The fastest way to add a degree symbol

The quickest method is to use the keyboard shortcut: hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. The degree symbol (°) will appear instantly. This works on Windows in Microsoft Word and most other programs.

If you are on a Mac, hold Shift + Option and press 8. On either system, you can also type the degree symbol once, then copy it from your document and paste it wherever you need it again — sometimes the fastest route after the first one.

If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad (common on laptops), the Alt code method will not work. Move to one of the other methods below instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type Alt + 0176 on the numeric keypad to insert a degree symbol instantly.
  • Mac users hold Shift + Option and press 8 to type the degree symbol.
  • Word's Insert menu lets you search for and insert the degree symbol without memorizing a code.
  • You can create a keyboard shortcut in Word so that typing a custom combination (like dg) automatically produces the degree symbol.

Using Word's Insert menu

Open the Insert tab at the top of Word. Click Symbol (on the far right of the ribbon), then click More Symbols. A dialog box opens showing hundreds of special characters.

In the search field at the bottom, type degree. The degree symbol appears in the list. Click it once to select it, then click Insert. The symbol is now in your document at the cursor position. Close the dialog when you are done.

This method is slower than the keyboard shortcut but works on any computer and does not require you to remember a code. It is also the most reliable way if you are unsure whether your keyboard supports Alt codes.

Creating a custom keyboard shortcut

If you type the degree symbol often, you can set up Word to insert it when you type a short combination like dg or deg. Open Insert > Symbol > More Symbols again and select the degree symbol.

Click the Shortcut Key button at the bottom left of the dialog. A new window appears. Click in the field under "Press new shortcut key" and type the combination you want — for example, Ctrl + Shift + D or just type dg if you want it to auto-replace. Click Assign, then Close.

From now on, whenever you type that combination in Word, the degree symbol appears. This shortcut only works in Word, not in other programs. If you want to remove it later, return to this same dialog and click Remove next to your shortcut.

Using AutoCorrect to replace text with the symbol

Another approach is to set up Word's AutoCorrect feature so that a simple text string becomes the degree symbol. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options.

In the Replace field, type something like (deg) or *deg* — anything you will not accidentally type in normal writing. In the With field, insert the degree symbol (you can copy it from your document or use Insert > Symbol to place it there). Click Add, then OK.

Now whenever you type (deg) followed by a space or punctuation, Word automatically replaces it with °. This method is useful if you prefer typing words over remembering key combinations, but be careful to choose a replacement string that will not conflict with real words you use.

Copying and pasting from the web

If none of the above methods work on your computer, you can copy the degree symbol from anywhere online and paste it into Word. Search for "degree symbol" in your browser, find one on the results page, select it, copy it (Ctrl + C or Cmd + C), then paste it into your Word document (Ctrl + V or Cmd + V).

Once you have pasted it once, you can keep it in a text file or a Word document as a reference and copy from there whenever you need it. This is not the fastest method, but it is reliable and requires no special knowledge of your keyboard layout.

When you need the degree symbol for temperature

If you are writing temperatures, the degree symbol goes directly after the number with no space: 72°F or 22°C. Some style guides prefer a space between the number and the F or C, so check your document's style guide if you are writing for a specific publication or organization.

In scientific writing, the Celsius symbol is sometimes written as °C and sometimes as just C, depending on the field. If you are unsure, check the guidelines for your field or publication. The degree symbol itself is the same in all cases — only the letter after it changes.

Troubleshooting when the symbol does not appear

If you typed Alt + 0176 and nothing happened, you may have used the number row instead of the numeric keypad. The numeric keypad is the separate set of number keys on the right side of most desktop keyboards. Laptop keyboards often do not have a numeric keypad, so the Alt code method will not work — use the Insert menu or Mac shortcut instead.

If the symbol appears as a box or a question mark, your font does not support the degree symbol. Change the font to something common like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, then try again. Most standard fonts include the degree symbol, but some decorative or specialized fonts do not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Alt + 0176 shortcut work on a laptop?

Not usually. Most laptops do not have a separate numeric keypad. If your laptop has a numeric keypad built into the letter keys (usually marked with small numbers), you may need to press a Fn key first to activate it. If your laptop has no numeric keypad at all, use the Insert menu or the Mac shortcut instead.

Can I use the degree symbol in a Google Doc or other online editor?

Yes. The Mac shortcut (Shift + Option + 8) works in most online editors. On Windows, try the Insert menu if Alt codes do not work. Google Docs also has its own Insert > Special Characters menu similar to Word's, where you can search for and insert the degree symbol.

What if I need the degree symbol but I am not in Word?

The Mac shortcut works in almost any program on a Mac. On Windows, Alt + 0176 works in most programs, but not all — some web browsers and online editors do not support it. The safest method anywhere is to copy the symbol from a web search and paste it where you need it.

Is there a difference between the degree symbol and the superscript zero?

Yes. The degree symbol (°) is a distinct character. A superscript zero (⁰) looks similar but is technically different and may not display correctly in all contexts. Always use the actual degree symbol, not a superscript zero, especially for temperatures or scientific notation.