How to Type a Degree Symbol on Your Keyboard

Understanding the Degree Symbol and Why You Might Need It

The degree symbol (°) represents measurement in temperature, angles, and geographic coordinates. You'll see it used when discussing weather forecasts, mathematics problems, and location data. For example, water freezes at 32°F or 0°C, and angles are measured in degrees like 90° for a right angle. If you work in fields like science, engineering, geography, or education, you'll encounter this symbol regularly. Many people also use it when discussing weather in text messages, emails, or social media posts.

The degree symbol looks like a small circle positioned above the baseline of text. It's smaller than the letter "o" and appears as a superscript character. On most keyboards, this symbol doesn't have a dedicated key, which is why many people search for ways to type it. Understanding where to find it on your specific device—whether you use Windows, Mac, or mobile devices—saves time and frustration when you need to use it in documents, spreadsheets, or online communications.

Different platforms and programs have different methods for typing the degree symbol. A method that works on Windows might not work on a Mac. Similarly, typing it on your phone differs from typing it on a computer. Learning multiple methods gives you flexibility depending on which device or program you're using at any given time. This guide covers the most common and straightforward techniques across various platforms.

Practical Takeaway: The degree symbol is a standard character used in temperature, angle, and coordinate measurements. Knowing how to type it efficiently is useful whether you're writing professional documents, academic papers, or casual online messages.

Typing the Degree Symbol on Windows Computers

Windows computers offer several methods to type the degree symbol, with the Alt code method being the most straightforward. To use Alt codes, hold down the Alt key on your keyboard while typing 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top). After releasing the Alt key, the degree symbol (°) will appear. This method works in most Windows programs, including Microsoft Word, email clients, and web browsers. The numeric keypad is located on the right side of most full-size keyboards.

If you're using a laptop without a dedicated numeric keypad, you may need to use the Num Lock key to activate the number pad function on your regular keyboard. On many laptops, keys like U, I, O, P, J, K, L, and M double as numeric keypad keys when Num Lock is active. Look for small numbers printed on these keys. Once Num Lock is on, you can use the Alt+0176 code with these keys. Some laptops also have a separate Function key (Fn) you need to hold while pressing Num Lock.

Another Windows method uses the Character Map application. You can search for "Character Map" in your Windows search bar, open the application, and search for "degree" or scroll through the list to find the degree symbol. Click on it to select it, then click the "Copy" button. You can then paste it anywhere you need it using Ctrl+V. This method works on any Windows computer regardless of keyboard type.

A third option in Windows is to use AutoCorrect in Microsoft Word and similar programs. You can set up Word to automatically replace a specific text combination (like "deg" or "^o") with the degree symbol whenever you type it. To do this, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options, then set up your replacement text.

Practical Takeaway: Windows users have multiple options—the quickest is Alt+0176 on a numeric keypad, while laptop users can use Character Map or set up AutoCorrect for convenience.

Typing the Degree Symbol on Mac Computers

Mac computers have a simple keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol. Press Shift+Option+8 (the number 8 on the top row, not the numeric keypad), and the degree symbol (°) will appear. This shortcut works consistently across most Mac applications, including Pages, Microsoft Word, email programs, and web browsers. The Shift key is located on both sides of your Mac keyboard, and the Option key (which has an "⌥" symbol) is next to the Command key.

If you forget the keyboard shortcut, you can use the Character Viewer on your Mac. Open Spotlight by pressing Command+Space, type "Character Viewer," and press Enter. In the Character Viewer window, search for "degree" or look for it in the symbols section. When you find it, double-click to insert it into your document. This method is helpful if you occasionally need the symbol but don't use it frequently enough to memorize the shortcut.

Mac users can also create custom keyboard shortcuts through System Preferences. Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text, then click the plus (+) button to add a new replacement. Enter the degree symbol in the "Replace" field and your chosen text trigger (like "deg") in the "With" field. After setting this up, whenever you type your trigger text in most Mac applications, it will automatically replace it with the degree symbol.

Another approach for Mac users is to use the Keyboard Viewer, which shows your keyboard on screen and highlights available symbols. You can access this through System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources, then check "Show Input menu in menu bar." Click the Input menu and select "Show Keyboard Viewer" to see your keyboard layout and special characters available with different key combinations.

Practical Takeaway: Mac users can type the degree symbol quickly using Shift+Option+8, or use Character Viewer for occasional use without memorizing shortcuts.

Using the Degree Symbol on iPhones and iPads

On iPhones and iPads, typing the degree symbol is straightforward once you know where to find it. When you need to type temperature or angles on your iOS device, open the keyboard as normal. On the standard keyboard, look for the "123" button (or numbers button) and tap it to switch to the numbers and symbols keyboard. From there, tap the "#+=" button to access additional symbols. The degree symbol (°) should appear on this extended symbols keyboard. Tap it to insert it into your text.

If you use your iOS device frequently for typing temperatures or coordinates, you can add a text replacement to your keyboard settings. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement, then tap the plus (+) button in the upper right corner. Enter the degree symbol in the "Phrase" field (you can copy and paste it or find it on the symbols keyboard), and enter a trigger word like "deg" in the "Shortcut" field. After saving, whenever you type "deg" on your keyboard, it will offer the degree symbol as a suggestion or automatically replace it.

Another option on iOS devices is to use dictation. If your device has Siri enabled, you can tap the microphone icon on your keyboard and say "degree symbol" aloud. The device will often recognize this and insert the symbol for you. This method works particularly well if you're composing longer text and want to maintain your flow without stopping to navigate symbol keyboards.

Some third-party keyboards available on the App Store offer quick access to commonly used symbols, including the degree symbol. If you type symbols frequently, exploring these alternatives might improve your efficiency. Many also allow customization so you can prioritize the characters you use most often.

Practical Takeaway: iPhone and iPad users can access the degree symbol through the symbols keyboard, or set up a text replacement shortcut for faster repeated use.

Using the Degree Symbol on Android Phones and Tablets

Android devices provide access to the degree symbol through the standard keyboard interface. Open your keyboard by tapping a text field, then look for the "123" or numbers button to switch from letters to numbers and symbols. Depending on your keyboard app (Google Keyboard, Samsung Keyboard, or others), you may need to tap a second button like "#+=" or "symbols" to access the full symbol set. The degree symbol (°) is typically found among the common symbols on this extended keyboard. Tap it to insert it into your message or document.

If you use a specific keyboard app like Gboard (Google's keyboard), you can access symbols more quickly by long-pressing certain keys. For example, on some Android keyboards, long-pressing the zero (0) key or the letter O may reveal the degree symbol as an alternate option. The specific key varies by keyboard app, so experimenting with long-presses on number and letter