How to Type Degree Symbol (°) on Keyboard?
The degree symbol (°) is a small but important character that appears in many types of documents. It is commonly used when writing temperature values, angles in mathematics, geographical coordinates, and scientific measurements. For example, you might type 72°F, 90°, or 45° North. Although the symbol is frequently used, many people are unsure where to find it on a keyboard because there isn’t a dedicated key for it on most devices.
Whether you use a Windows PC, Mac, Chromebook, Android phone, iPhone, or work inside applications like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, there are several easy ways to insert the symbol in just a few seconds.
In this guide, you’ll learn step by step how to type the degree symbol (°) on different keyboards and operating systems.
How to Type Degree Symbol (°) on Keyboard?
You can type the degree symbol (°) on almost any device using a keyboard shortcut or the built-in symbol keyboard. On Windows, hold the Alt key and type 0176 or 248 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, press Option + Shift + 8. On Chromebook, press Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00B0, then press Enter or Space. On Android and iPhone, switch to the numbers and symbols keyboard, then tap the ° symbol.
These methods let you quickly insert the degree symbol into documents, emails, spreadsheets, and messages.
1: Type the Degree Symbol (°) on a Windows Keyboard
Step 1: Place the Cursor Where You Want the Symbol
Open the application where you want to insert the degree symbol. This could be Microsoft Word, Notepad, Excel, your web browser, or any text editor. Click exactly where the symbol should appear. For example, if you’re writing a temperature, type the number first, such as 25, and then position the cursor immediately after it.
Step 2: Make Sure Your Keyboard Has a Numeric Keypad
The most common Windows shortcut uses the numeric keypad, which is usually located on the right side of a full-size keyboard. This keypad is different from the number keys across the top of the keyboard. If you’re using a laptop, you may need to enable Num Lock before the numeric keypad becomes active.
If your laptop doesn’t include a numeric keypad, don’t worry. Windows offers other ways to insert the symbol, which are explained later in this guide.
Step 3: Hold the Alt Key
Press and hold the Alt key on your keyboard. Keep holding it while entering the required number. Do not release the key until you’ve finished typing the code.
Holding the Alt key tells Windows that you want to enter a special character instead of regular text.
Step 4: Type the Degree Symbol Alt Code
While continuing to hold the Alt key, type 0176 using the numeric keypad. On many systems, Alt + 248 also works.
After entering the complete number, release the Alt key. The degree symbol (°) will instantly appear where your cursor is located.
Step 5: Confirm That the Symbol Appears Correctly
Check your document to make sure the symbol has been inserted correctly. For example, you should now see 30°, 90°, or 180° instead of just the number.
If nothing appears, confirm that Num Lock is turned on and that you’re using the numeric keypad instead of the number keys above the letters. If your keyboard doesn’t have a numeric keypad, use one of the alternative methods described below.
2: Type the Degree Symbol (°) on a Mac Keyboard
Step 1: Open the Document or Application
Launch the application where you want to type the degree symbol. This can be Pages, Microsoft Word, Notes, TextEdit, Safari, or any other app that accepts text input.
Click where you want the symbol to appear before using the keyboard shortcut.
Step 2: Press the Keyboard Shortcut
Press Option + Shift + 8 at the same time.
Unlike Windows, macOS includes a direct shortcut for the degree symbol, making it one of the fastest ways to insert the character. As soon as you press the keys together, the symbol appears instantly without opening any additional menus.
Step 3: Continue Typing Your Text
After inserting the degree symbol, continue typing normally. For example, you can write 68°F, 180°, or 25°C without any extra formatting or adjustments.
3: Type the Degree Symbol (°) on a Chromebook
Step 1: Open the App Where You Want to Insert the Symbol
Open the document, email, or text field where you need the degree symbol. Click once to place the cursor in the correct location. If you’re typing a temperature or an angle, enter the number first and leave the cursor immediately after it.
Step 2: Open Unicode Input
Press Ctrl + Shift + U together. You’ll notice a small underlined u or a Unicode input prompt appear. This indicates that your Chromebook is ready to accept a Unicode character code.
Step 3: Enter the Unicode Code and Insert the Symbol
Type 00B0, then press Enter or Space. The Unicode code is automatically converted into the degree symbol (°). You can now continue typing as usual.
4: Type the Degree Symbol (°) on an Android Phone
Step 1: Open the Keyboard
Open any app that allows text input, such as Messages, Google Docs, Gmail, or a notes app. Tap inside the text field to bring up the on-screen keyboard.
Step 2: Switch to the Symbols Keyboard
Tap the 123 or ?123 key, depending on your keyboard app. This changes the keyboard from letters to numbers and symbols.
Step 3: Insert the Degree Symbol
Look for the degree symbol (°) on the symbols keyboard. On some Android keyboards, you may need to tap an additional symbols key to see more characters. Tap the ° symbol once, and it will immediately appear in your text.
5: Type the Degree Symbol (°) on an iPhone or iPad
Step 1: Open a Text Field
Launch any app where you can type, such as Notes, Messages, Mail, or Safari. Tap inside the text area to display the on-screen keyboard.
Step 2: Access the Number Keyboard
Tap the 123 key in the lower left corner of the keyboard. This displays numbers and commonly used symbols.
Step 3: Press and Hold the Zero Key
Touch and hold the 0 (zero) key for a moment. A small pop-up menu appears with the degree symbol (°). Without lifting your finger completely, slide to the symbol and release to insert it into your document or message.
6: Insert the Degree Symbol (°) in Microsoft Word
Step 1: Open Your Word Document
Launch Microsoft Word and click where you want the degree symbol to appear.
Step 2: Use the Insert Symbol Feature
Select the Insert tab, then click Symbol followed by More Symbols. A window containing many special characters will open.
Step 3: Select and Insert the Degree Symbol
Locate the degree symbol (°), click it once, and then select Insert. Close the Symbol window after inserting the character.
7: Insert the Degree Symbol (°) in Google Docs
Step 1: Open Google Docs
Open your document and place the cursor where the symbol should appear.
Step 2: Open the Special Characters Window
Click Insert, then select Special characters. A search window will appear with thousands of symbols.
Step 3: Search for the Degree Symbol
Type degree into the search box. Click the degree symbol (°) from the results, and it will be inserted into your document instantly.
FAQs
Where is the degree symbol on a standard keyboard?
Most keyboards do not have a dedicated degree symbol key. Instead, you can insert it using keyboard shortcuts, Unicode input, or the symbols keyboard available on your device.
Why doesn’t the Alt code work on my Windows laptop?
The Alt code method requires a numeric keypad. If your laptop doesn’t have one, use the Character Map, Microsoft Word’s Symbol feature, or copy and paste the symbol.
Can I copy and paste the degree symbol?
Yes. You can simply copy this symbol ° and paste it anywhere you need it. This is a quick solution if you only need to use it occasionally.
What is the Unicode for the degree symbol?
The Unicode value for the degree symbol is U+00B0. On a Chromebook, you can type 00B0 after pressing Ctrl + Shift + U to insert it.
Is the degree symbol the same as the letter “o”?
No. The degree symbol (°) is a special character and is different from the lowercase or uppercase letter O. Using the correct symbol makes temperatures, angles, and measurements accurate and professional.
Summary
Typing the degree symbol (°) is easier than it first appears. Every major device provides a quick way to insert it, whether through a keyboard shortcut, Unicode input, or the symbols keyboard. Windows users can rely on Alt codes, Mac users have a dedicated shortcut, Chromebook users can use the Unicode method, and mobile devices include the symbol within their built-in keyboards. You can also insert the symbol directly in applications like Microsoft Word and Google Docs using their built-in symbol tools.
Once you become familiar with the method for your device, adding the degree symbol (°) to temperatures, angles, and scientific values becomes fast, accurate, and effortless.