How to Type the Degree Symbol: Quick Guide & Shortcut Keys

Entering the degree symbol is a surprisingly frequent requirement, whether you are drafting a detailed weather report, logging scientific measurements, or simply noting the temperature for a recipe. Despite its small size, this specific character often eludes users who rely solely on the standard alphanumeric keys. The good news is that accessing this symbol is a straightforward process, but the exact method depends entirely on the device and operating system you are using.

On desktop and laptop computers running Windows, the process is highly systematized and relies on specific key combinations designed for special characters. Users generally have two primary pathways to insert the symbol, one utilizing the numeric keypad and the other using the standard keyboard layout. These methods ensure precision and speed once the user becomes familiar with the required steps.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows

The most common method for Windows users involves a combination of the Alt key and a specific sequence of numbers. This technique requires your keyboard to have a dedicated numeric keypad, which is the distinct number block usually located on the far right of the keyboard.

Using the Alt Code

To generate the degree symbol using this method, you must ensure that the Num Lock indicator is active, typically signified by a light on the keyboard. With the cursor positioned where you want the symbol to appear, press and hold the Alt key, then sequentially type 0176 on the numeric keypad, and finally release the Alt key. The symbol (°) should immediately appear in your text.

Alternative Methods for Windows

For users with laptops that lack a separate numeric keypad, or for those who prefer menu-driven approaches, Windows offers a built-in tool to search and insert symbols. This interface provides a visual grid of all available characters, eliminating the need to memorize specific number codes.

Using the Character Map

Access the Character Map by pressing the Windows key, typing "Character Map" into the search bar, and selecting the application from the results. Once open, locate the degree symbol, click the Select button, then click Copy. You can then paste the symbol directly into your document or application using Ctrl + V.

Mac users enjoy a streamlined process that leverages the intuitive Option key, often referred to as the "Meta" key. Unlike the Windows method, this approach does not require memorizing numerical codes, relying instead on a logical letter-based pattern that corresponds to the symbol's visual representation.

Typing on macOS

To type the degree symbol on a Mac, place your cursor in the desired location and press Option + Shift + 8 simultaneously. This combination is designed to mimic the visual stacking of the numeral "8" and the degree ring, producing the symbol (°) instantly. This method works universally across nearly all applications, from Mail and Messages to Microsoft Word and web browsers.

While smartphones and tablets have made typing more portable, their compact touch keyboards can sometimes obscure common symbols. Fortunately, both iOS and Android provide intuitive pathways to the degree symbol, typically located within a dedicated numbers or symbols submenu.

Typing on Mobile Devices

On an iPhone or iPad, open the keyboard and switch to the numbers layout by tapping the "123" key. Then, tap the "+=<" key to access the symbols panel, where the degree symbol is prominently displayed. For Android users, the process is similar: tap the numbers layout, often indicated by a #+ key, and look for the symbol tab to find the degree character for your text.