The fastest way to type a degree symbol

On a Windows PC, the quickest method is to hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. The degree symbol (°) will appear when ready. This works in almost every Windows program—email, Word, browsers, text editors, spreadsheets.

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad (common on laptops), use the Num Lock key to set up the number pad built into your letter keys, usually marked in blue or another color. Once Num Lock is on, the Alt+0176 method works the same way.

The numeric keypad method is reliable because it uses a character code that Windows recognizes across all programs. You do not need special software or settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt to produce the degree symbol (°).
  • On laptops without a dedicated numeric keypad, press Num Lock first to set up the number pad hidden in your letter keys.
  • The Alt code method works in Word, email, browsers, and most other Windows programs without any setup.
  • If Alt codes do not work, your program may require you to use the Character Map tool or copy-paste from another source.
  • For temperature notation, type the number, then the degree symbol, then the letter (for example: 72°F or 22°C).

Using the Character Map tool when Alt codes do not work

Some programs do not respond to Alt codes. If Alt+0176 produces nothing, open the Character Map tool built into Windows. Press the Windows key, type "character map," and open the app.

In Character Map, search for "degree" in the search box at the bottom. Click the degree symbol when it appears, then click Copy. Switch back to your program and paste it with Ctrl+V. You can paste the same symbol repeatedly without reopening Character Map.

This method is slower than Alt codes but works everywhere, including older programs and web forms that block keyboard shortcuts.

Copy and paste from a reference source

The simplest method for one-time use is to copy the symbol from somewhere you know it exists. Search "degree symbol" in your browser, find one in the results, highlight it, and copy it with Ctrl+C. Then paste it into your document with Ctrl+V.

You can also keep a text file open with the degree symbol saved in it, then copy from that file whenever you need it. This avoids searching every time.

This method is practical if you only need the symbol occasionally and do not want to remember the Alt code.

Typing the degree symbol in Microsoft Word

Word offers a dedicated menu for special characters. Click the Insert tab at the top, then click Symbol on the right side of the ribbon. A dropdown menu appears—click More Symbols at the bottom.

In the Symbol dialog box, type "00B0" in the Character code field at the bottom right. The degree symbol appears when ready. Click Insert, then close the dialog. The symbol is now in your document.

Alternatively, the Alt+0176 method works directly in Word without opening any menus, making it faster once you memorize the code.

Using the degree symbol in temperature and angle measurements

When writing temperature, type the number first, then the degree symbol, then the unit letter with no space between them: 72°F or 22°C. For angles, use the same format: 90° or 45°.

In scientific or technical writing, check your style guide—some require a space between the number and the symbol, while others do not. Most modern style guides (including AP and Chicago) place the symbol directly after the number with no space.

If you type temperatures or angles frequently, save the degree symbol in a text file or use Word's AutoCorrect feature to replace a shortcut (like "deg") with the symbol automatically.

Setting up AutoCorrect in Word for faster typing

If you type the degree symbol often, teach Word to insert it automatically. Click File, then Options, then Proofing, then AutoCorrect Options.

In the AutoCorrect dialog, type a shortcut in the Replace field (for example, "deg" or "°°"). Click in the With field, then paste or type the degree symbol. Click Add, then OK. Now whenever you type your shortcut followed by a space, Word replaces it with the degree symbol.

This method saves time if you use the symbol multiple times per document. The shortcut you choose should be something you would never type by accident.

Troubleshooting when the degree symbol does not appear

If Alt+0176 produces nothing, check that Num Lock is on—look for the Num Lock indicator light on your keyboard, usually near the top right. If it is off, press Num Lock and try again.

If Num Lock is on and the code still does not work, your program may be blocking Alt key combinations. Try the Character Map method instead, or copy-paste the symbol from your browser. Some web-based programs (like Google Docs) do not respond to Alt codes but accept pasted text.

If you are using a non-English keyboard layout, Alt codes may produce different characters. Switch to English (US) layout in your Windows language settings, then try Alt+0176 again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Alt+0176 not work on my laptop?

Most laptops do not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Press Num Lock (usually Fn+Num Lock or Fn+F11) to set up the hidden number pad in your letter keys, then try Alt+0176 again. The Num Lock light should turn on when activated.

Can I type the degree symbol on a Mac?

This guide covers Windows PCs only. On a Mac, hold Shift+Option and press 8 to produce the degree symbol. The method is different because Mac keyboards use a different character code system.

What is the difference between the degree symbol and the superscript zero?

The degree symbol (°) is a single character designed for temperature and angles. A superscript zero is the number 0 formatted smaller and raised above the line. They look similar but are not the same. Use Alt+0176 for the true degree symbol.

Does the Alt code work in Google Docs or other online programs?

Alt codes often do not work in web-based programs like Google Docs or Gmail. Use the copy-paste method instead: search for the degree symbol in your browser, copy it, and paste it into your document. Google Docs also has an Insert menu with special characters.

Can I create a keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol?

In Word, use AutoCorrect (File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options) to replace a shortcut like "deg" with the degree symbol. In other programs, you may need third-party keyboard remapping software. The Alt+0176 method is usually faster than setting up custom shortcuts.