The degree symbol (°) on Windows, Mac, and Linux

The degree symbol does not have its own key on most keyboards, so you need a keyboard shortcut or a menu option. 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 and type u, then type 00b0 and press Space or Enter.

These shortcuts work in most programs — email, word processors, spreadsheets, web browsers, and text editors. The method depends on your operating system, not on the program you are using. If you type the degree symbol often, you can set up a text replacement so that typing a short code (like "deg") automatically expands to °.

Laptops without a dedicated numeric keypad require a different approach. On Windows laptops, you can use the Fn key to set up the numeric keypad layer on your regular number keys, or you can use the Character Map process instead. On Mac laptops, the Shift + Option + 8 shortcut works the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad to produce the degree symbol.
  • Mac users press Shift + Option + 8 to type the degree symbol without a numeric keypad.
  • Linux users hold Ctrl + Shift, type u, then type 00b0 to insert the degree symbol.
  • Text replacement tools let you create a shorthand code that expands to the degree symbol automatically in any program.
  • Laptops without numeric keypads can use the Fn key to unlock the numeric layer or use the operating system's character map tool.

Using Character Map on Windows

If you cannot use the numeric keypad shortcut, Windows includes a built-in Character Map process that displays every symbol your system can produce. Open the Start menu, search for "Character Map," and launch the process. In the search box at the bottom, type "degree" to find the symbol when ready.

Click the degree symbol in the grid to select it, then click the "Copy" button. The symbol is now in your clipboard and you can paste it into any program using Ctrl + V. This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works on any Windows machine without requiring you to remember a number code.

Using Special Characters on Mac

Mac offers a character viewer that works similarly to Windows Character Map. Press Control + Command + Space to open the emoji and character viewer. Search for "degree" in the search box at the top, and the degree symbol appears in the results. Click it once to insert it directly into the program you are using, or double-click to add it to your favorites for faster access later.

You can also add the degree symbol to your Mac's text replacement dictionary so that a short phrase expands to it automatically. Go to System Settings, select Keyboard, then Text Replacement. Click the plus button and type your shorthand in the "Replace" field (like "deg") and the degree symbol in the "With" field. From then on, typing "deg" followed by a space will automatically insert °.

Text Replacement for Frequent Use

If you type the degree symbol regularly — for temperature readings, angles, or geographic coordinates — setting up text replacement saves time. On Windows, you can use the built-in text replacement in Microsoft Word, or use a third-party tool like AutoHotkey to create system-wide shortcuts. On Mac, the native text replacement feature works across all applications once you set it up.

Choose a shorthand that is straightforward to remember but unlikely to appear in normal typing. Common choices are "deg," "dg," or "°°" (two symbols). Test your replacement in a few different programs to make sure it works consistently before relying on it for important documents.

Copying and Pasting the Symbol

The simplest method for occasional use is to copy the degree symbol from somewhere you have already typed it and paste it whenever you need it. Type or find a degree symbol once, select it, copy it with Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac), and keep it in your clipboard. You can then paste it into any document with Ctrl + V or Command + V.

You can also bookmark a webpage that displays the degree symbol, or keep a text file open with the symbol in it, so you can copy it quickly whenever you need it. This works in any program and requires no memorization of keyboard codes.

Using the Degree Symbol in Different Programs

Most programs handle the degree symbol the same way once you have typed it, but a few have special features. In Microsoft Word, you can use the Insert menu to access Symbols, where you can browse and insert the degree symbol directly. In Google Docs, the Insert menu also includes a Special Characters option that opens a character picker. In spreadsheet programs like Excel or Google Sheets, the degree symbol behaves like any other character and can be typed using your operating system's shortcut.

Web browsers and email clients accept the degree symbol without any special handling. If you are typing in a web form or email field, use whichever method works best for you — keyboard shortcut, character map, or copy-paste — and the symbol will appear normally.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your laptop likely does not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Try holding Fn while typing the numbers, or use Character Map instead. Some laptops require Fn + Alt + the number keys on the top row of your keyboard.

Can I use the degree symbol in file names?

Yes, the degree symbol works in file names on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Type it using your operating system's shortcut, and the file will save normally. Some older systems or network drives may have restrictions, but modern systems handle it without problems.

What if my keyboard is set to a different language layout?

The Alt + 0176 method on Windows and the Ctrl + Shift + u method on Linux work regardless of your keyboard layout, because they use the operating system's character input system rather than the keyboard layout itself. On Mac, Shift + Option + 8 may not work with all layouts — use the Character Viewer instead.

Is there a way to type the degree symbol on a phone or tablet?

On most phones, hold down the zero key (0) on the number pad and a menu of symbol options appears, including the degree symbol. On tablets with keyboards, use the same shortcuts as your operating system — Windows tablets use Alt + 0176, and iPad keyboards use Shift + Option + 8.

Can I create a keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol in programs like Photoshop or Illustrator?

Yes, both programs allow you to set custom keyboard shortcuts in their preferences. In Photoshop, go to Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts, and in Illustrator, go to Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts. Search for "degree" or "special character" to find the relevant command and assign your own shortcut.