The fastest way to type a degree symbol

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. These are the quickest routes if your keyboard has the keys to support them.

If you do not have a numeric keypad — common on laptops — the Windows Alt code will not work. In that case, use the character map tool or copy-paste method instead. The method you choose depends on what keyboard you have and how often you need the symbol.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users with a numeric keypad can type the degree symbol when ready using Alt + 0176.
  • Mac users press Shift + Option + 8 to produce the degree symbol without any number codes.
  • Laptop users without a numeric keypad can use Windows Character Map or copy the symbol from another source.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00b0, then press Space to insert the symbol.
  • If keyboard shortcuts do not work, copying and pasting the symbol (°) from a web search is the simplest fallback.

Windows: using Alt codes on a desktop keyboard

The Alt code method works on any Windows computer with a numeric keypad. Position your cursor where you want the degree symbol to appear. Hold down the Alt key on the left side of your keyboard, then type 0176 using only the numbers on the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard. Release Alt, and the degree symbol appears.

The numeric keypad is the block of number keys to the right of the main keyboard on most desktop setups. Laptop keyboards rarely have a dedicated numeric keypad, so this method will not work on most laptops unless you connect an external keyboard with a numeric pad. If your laptop has Fn keys, you may be able to enable a numeric keypad overlay, but the Alt code method is usually not reliable on laptops.

Windows: using Character Map for laptops

If you do not have a numeric keypad, open the Windows Character Map tool. Press the Windows key, type charmap, and open the Character Map process. In the search field at the bottom, type degree to find the symbol. Click on the degree symbol in the list, then click Copy. Go back to your document and paste it where you need it.

Character Map is built into Windows and requires no installation. This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works on any Windows machine, including laptops. You can keep Character Map open while you work if you need the symbol multiple times.

Mac: the keyboard shortcut

On Mac, the degree symbol shortcut is straightforward. Press Shift + Option + 8 simultaneously. The degree symbol appears when ready at your cursor. This works on all Mac keyboards, including MacBook laptops, because Mac does not rely on a numeric keypad for this symbol.

If the shortcut does not work, check that you are using the correct keys. The Option key is also labeled Alt on some Mac keyboards. Make sure Caps Lock is off, as it can interfere with some keyboard shortcuts. If you still have trouble, you can open the Mac Character Viewer by pressing Control + Command + Space, search for "degree", and double-click the symbol to insert it.

Linux: using the Unicode input method

On Linux, hold Ctrl + Shift + U together, then type 00b0 (the Unicode code for the degree symbol), then press Space or Enter. The degree symbol appears at your cursor. This method works in most Linux text editors and applications that support Unicode input.

If this shortcut does not work, your system may have Unicode input disabled. You can also open your system's character map tool — usually called Character Map or similar — search for "degree", and copy the symbol to paste into your document. The exact name and location of this tool varies by Linux distribution.

Copy and paste: the universal method

If keyboard shortcuts are not working or you cannot remember them, the simplest approach is to copy and paste. Search for "degree symbol" in your web browser, find the symbol (°), right-click it, and select Copy. Go to your document, position your cursor, and paste using Ctrl + V (Windows or Linux) or Command + V (Mac).

You can also copy the symbol from this article itself and paste it into a text file on your computer for future use. Once you have it saved, you can open that file, copy the symbol, and paste it wherever you need it. This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works on any device with a web browser and a text editor.

When to use each method

Use the Alt code method on Windows desktops if you have a numeric keypad and type the symbol regularly — it is the fastest once you memorize the code. Use the Mac shortcut if you work on a Mac, since it is equally fast and works on all Mac keyboards. Use Character Map or the copy-paste method if you do not have a numeric keypad, do not remember the shortcut, or only need the symbol occasionally.

If you type the degree symbol often in your work — for example, writing about temperature or angles — memorizing the shortcut for your operating system saves time. If you use it rarely, keeping a text file with the symbol copied into it is practical and requires no memorization.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most laptops do not have a dedicated numeric keypad. The Alt code method requires the numeric keypad on the right side of a desktop keyboard. On a laptop, use Character Map instead, or copy and paste the symbol from a web search.

Can I create a keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol on Windows?

Yes. Open Character Map, find the degree symbol, copy it, then open Notepad. Paste the symbol and save the file. You can also use third-party keyboard customization software to assign the symbol to a custom key combination, though this requires additional setup.

Does the degree symbol work in all programs?

The degree symbol works in most text editors, word processors, and web browsers. Some older or specialized software may not display it correctly, but this is rare. If a program does not show the symbol, try copying and pasting it instead of using a keyboard shortcut.

What if I need to type other special symbols?

Character Map (Windows), Character Viewer (Mac), or your system's character map tool (Linux) all let you search for and copy any special symbol. You can also search for "Unicode [symbol name]" online to find the code for almost any character.