The fastest way depends on your device

The degree symbol (°) is not on most keyboards, but you can type it in seconds using a keyboard shortcut, a menu, or a character code — whichever is fastest for your operating system. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together and press 8. On a Chromebook or phone, long-press the 0 key in the number row. Each method works every time once you know it.

If you use the degree symbol often — for temperatures, angles, or coordinates — you can set up a keyboard shortcut that types it automatically when you type a few letters. This saves time over the long run and works across all your programs.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row), then release Alt.
  • Mac users press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol in any program.
  • Chromebook users long-press the 0 key in the number row until a menu appears, then tap the degree symbol.
  • You can create a text shortcut in your operating system settings so typing "deg" automatically becomes °.
  • If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, use your operating system's character menu or copy-paste the symbol from this page.

Windows: Alt code method

On Windows, the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard holds the Alt code for the degree symbol. Make sure Num Lock is on — the light above the numeric keypad should be lit. If it is not, press Num Lock once to turn it on.

Hold down the Alt key with your left hand. While holding Alt, type 0176 on the numeric keypad using your right hand. The numbers must come from the keypad on the right, not the number row at the top of the keyboard. Release Alt, and the degree symbol appears. This works in Word, email, web browsers, and nearly every other program.

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad — common on laptops — use the Windows Character Map instead. Press the Windows key, type "Character Map", and open the app. Scroll to find the degree symbol, click it, click Copy, then paste it where you need it. You only have to do this once; after that, the symbol stays in your clipboard until you copy something else.

Mac: Keyboard shortcut

On Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 at the same time. This works in any program — email, web browsers, word processors, spreadsheets. The degree symbol appears when ready. If you are used to Windows Alt codes, this shortcut is faster because you do not have to remember a number.

If the shortcut does not work, check that you are using the Option key (next to the Command key) and not Alt. Some keyboards label it differently, but it is the same key. Press all three keys together: Shift, Option, and 8.

Chromebook and Android: Long-press the 0 key

On a Chromebook, open any text field — an email, a document, a search box. Tap and hold the 0 key in the number row at the top of the keyboard. A small menu pops up showing the degree symbol and other variations. Tap the degree symbol, and it appears in your text.

On an Android phone or tablet, the same method works. Long-press the 0 key in the keyboard that appears on screen, and the degree symbol menu shows up. This is the fastest way on mobile devices because you do not have to hunt through menus or remember codes.

iPhone and iPad: Use the character menu

On iPhone and iPad, the degree symbol is not available through a long-press menu like Android. Instead, open Settings, go to General, then Keyboard, then Text Replacement. Tap the plus sign to create a new shortcut. In the Phrase field, type the degree symbol (you can copy it from this page and paste it). In the Shortcut field, type something short like "deg". Now whenever you type "deg" and press space, it becomes °.

If you only need the degree symbol once, the faster route is to copy it from a web page. Open Safari or any browser, find a degree symbol online, long-press it, and tap Copy. Then paste it where you need it in your email or document.

Set up a text shortcut to type it automatically

If you type the degree symbol regularly, create a text shortcut in your operating system so a few keystrokes become the symbol automatically. On Windows, go to Settings, then System, then Clipboard, then Advanced. Scroll down to Suggested Actions and turn it on. Then go to Settings, Time & Language, Typing, Advanced Typing Options, and look for Text Suggestions. You can also use a third-party tool like AutoHotkey to create custom shortcuts.

On Mac, go to System Preferences, Keyboard, Text, and click the plus sign. In the Replace field, type "deg". In the With field, paste the degree symbol. Now whenever you type "deg" followed by a space, it becomes °. This works in Mail, Word, web browsers, and most other programs.

On Chromebook, go to Settings, Languages and Input, Input Method, and look for Text Correction. You can set up a shortcut there, though the long-press method is usually faster for occasional use.

Copy and paste if shortcuts do not work

If none of the shortcuts work on your device, the universal method is to copy the degree symbol and paste it. The symbol is here: °. Highlight it, copy it (Ctrl+C on Windows, Command+C on Mac), then paste it (Ctrl+V or Command+V) wherever you need it. This works on any device, in any program, and requires no memorization.

You can also bookmark a page with the degree symbol so you can find it quickly whenever you need it. Some people keep a text file with common symbols they use, open it when they need one, and copy from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most laptops do not have a separate numeric keypad. Instead, use the Windows Character Map app: press the Windows key, type "Character Map", open it, find the degree symbol, click Copy, then paste it where you need it. Alternatively, create a text shortcut in Settings so typing "deg" becomes ° automatically.

Does the Mac shortcut work in all programs?

Yes, Shift + Option + 8 works in Mail, Word, web browsers, Google Docs, and nearly every other program on Mac. If it does not work in a specific app, that app may have its own keyboard settings. Try the Character Viewer instead: press Control + Command + Space, search for "degree", and click the symbol to insert it.

Can I use the degree symbol on my phone without a shortcut?

Yes. On Android, long-press the 0 key and tap the degree symbol. On iPhone, copy the symbol from a web page and paste it. If you use it often, create a text shortcut in your phone's keyboard settings so typing a few letters becomes the symbol automatically.

What if I need the degree symbol in a web form and nothing works?

Copy the symbol from this page (°) and paste it directly into the form. If the form rejects it, the website may only accept typed characters. Contact the website's support to ask if they have a workaround, or try typing the word "degrees" instead if the form allows it.

Is there a keyboard shortcut that works on all devices?

No — each operating system has its own shortcut. Windows uses Alt + 0176, Mac uses Shift + Option + 8, and Chromebook uses long-press 0. The only method that works everywhere is copying and pasting the symbol itself.