The fastest way to type a degree symbol depends on your operating system

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8. On Linux, press Ctrl + Shift + U, then type 00B0 and press Enter. If your keyboard has no numeric keypad or you prefer not to memorize codes, every operating system also lets you copy and paste the symbol (°) or insert it from a character map.

The method you choose depends on whether you type degree symbols often, whether your keyboard has a numeric keypad, and which operating system you use. Below are the step-by-step instructions for each system, plus alternatives that work everywhere.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type the degree symbol by holding Alt and pressing 0176 on the numeric keypad, which works in most programs.
  • Mac users press Shift + Option + 8 to produce the degree symbol without needing a numeric keypad.
  • Linux users can type Ctrl + Shift + U followed by 00B0 and Enter to insert the degree symbol in most applications.
  • If keyboard shortcuts do not work in your program, you can copy the symbol (°) from this page or use your operating system's character map to insert it.
  • Laptops without a numeric keypad can use Fn + Alt + the number keys that have numeric labels, or switch to an alternative method.

Windows: Using the Alt code

The numeric keypad Alt code is the most reliable method on Windows. Make sure Num Lock is on (you should see a light on your keyboard), then hold down Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad. Release Alt and the degree symbol appears.

This works in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, email clients, text editors, and most other programs. If you are using a laptop without a numeric keypad, look for keys labeled with numbers in the upper right corner of your keyboard. Hold Fn (function key) and Alt together, then type the numbers. On some laptops, you may need to enable Num Lock first by pressing Fn + Num Lock or Fn + a key marked with a lock symbol.

If the Alt code does not work in your program, the program may not support it. Move to the copy-and-paste method or use the Character Map process instead.

Mac: Using the keyboard shortcut

On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol. This shortcut works in almost all Mac applications, including Mail, Pages, Google Docs, and web browsers. You do not need a numeric keypad.

If the shortcut does not produce a degree symbol, check that you are holding all three keys at once. Some older Mac keyboards or non-English keyboard layouts may behave differently. If you are using a non-English keyboard, you can still use the copy-and-paste method or open the Character Viewer by pressing Control + Command + Space, then searching for "degree" to insert it.

Linux: Using the Unicode input method

On most Linux distributions, press Ctrl + Shift + U, then type 00B0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol), and press Enter or Space. The symbol appears in place of the code you typed.

This method works in GNOME, KDE, and most other desktop environments, but some applications may not support Unicode input. If it does not work, try the copy-and-paste method instead. Some Linux users also find success with Compose key sequences, which vary by distribution and keyboard layout.

Copy and paste: Works on any system

The simplest method that works everywhere is to copy the degree symbol from somewhere and paste it where you need it. You can copy this symbol: °

Highlight the symbol above, copy it (Ctrl + C on Windows and Linux, Command + C on Mac), then paste it (Ctrl + V on Windows and Linux, Command + V on Mac) wherever you need it. This method works in every program and every operating system. If you type degree symbols often, you can keep a text file with the symbol saved so you can paste it quickly.

Using the Character Map or Character Viewer

Every operating system includes a built-in tool to find and insert special characters. On Windows, search for "Character Map" in the Start menu, open it, search for "degree", click the degree symbol, click Copy, then paste it where you need it. On Mac, press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer, search for "degree", double-click the symbol to insert it directly into your document. On Linux, the method varies by desktop environment, but GNOME includes a Characters process you can search for in your process menu.

This method is slower than keyboard shortcuts but works in every program and requires no memorization. It is useful if you need other special characters as well.

Troubleshooting when the symbol will not appear

If none of the keyboard methods work, the program you are using may not support them. Web browsers, email clients, and word processors almost always do, but some older or specialized programs may not. Try the copy-and-paste method first, as it works everywhere.

If Num Lock is off on Windows, the Alt code will not work — look for the Num Lock key (usually in the upper right of the numeric keypad) and press it to turn the light on. If you are on a laptop and the Alt code does not work even with Fn held down, your keyboard layout may not have a numeric keypad layer — use the copy-and-paste method instead. If you are typing in a web form and the symbol disappears after you submit, the website may not accept special characters in that field, which is a limitation of the website, not your keyboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I type a degree symbol in Google Docs?

Yes. On Windows, use Alt + 0176. On Mac, use Shift + Option + 8. On Linux, use Ctrl + Shift + U, then 00B0 and Enter. If none of these work, copy and paste the symbol directly into your document.

What if my keyboard does not have a numeric keypad?

Use the Mac shortcut (Shift + Option + 8), the Linux Unicode method (Ctrl + Shift + U + 00B0), or the copy-and-paste method. On Windows laptops, try holding Fn + Alt while typing the numbers, but if that does not work, copy and paste instead.

Is there a degree symbol on my keyboard I can just press?

No. The degree symbol is not printed on any standard keyboard key. You must use a keyboard shortcut, Alt code, Unicode input, or copy and paste.

Why does the Alt code not work in my program?

Some programs do not support Alt codes. Try the copy-and-paste method, which works in every program. You can also use your operating system's Character Map or Character Viewer to insert the symbol.

Can I set up a custom keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol?

Yes, but the method depends on your operating system and program. In Microsoft Word, you can use AutoCorrect to replace a shortcut like "deg" with the degree symbol. On Mac, you can create a text replacement in System Preferences. On Linux, you can configure your input method or use your desktop environment's keyboard settings. Check your program's preferences for a custom shortcuts or AutoCorrect option.