The fastest way depends on what you're using

The degree symbol (°) appears differently depending on whether you're on Windows, Mac, or a phone. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8. On iPhone, hold down the 0 key until the degree symbol appears. On Android, long-press the 0 key or access it through your keyboard's symbol menu. Each method takes about two seconds once you know it.

If you don't have a numeric keypad — common on laptops — Windows offers a character map tool or you can copy and paste the symbol from anywhere you've already typed it. Phones are usually fastest because the symbol sits directly on the number key.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad; laptops without a keypad can use the Character Map tool instead.
  • Mac users press Shift + Option + 8 to produce the degree symbol instantly.
  • iPhone users long-press the 0 key to reveal the degree symbol without opening a menu.
  • Android users long-press 0 or swipe to the symbols tab, depending on which keyboard app they have installed.
  • You can also copy the symbol from anywhere and paste it into new documents, which works across all devices.

Windows: Alt code and Character Map

The Alt code method works on any Windows computer with a numeric keypad. Hold down the Alt key, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top), then release Alt. The degree symbol appears instantly. This works in Word, email, web forms, and most text fields.

If your laptop has no numeric keypad, use the Character Map tool instead. Press Windows key + R, type charmap, and press Enter. Search for "degree" or scroll to find the ° symbol. Click it, then click Copy. Paste it into your document with Ctrl + V. This takes longer but works everywhere the Alt code does.

Mac: Shift + Option + 8

Mac has the shortest keyboard shortcut. Press Shift + Option + 8 simultaneously. The degree symbol appears right where your cursor is. This works in all Mac applications — Mail, Pages, web browsers, text editors, and form fields.

If you forget the shortcut, you can also open Spotlight (Command + Space), type "degree", and copy the symbol from the search results. This is slower but useful if you only need it once.

iPhone: Long-press the 0 key

On iPhone, open any app where you can type — Messages, Mail, Notes, or a web form. Tap the number key to show the number pad, then long-press (press and hold) the 0 key. A small menu pops up showing the degree symbol. Tap it to insert it.

This method works in all text fields on iPhone, including search boxes and password fields. The symbol appears instantly without needing to switch keyboards or remember a code.

Android: Long-press 0 or use the symbols tab

Android keyboards vary by manufacturer and app, but most follow one of two patterns. On Google's Gboard keyboard, long-press the 0 key and the degree symbol appears in a popup menu. On Samsung's keyboard, you may need to tap the ?123 button to switch to the symbols tab, then find the degree symbol there.

If neither method works, check your keyboard's settings or help menu — some keyboards hide the symbol under a separate symbols or special characters tab. Once you find it, you can usually long-press it to add it to your favorites for faster access next time.

Copy and paste: Works everywhere

If you're stuck or switching between devices, the simplest method is to type the degree symbol once using any method above, then copy it. Select the symbol, press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac), then paste it with Ctrl + V or Command + V whenever you need it. On phones, long-press the symbol and tap Copy, then long-press where you want it and tap Paste.

This approach works across all devices and all applications. You only need to remember how to type it once, then you can reuse it forever. Many people keep a note with commonly used symbols saved for quick copying.

When you can't find the symbol

Some older or specialized keyboards don't have a degree symbol option. In that case, you can type the word "degrees" and let your spell-checker or autocorrect replace it — many email and word processing programs support this. You can also type a superscript o (o raised above the line) as a visual substitute, though it's not the true symbol.

If you're filling out a form that requires the degree symbol and your keyboard won't produce it, try copying the symbol from another source on the same page or from a search result, then pasting it in. If the form still rejects it, contact the form's creator — some older systems don't accept the symbol even when typed correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't Alt + 0176 work on my Windows laptop?

Your laptop likely has no numeric keypad. Use the Character Map tool instead: press Windows key + R, type charmap, find the degree symbol, and copy it. Alternatively, some laptops let you use Fn + Alt + 0176, or you can enable a numeric keypad overlay in your keyboard settings.

Can I use the degree symbol in passwords or usernames?

Most websites and apps accept the degree symbol in passwords, but some older systems reject special characters. Test it when you create your password. If it doesn't work, try a different character or contact the website's support. Usernames are more restrictive and often reject the degree symbol entirely.

Is there a way to make the degree symbol appear automatically when I type "deg"?

Yes, through autocorrect or text replacement. On Mac, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text and add "deg" as the shortcut and ° as the replacement. On Windows, most word processors have autocorrect settings where you can do the same. On phones, check your keyboard app's settings for text replacement or shortcuts.

What's the difference between the degree symbol and a superscript o?

The degree symbol (°) is a single character designed for temperatures and angles. A superscript o is the letter o raised above the line. They look similar but are different characters. Most style guides and scientific writing require the true degree symbol, not a superscript o.

Can I copy the degree symbol from Google and use it anywhere?

Yes. Search for "degree symbol" on Google, copy the ° from the search results, and paste it into any document, email, or form field. This works on all devices and is often faster than remembering keyboard shortcuts, especially if you only need it occasionally.