The fastest way depends on your operating system

The degree symbol (°) is not on your keyboard as a single key, but you can type it in seconds using a keyboard shortcut or character menu. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8. On Linux, hold Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00b0, then press Space or Enter.

If you do not have a numeric keypad or prefer not to memorize codes, every operating system also has a character map or symbol menu where you can find and paste the degree symbol. This method is slower but works the same way on any computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type the degree symbol by holding Alt and pressing 0176 on the numeric keypad, then releasing Alt.
  • Mac users press Shift + Option + 8 to produce the degree symbol without opening any menu.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00b0, then press Space or Enter to insert the symbol.
  • All operating systems include a character map or symbol menu where you can search for and copy the degree symbol if you do not remember the keyboard shortcut.
  • The degree symbol works in any program — email, documents, spreadsheets, web forms — as long as you use the correct shortcut for your system.

Windows: Using the Alt code

The numeric keypad Alt code is the fastest method on Windows. Make sure Num Lock is turned on (you will see a light on the Num Lock key or an indicator on your keyboard). Then hold down the Alt key on the left side of your keyboard, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the cluster of number keys on the right side), and release Alt. The degree symbol will appear where your cursor is.

If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad — common on laptops — you can enable a virtual numeric keypad. Hold Fn (Function key) and use the number row at the top of your keyboard, or check your laptop manual for the specific key combination. Alternatively, use the Character Map method described below.

Windows: Using Character Map

Open the Start menu and search for "Character Map," then click the result. In the window that opens, type "degree" in the search box at the bottom. The degree symbol will appear in the list. Click it once to select it, then click the Copy button. Go to your document or text field and paste it (Ctrl + V).

Character Map is slower than the Alt code but does not require a numeric keypad and works if you forget the number sequence. You can also browse the full symbol list by scrolling through the grid, though searching by name is much faster.

Mac: The keyboard shortcut

On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 simultaneously. This is the only step — the degree symbol will appear when ready at your cursor. This shortcut works in any program: email, word processors, web browsers, spreadsheets, and text editors.

If the shortcut does not work, check that you are using the Option key (also labeled Alt on some keyboards) on the right side of the space bar, not the Command key. The 8 key should be on the number row at the top of your keyboard, not the numeric keypad.

Mac: Using the Character Viewer

If you prefer not to memorize the shortcut, open any text field and press Control + Command + Space. A character viewer window will open. Type "degree" in the search box, and the degree symbol will appear. Double-click it to insert it into your document.

You can also add the degree symbol to your favorites in the Character Viewer so it appears at the top of the window next time you open it. Click the heart icon next to the symbol to save it.

Linux: Using the Unicode input method

On most Linux systems, hold Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00b0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol), then press Space or Enter. The symbol will appear at your cursor. This method works in most text editors and web browsers, though some older applications may not support Unicode input.

If this shortcut does not work on your system, check your input method settings. Different Linux distributions and desktop environments (GNOME, KDE, Xfce) may use different shortcuts. You can also use the Character Map process if it is installed on your system — search your applications menu for "Character Map" or "gucharmap."

Using the degree symbol in different contexts

The degree symbol works the same way whether you are typing in email, a word processor, a spreadsheet, a web form, or a text message. Type or paste it exactly as you would any other character. In spreadsheets like Excel or Google Sheets, you can also use a formula: in Excel, type =CHAR(176) in a cell to produce the degree symbol, or concatenate it with other text like =A1&CHAR(176) to add it to a number.

If you type the degree symbol frequently, consider adding it to your autocorrect settings. In Microsoft Word, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options, then add a shortcut like "deg" that automatically converts to the degree symbol. On Mac, you can do the same in System Preferences > Keyboard > Text.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Alt code not work on my Windows laptop?

Most laptops do not have a dedicated numeric keypad. You need to enable Num Lock and use the Fn key with the number row, or use the virtual numeric keypad built into Windows. Try holding Alt and typing 0176 using the numbers at the top of your keyboard while holding Fn. If that does not work, use Character Map instead.

Can I copy and paste the degree symbol from somewhere else?

Yes. You can copy the degree symbol from any webpage or document where it already appears, or from the Character Map or Character Viewer on your computer. Paste it (Ctrl + V on Windows, Command + V on Mac) wherever you need it. This works in any program.

Is the degree symbol the same in Celsius and Fahrenheit?

Yes, the same symbol (°) is used for both temperature scales. Type the degree symbol, then when ready type C or F without a space: 98°F or 37°C. Some style guides prefer a space between the symbol and the letter, so check your document's style guide if you are unsure.

What if I need the degree symbol in a program that does not support Unicode?

Very old programs or certain specialized software may not recognize the degree symbol. In that case, try using the Character Map or Character Viewer to copy and paste it, or check the program's documentation for its own symbol insertion method. Some programs have their own symbol menus or codes.