Degree Symbol Keyboard Shortcut — Type ° Instantly on Any Device

The degree symbol (°) is essential for writing temperatures, angles, and geographic coordinates. Whether you're typing a weather report, a math assignment, or a recipe, you need this symbol regularly. This guide shows you every keyboard shortcut and method to type the degree symbol on any device — Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, and in popular applications.

Quick Copy-Paste Degree Symbols

Copy any degree symbol below and paste it where you need it:

Degree Symbol Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows

Windows gives you several ways to type the degree symbol. The fastest method depends on whether you have a numeric keypad and which application you're using.

Alt Code Method (Numpad Required)

This is the most universal Windows method. Make sure Num Lock is on, then hold Alt and type the code on your numeric keypad:

Windows Emoji Picker (No Numpad Needed)

On Windows 10 and 11, press Win + . (Windows key + period) to open the emoji picker. Type "degree" in the search box and click the ° symbol. This works in any text field.

Without a Numpad (Laptops)

If your laptop doesn't have a numeric keypad, you have alternatives:

• Win + . — Open emoji picker, search "degree"
• Character Map: Press Win, type "Character Map", find °, copy it
• Fn + Alt + codes: Some laptops let you use Fn to simulate a numpad (check your laptop's manual)

Degree Symbol Keyboard Shortcuts for Mac

Mac makes the degree symbol easy with dedicated shortcuts:

Use Option + Shift + 8 for the proper degree symbol °. Don't confuse it with Option + K (a spacing diacritic) or Option + 0 (ordinal indicator). The difference matters in scientific and technical writing.

Degree Symbol on iPhone and iPad

iOS makes the degree symbol easy to find:

• Keyboard method: Tap the 123 key to switch to numbers, then tap and hold the 0 key. A popup appears with the ° symbol — slide your finger to select it
• Text replacement: Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement. Add "°" as the phrase and "deg" as the shortcut. Type "deg" + space anywhere and it auto-replaces
• Copy-paste: Copy ° from this page and paste it wherever you need

Degree Symbol on Android

Android keyboards have the degree symbol built in:

• Gboard: Tap ?123 to switch to numbers, then tap =\< to see more symbols. The ° is on the second symbols page. Alternatively, long-press the 0 key on the number pad
• Samsung Keyboard: Tap the Sym key, then find ° in the symbols panel
• Text shortcut: Add a personal dictionary entry — set "deg" to expand to "°"

Degree Symbol in Popular Applications

Degree Symbol in Microsoft Word

Word offers multiple ways to insert the degree symbol:

• Keyboard shortcut (Windows): Press Ctrl + @ then press Space. The @ is on the Shift+2 key
• Alt code: Hold Alt and type 0176 on the numpad
• AutoCorrect: Type (c) or (C) — no wait, that gives you ©. Instead, go to Insert > Symbol > More Symbols, find °, and set up an AutoCorrect entry
• Ribbon: Insert tab > Symbol > More Symbols > find ° in the list

Degree Symbol in Google Docs

In Google Docs, you can insert the degree symbol using these methods:

• Special Characters: Go to Insert > Special Characters, type "degree" in the search box, and click the ° symbol
• Keyboard shortcut: On Mac, use Option + Shift + 8. On Windows, use Alt + 0176
• Substitution: Go to Tools > Preferences > Substitutions. Add a rule that replaces "(deg)" with "°"

Degree Symbol in HTML

For web development, use these HTML entities to display the degree symbol:

• &deg; — Named entity, renders as °
• &#176; — Decimal entity, renders as °
• &#xB0; — Hex entity, renders as °

Example: 25°C displays as 25°C. For Fahrenheit, use 72°F which displays as 72°F.

Degree Symbol in Excel

In Excel, you can type the degree symbol in cells and formulas:

• Alt + 0176 — Insert ° in the selected cell
• In formulas: Use =CHAR(176) to return the degree symbol
• Custom number format: Right-click a cell > Format Cells > Custom. Enter 0.0"°" to append a degree symbol to numbers
• Formula example: =A1&CHAR(176)&"C" combines a number in A1 with °C

When to Use the Degree Symbol

• Temperature: 25°C, 72°F, or just 25°
• Angles in geometry: 90° angle, 180° rotation
• Coordinates: 40°42'N 74°0'W (latitude/longitude)
• Alcohol content: 40° proof
• Music: Diminished chord (C°)
• Medical: First-degree, second-degree burns

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't use the masculine ordinal indicator (º) instead of the degree sign (°). They look similar but are different characters
• Don't use the superscript letter O (ᵒ) — it's not a degree symbol either
• The ring above diacritic (˚) from Option + K on Mac is a spacing modifier, not a degree sign
• Always use the proper Unicode degree sign U+00B0 for technical and scientific writing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Alt code for the degree symbol?

The Alt code for ° is Alt + 0176 or Alt + 248. Both produce the same degree sign on Windows with Num Lock enabled.

How do I type the degree symbol on a Mac keyboard?

Press Option + Shift + 8 to type ° on a Mac. This shortcut works in every application. You can also use Ctrl + Cmd + Space to open the Character Viewer and search for "degree."

How do I type ° on my phone?

On iPhone, tap 123 to switch to numbers, then press and hold the 0 key — the ° appears in a popup. On Android, switch to the number/symbol keyboard and long-press 0 or look in the symbols panel.

What is the HTML code for the degree symbol?

The HTML named entity is &deg;. The decimal entity is &#176;. The hex entity is &#xB0;. All three render as °.