The degree symbol (°) is essential for communicating temperature, geographic coordinates, and geometric angles. While common, it is not a dedicated key on most standard keyboards. For a quick answer, Windows users can hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, while macOS users can press Option + Shift + 8.

This article provides the most efficient methods for inserting the degree sign across Windows, Mac, mobile devices, and professional software environments.

Quick Reference for Common Platforms

Platform Primary Shortcut Alternative Method
Windows Alt + 0176 (Numeric Pad) Win + . (Period)
macOS Option + Shift + 8 Option + K
iOS / Android Long-press "0" (Zero) Symbols Keyboard
Chromebook Ctrl + Shift + U, then 00B0 Unicode Input
Microsoft Word Ctrl + @, then Space Alt + 0176

How to Type the Degree Symbol on Windows

Windows offers several ways to input special characters depending on your hardware configuration and the specific version of the OS you are using.

Using the Alt Code (Numeric Keypad Required)

The Alt code is the most reliable method across all Windows applications, provided you have a dedicated 10-key numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard.

  1. Turn on Num Lock.
  2. Press and hold the Alt key.
  3. Type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the numbers above the letters will not work).
  4. Release the Alt key, and the symbol ° will appear.

For Laptops Without a Numeric Keypad

Modern laptops often lack the numeric pad. In this case, use the Windows Emoji and Symbol Panel:

  1. Place your cursor where you want the symbol.
  2. Press the Windows Key + . (period) or Windows Key + ; (semicolon).
  3. Click on the Omega (Ω) icon to open the Symbols tab.
  4. Locate the degree symbol in the "General Punctuation" or "Mathematical Symbols" section and click it.

Using the Character Map

If you need to ensure you are using the correct Unicode character (U+00B0), the Character Map is a useful built-in tool.

  1. Press the Windows Key, type "Character Map," and press Enter.
  2. Check the "Advanced view" box.
  3. Search for "degree" in the search field.
  4. Select the degree symbol, click Select, and then Copy.
  5. Paste (Ctrl + V) it into your document.

How to Type the Degree Symbol on macOS

Apple makes it remarkably easy to type the degree symbol with a system-wide keyboard shortcut that works in everything from Safari to Final Cut Pro.

The Standard Keyboard Shortcut

The most common way to type a degree sign on a Mac is:

  • Option + Shift + 8

This produces the standard degree symbol (°). Note that Option + K also produces a similar-looking symbol, but it is often slightly different in size depending on the font. Stick to Option + Shift + 8 for scientific and professional documents.

Using the Character Viewer

If you prefer a visual menu or need related symbols like Celsius (℃) or Fahrenheit (℉):

  1. Press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer.
  2. Type "degree" in the search bar.
  3. Double-click the symbol to insert it at your cursor location.

Typing the Degree Symbol on Mobile Devices

Mobile keyboards for iOS and Android have hidden the degree symbol under the number keys to save space.

iOS (iPhone and iPad)

  1. Open your keyboard and tap the 123 button to see numbers.
  2. Find the 0 (zero) key.
  3. Press and hold the zero key.
  4. A pop-up bubble will appear with the degree symbol (°).
  5. Slide your finger over to the symbol and release.

Android (Gboard and Samsung Keyboard)

  1. Switch to the numeric/symbol keyboard by tapping ?123.
  2. Locate the degree symbol directly (it is usually on the second page of symbols, accessible via the =< key).
  3. Alternatively, on many Android keyboards like Gboard, you can long-press the 0 (zero) key just like on iOS to find the shortcut.

Advanced Methods for Chromebook and Linux

Both Chromebooks and Linux distributions use Unicode input methods, which are more technical but highly reliable.

Chromebook (ChromeOS)

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + U.
  2. An underlined "u" will appear.
  3. Type 00B0 (the hex code for the degree sign).
  4. Press Enter.

Linux (GNOME/Ubuntu)

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + U.
  2. Type B0.
  3. Press Enter or Spacebar.

Typing the Degree Symbol in Professional Software

Some applications have their own internal logic for handling symbols, which can override or supplement system-wide shortcuts.

Microsoft Word and Outlook

Word features several "hidden" shortcuts for technical symbols:

  • The Shortcut Key: Press Ctrl + @ (which is Ctrl + Shift + 2), then release and press the Spacebar.
  • Unicode Conversion: Type 00B0 and immediately press Alt + X. Word will convert the code into the degree symbol.
  • The Ribbon Menu: Go to Insert > Symbol > More Symbols. Under the "Latin-1 Supplement" subset, you will find the degree sign.

Google Docs

  1. Click Insert in the top menu.
  2. Select Special characters.
  3. Type "degree" into the search box or draw a small circle in the drawing pad.
  4. Click the symbol to insert it.

Formatting and Style Rules for the Degree Symbol

In professional writing, especially in scientific and academic fields, how you place the degree symbol matters as much as how you type it.

Temperature Notation

According to the International System of Units (SI) and the NIST Guide for the Use of the International System of Units:

  • Celsius and Fahrenheit: There should be a space between the numerical value and the degree symbol followed by the letter.
    • Correct: 25 °C
    • Incorrect: 25°C or 25 ° C
  • Kelvin: Kelvin does not use the degree symbol. It is simply "K".
    • Correct: 298 K
    • Incorrect: 298 °K

Angles in Mathematics

When used to denote angles in geometry or trigonometry, the spacing rule changes.

  • Angles: There should be no space between the number and the degree symbol.
    • Correct: A 90° angle.
    • Incorrect: A 90 ° angle.

Common Technical Issues and Troubleshooting

Sometimes, the symbol you type might look correct but behave strangely in different fonts or web browsers.

The "Masculine Ordinal" Confusion

A common mistake on Windows or Mac is accidentally typing the "Masculine Ordinal Indicator" (º) instead of the degree symbol (°).

  • Degree Symbol (U+00B0): Used for math and temperature.
  • Masculine Ordinal (U+00BA): Used in Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian for abbreviations (e.g., 1º for "primero"). While they look similar, the masculine ordinal often has an underline in certain fonts and may cause issues with screen readers or data processing. Always ensure you are using Alt + 0176 on Windows to get the correct character.

Alt Code Not Working

If Alt + 0176 fails to produce a symbol, check the following:

  1. Num Lock: Ensure it is toggled ON.
  2. Keyboard Layout: Some international keyboard layouts remap Alt keys. Try the left Alt key specifically.
  3. Application Support: Some web-based applications do not support Alt codes. In these cases, use the Copy & Paste method or the Windows Emoji Panel.

Summary

Typing the degree symbol is a matter of knowing the right shortcut for your specific hardware. For desktop users, memorizing Alt + 0176 (Windows) or Option + Shift + 8 (Mac) is the most efficient long-term solution. Mobile users can rely on the intuitive long-press of the zero key. By following the SI spacing standards for temperature and angles, you ensure that your technical writing remains professional and accurate across all platforms.

FAQ

What is the Alt code for the degree symbol? The Alt code for the degree symbol is 0176. You must hold the Alt key and type these numbers on the numeric keypad.

How do I type degrees on a laptop without a number pad? Use the shortcut Windows Key + . (period) to open the symbol menu, or use the Character Map app. On a Mac laptop, the standard Option + Shift + 8 shortcut works regardless of a number pad.

Why is there no degree symbol on my keyboard? To keep keyboard designs clean and compact, manufacturers omit symbols that aren't used in everyday typing. These characters are instead tucked away in the "Alt" or "Option" layers of the keyboard software.

Is there a difference between the Celsius symbol and the degree symbol? Yes. The degree symbol (°) is a standalone character (U+00B0). There is also a specific Unicode character for "Degrees Celsius" (℃, U+2103), which combines the symbol and the letter 'C'. However, in most professional contexts, it is preferred to type the degree symbol followed by a capital 'C'.

Can I just copy and paste the degree symbol? Yes. If you cannot remember the shortcut, you can highlight the symbol here: °, copy it (Ctrl+C), and paste it (Ctrl+V) wherever you need it.