The fastest way to type a degree symbol

The degree symbol (°) does not have its own key on most keyboards, but you can type it in seconds using a keyboard shortcut. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, hold Shift + Option and press 8. On Chromebook, hold Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00b0, then press Space.

These shortcuts work in almost any program—email, documents, spreadsheets, web forms. The symbol appears when ready where your cursor is positioned. If the shortcut does not work, your keyboard layout or program settings may be different, but the alternative methods below will work everywhere.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type the degree symbol by holding Alt and pressing 0176 on the numeric keypad, then releasing Alt.
  • Mac users hold Shift + Option and press 8 to produce the degree symbol.
  • Chromebook users hold Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00b0, then press Space.
  • If keyboard shortcuts do not work, you can copy and paste the symbol from a web search or use your operating system's character map tool.
  • The degree symbol works in any program—email, documents, spreadsheets, and web forms—as long as your cursor is in a text field.

Windows: Using the numeric keypad shortcut

The numeric keypad is the set of number keys on the right side of most full-size keyboards. If your keyboard does not have a separate numeric keypad (common on laptops), you may need to enable Num Lock first. Look for a key labeled Num Lock or Fn + Num Lock and press it until the light turns on.

Once Num Lock is on, hold down the Alt key with your left hand. While holding Alt, use your right hand to type 0176 on the numeric keypad—not the number row at the top of the keyboard. Release Alt, and the degree symbol appears. This works in Word, email, browsers, and most other programs.

If nothing appears, check that Num Lock is on and that you are using the numeric keypad, not the top number row. Some laptop keyboards require you to hold Fn while typing the numbers. If you still have trouble, try the copy-and-paste method below.

Mac: Using Shift + Option + 8

On Mac keyboards, the Option key is usually labeled ⌥ and sits next to the Command key. Hold Shift and Option together, then press the number 8. Release all three keys, and the degree symbol appears when ready.

This shortcut works the same way in every Mac program—Mail, Pages, Google Docs, web browsers, and spreadsheets. If the symbol does not appear, make sure you are pressing the number 8 (not the asterisk above it) and that you are holding both Shift and Option at the same time.

Chromebook: Using Ctrl + Shift + U

Chromebooks use a different method because they do not have a numeric keypad. Hold Ctrl + Shift + U together. While holding these keys, type 00b0 (the letter b followed by zero). Then release the keys and press Space. The degree symbol appears where your cursor is.

This method works in most Chromebook programs, including Google Docs, Gmail, and web forms. If it does not work, your Chromebook may have a different keyboard layout or language setting. In that case, use the copy-and-paste method instead.

Copy and paste: Works on any device

If keyboard shortcuts do not work on your device, you can copy the degree symbol from anywhere online and paste it into your document. Open a web browser and search for "degree symbol" or "°". When you see the symbol in the search results, click on it to select it, then press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac) to copy it.

Go to the document or email where you need the symbol, click to position your cursor, and press Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac) to paste. The symbol appears when ready. You can also copy the symbol from this article and paste it into your work.

Using the character map (Windows)

Windows includes a built-in tool called Character Map that lets you find and copy any symbol. Press the Windows key, type charmap, and press Enter. The Character Map window opens.

In the search box at the bottom, type degree. The degree symbol appears in the grid above. Click on it to select it, then click the Copy button. Go to your document, click where you need the symbol, and paste it using Ctrl + V. This method works even if your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad.

Using the emoji and symbols menu (Mac)

Mac has a built-in symbols menu. In any text field, press Ctrl + Command + Space to open the emoji and symbols panel. A window appears with thousands of symbols organized by category.

Type degree in the search box at the top. The degree symbol appears in the results. Click on it, and it inserts into your document at the cursor position. This method works in Mail, Pages, Google Docs, and most other Mac programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Alt + 0176 not work on my Windows laptop?

Laptops often do not have a separate numeric keypad. Try holding Fn + Alt while typing the numbers, or enable Num Lock first by pressing Fn + Num Lock. If that does not work, use Character Map or copy and paste instead.

Can I use the degree symbol in spreadsheets like Excel?

Yes. The keyboard shortcuts work exactly the same way in Excel, Google Sheets, and other spreadsheets. Click on the cell where you want the symbol, then use your operating system's shortcut (Alt + 0176 on Windows, Shift + Option + 8 on Mac, or Ctrl + Shift + U + 00b0 on Chromebook).

What if I need to type many degree symbols in one document?

Use the keyboard shortcut each time—it is faster than copy and paste once you memorize it. Alternatively, type the symbol once, copy it, and paste it multiple times. Some word processors let you create a keyboard shortcut or autocorrect rule so that typing something like "deg" automatically becomes the degree symbol.

Does the degree symbol work in web forms and email?

Yes. The symbol works in Gmail, Outlook, web forms, social media, and any text field on the internet. Use the same keyboard shortcut or copy-and-paste method you would use in any other program.

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

Yes. The degree symbol (°) is a single character designed to look like a small circle. A superscript zero is the number 0 made smaller and raised above the line. They look similar but are different characters. Use the degree symbol for temperatures and angles.