The fastest way to add a degree symbol

The quickest method in Excel is to type the degree symbol directly using your keyboard. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, hold Shift and Option together and press 8. The degree symbol (°) will appear in the cell where your cursor is.

This Alt code method works in any cell, whether you are entering a temperature, an angle measurement, or a coordinate. The numeric keypad is essential on Windows — the number row at the top of your keyboard will not work for this code.

If you do not have a numeric keypad (common on laptops), you have other routes that work just as well, which we cover below.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type Alt+0176 on the numeric keypad to insert a degree symbol when ready.
  • Mac users hold Shift+Option and press 8 to type the degree symbol.
  • The Insert menu method works on any device and lets you search for the symbol by name.
  • You can create a custom keyboard shortcut in Excel so you never have to remember the code again.
  • Copying and pasting a degree symbol from another source takes seconds and requires no memorization.

Using the Insert menu when you have no numeric keypad

If your keyboard lacks a numeric keypad, use Excel's built-in symbol menu. Click the Insert tab at the top of the ribbon, then click Symbol (on newer versions of Excel, this may be labeled Special Character). A dialog box opens showing hundreds of available symbols.

Type degree in the search field at the bottom of the dialog, or scroll down until you find the degree symbol (°). Click it once to select it, then click Insert. The symbol appears in your cell at the cursor position. You can close the dialog and continue working.

This method is slower than the keyboard shortcut but works reliably on any computer, and you do not need to remember any codes. It is especially useful if you insert degree symbols only occasionally.

Setting up a custom keyboard shortcut

If you use the degree symbol regularly, create a custom shortcut so you never have to hunt for it. Open the Insert menu and click Symbol again. Find the degree symbol and select it, then look for a button labeled AutoCorrect near the bottom of the dialog.

Click AutoCorrect. A new dialog appears asking what text you want to replace. Type something short and unlikely to appear in your normal work — for example, :deg or dg:. Click Add, then OK. From now on, whenever you type that shortcut followed by a space, Excel automatically replaces it with the degree symbol.

This method takes a few minutes to set up once, but saves time if you work with temperatures, angles, or coordinates regularly. The shortcut works across all your Excel files.

Copying and pasting from another source

The simplest method if you are not comfortable with keyboard codes is to copy a degree symbol from somewhere else and paste it into Excel. Type the degree symbol into a search engine, find one in the results, select it, copy it (Ctrl+C on Windows, Command+C on Mac), then paste it into your Excel cell (Ctrl+V or Command+V).

Once you have pasted it once, you can copy that same cell and paste it into other cells where you need the symbol. This takes no memorization and works on any device, though it is slower than the other methods if you need the symbol many times.

Why the degree symbol matters in spreadsheets

Using the actual degree symbol (°) instead of typing the letter O or the number 0 makes your data clearer and more professional. When someone reads "98.6°F" they when ready understand it is a temperature; "98.6F" is ambiguous. The symbol also sorts and filters correctly in Excel, whereas text-based substitutes can cause problems.

If you are sharing your spreadsheet with others or presenting data, the proper symbol shows attention to detail. It also ensures that if someone else opens your file on a different computer, the data displays correctly without confusion.

Troubleshooting when the symbol does not appear

If you typed Alt+0176 on Windows and nothing happened, you likely used the number row instead of the numeric keypad. Look for a separate numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard, or check whether your laptop has a Num Lock key that activates a hidden numeric keypad (often overlaid on the letter keys). Press Num Lock to turn it on, then try the Alt code again.

If you are on a Mac and Shift+Option+8 does not work, check that you are using the correct keys. The Option key is next to the Command key. If the symbol still does not appear, use the Insert menu method instead — it works on every Mac.

If you pasted a degree symbol and it appears as a box or strange character, your font may not support the symbol. Try changing the cell font to a common one like Arial or Calibri, which include the degree symbol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the degree symbol in a formula?

Yes. You can include the degree symbol in text within a formula, such as =A1&"°" to add the symbol to a number. You can also type it directly in a cell that contains a formula result. The symbol behaves like any other character in Excel.

Does the degree symbol work the same way in Google Sheets?

The Alt code method works the same on Windows. On Mac, Google Sheets also uses Shift+Option+8. You can also use the Insert menu in Google Sheets by clicking Insert, then Special Characters, and searching for degree.

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

Set up the AutoCorrect shortcut described above — it is the fastest method for repeated use. Alternatively, create a helper column with the degree symbol in one cell, copy it, then paste it into other cells as needed.

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

Yes. The degree symbol (°) is a distinct character designed for temperatures and angles. A superscript zero (⁰) looks similar but is technically different and may not display correctly in all contexts. Always use the actual degree symbol for accuracy.