The fastest way to type a degree symbol

In Microsoft Word, hold Ctrl and press Shift, then type O (the letter, not zero). Release all keys. The degree symbol (°) will appear where your cursor was. This works on Windows machines running Word 2010 and later.

On a Mac, hold Shift and Option together, then press 8. The degree symbol appears immediately. This method works in Word for Mac 2011 and newer versions.

Both shortcuts work inside any text box, table cell, or comment in Word. They also work in most other Microsoft Office programs, including Excel and PowerPoint.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users type Ctrl + Shift + O to insert a degree symbol without opening any menus.
  • Mac users hold Shift + Option and press 8 to type the degree symbol directly.
  • The Insert menu offers an alternative route if you forget the keyboard shortcut.
  • You can save a degree symbol as an AutoCorrect entry so a short code expands to ° automatically.
  • The degree symbol works in headers, footers, tables, and text boxes the same way as regular text.

Using the Insert menu when you don't remember the shortcut

Click the Insert tab at the top of Word. In the ribbon, find the Symbol button (usually on the right side of the Insert tab). Click it, then select More Symbols from the dropdown menu.

A dialog box opens showing available symbols. In the search field at the bottom, type degree or scroll down until you see the degree symbol (°). Click it once to select it, then click the Insert button. Close the dialog when you're done.

This method is slower than the keyboard shortcut but works if you're unsure of the exact key combination. Word remembers recently used symbols, so the degree symbol may appear in the main Symbol dropdown the next time you need it.

Setting up AutoCorrect for repeated use

If you type the degree symbol often, you can create a shortcut that expands automatically. Go to File, then Options, then Proofing, then AutoCorrect Options.

In the AutoCorrect dialog, find the Replace tab. In the "Replace" field, type a short code like deg. In the "With" field, insert the degree symbol (use Ctrl + Shift + O on Windows or Shift + Option + 8 on Mac). Click Add, then OK.

Now whenever you type deg followed by a space or punctuation mark, Word automatically replaces it with °. You can use any short code you remember — degree, dg, or ° itself all work. This saves time if you write temperatures, angles, or geographic coordinates regularly.

Typing the degree symbol in different Word locations

The keyboard shortcut works the same way everywhere in Word: in the main document, inside text boxes, in headers and footers, in table cells, and in comments. Position your cursor where you want the symbol, use Ctrl + Shift + O (Windows) or Shift + Option + 8 (Mac), and the symbol appears.

If you're working in a table and the shortcut doesn't seem to work, make sure you're actually inside a cell and not selecting the entire table. Click once inside the cell where you want the symbol, then use the shortcut.

Why the degree symbol matters for specific writing

The degree symbol is essential when writing temperatures (72°F or 22°C), angles in geometry (a 90° angle), or geographic coordinates (40°N latitude). Using the actual symbol instead of typing the letter O makes your document look professional and ensures the meaning is clear.

Some fields, like science and engineering, expect the proper degree symbol in formal documents. Using it correctly also helps if your document will be converted to PDF or printed, since the symbol displays consistently across different devices and printers.

Copying and pasting if you need it once

If you only need the degree symbol once and don't want to remember a shortcut, you can copy it from anywhere it already exists. If you have a previous document with the symbol, open it, select the degree symbol, and copy it (Ctrl + C on Windows, Command + C on Mac). Then paste it into your current document (Ctrl + V or Command + V).

You can also copy the symbol from this text: °. Highlight it, copy it, and paste it into Word. This method takes longer than using a keyboard shortcut but requires no memorization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the keyboard shortcut work in all versions of Word?

Ctrl + Shift + O works in Word 2010 and later on Windows. On Mac, Shift + Option + 8 works in Word 2011 and newer. If you're using an older version, the Insert menu method will work instead.

What if the shortcut types something else on my keyboard?

Some keyboard layouts or language settings change what Ctrl + Shift + O produces. If this happens, use the Insert menu method instead, or set up an AutoCorrect entry with a code you choose yourself.

Can I use the degree symbol in headers and footers?

Yes. Double-click the header or footer area to edit it, then use the same keyboard shortcut or Insert menu method. The symbol works exactly the same way as in the main document.

Will the degree symbol stay correct if I convert my document to PDF?

Yes. The degree symbol is a standard character and displays correctly in PDF, email, and most other formats. It won't change to a different character or disappear.

Is there a way to type the degree symbol on a laptop keyboard?

Yes, the same shortcuts work on laptop keyboards. On Windows laptops, use Ctrl + Shift + O. On Mac laptops, use Shift + Option + 8. If your laptop doesn't have a number pad, these shortcuts still work because they use the regular number row at the top of the keyboard.