol), click the degree symbol, then click Shortcut Key at the bottom left.

A dialog appears asking you to press the key combination you want to use. Choose something you will remember and that does not conflict with Word's built-in shortcuts — for example, Ctrl+Shift+D. Press it, click Assign, then Close. The shortcut is now active in that document and any new documents you create.

Copy and paste from another source

If none of the above methods work, you can copy the degree symbol from any website or document and paste it into Word. Search online for "degree symbol", copy it from the search results, then paste it into your document using Ctrl+V (Windows) or Command+V (Mac).

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut or the Insert menu, but it works on any device and requires no setup. Once you have pasted it once, you can copy it from your own document the next time you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Alt+0176 not work on my Windows laptop?

Your keyboard probably does not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Laptops often combine the number row with letter keys instead. Use the Insert menu method (Insert > Symbol, search "degree", click Insert) or enable the on-screen numeric keypad in Windows settings.

Can I use the degree symbol in a document I will share with others?

Yes. The degree symbol is a standard character that displays correctly on any computer, phone, or tablet. It will not disappear or change when someone else opens your document.

What if I need to type 45° in the middle of a sentence?

Type the number first, then insert the degree symbol using any method above — keyboard shortcut, Insert menu, or AutoCorrect. If you set up AutoCorrect to replace "deg" with "°", you can type "45deg" and Word will automatically change it to "45°" when you press Space.

Does the degree symbol work in Word Online?

Yes, but the Insert menu path is slightly different. Click Insert, then Special Characters, search for "degree", and click it. The symbol inserts at your cursor. Keyboard shortcuts may not work in the browser version, so the Insert menu is the most reliable method.

Can I make Word automatically add a degree symbol after every number?

No, AutoCorrect works only when you type a specific code you define. You cannot make it trigger automatically after any number. You would need to type a code like "deg" after each number, or use the Insert menu each time.