If you’re tracking temperature data, writing angles, or doing any science or math reporting, you’ll eventually need to insert the degree symbol (°) in your Excel spreadsheet 🌡️. Luckily, Excel offers multiple ways to insert the degree sign, whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu/Linux. In this quick and easy guide, you’ll learn how to insert the degree symbol in Excel using keyboard shortcuts, formulas, symbols, and even custom number formats ⌨️.
🎯 Why Use the Degree Symbol in Excel?
The degree symbol is commonly used for:
- 🌡️ Temperature values (e.g., 100°C or 32°F)
- 📐 Angles in geometry or trigonometry (e.g., 90°, 45°)
- 🌍 Geographic coordinates (e.g., 50° N, 8° E)
Without the degree symbol, data can appear incomplete or unprofessional. Including it enhances clarity, precision, and visual appeal 💡.
✅ Keyboard Shortcuts to Insert Degree Symbol in Excel
| System | Shortcut Method | Output |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Alt + 0176 (on numeric keypad) | ° |
| macOS | Shift + Option + 8 | ° |
| Ubuntu/Linux | Ctrl + Shift + U, then type 00B0, press Enter | ° |
📌 Important: On Windows, make sure Num Lock is enabled to use the numeric keypad.
🧩 Method 1: Insert Degree Symbol Using CHAR Function
You can insert the degree symbol in Excel with a formula:
="25"&CHAR(176)&"C"
✅ Output: 25°C
Use this in labels, concatenated results, or any formula where you need to add the symbol dynamically 🎯.
🧩 Method 2: Insert from Excel Symbol Menu
- Click on the cell where you want the symbol
- Go to Insert > Symbol
- In the Symbol dialog box:
- Set Font to
(normal text) - Set Subset to Latin-1 Supplement
- Select Degree Symbol (°)
- Set Font to
- Click Insert and then Close
✅ You’ll see the degree symbol appear in the selected cell ✨
🧩 Method 3: Add Degree Symbol with Custom Number Formatting
If you want to show values like 45° without typing the symbol every time:
- Select the cells you want to format
- Press
Ctrl + 1(Windows) orCmd + 1(Mac) - Go to the Number tab
- Choose Custom
- Enter a format like:
0°
✅ Now when you type 45, it displays as 45° (value remains numeric for calculations) 🎉
⌨️ Additional Excel Shortcuts for Speed
| Action | Windows | macOS | Ubuntu/Linux (LibreOffice) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insert function | Shift + F3 | Shift + F3 | Ctrl + F2 |
| Auto-fill down | Ctrl + D | Cmd + D | Ctrl + D |
| Open format cells | Ctrl + 1 | Cmd + 1 | Ctrl + 1 |
| Enter current date | Ctrl + ; | Cmd + ; | Ctrl + ; |
| Type ° symbol | Alt + 0176 | Shift + Option + 8 | Ctrl + Shift + U, 00B0 |
🧯 Common Issues & Fixes
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
Alt + 0176 not working | Make sure Num Lock is on and use the numeric keypad |
| Degree symbol not visible | Use a font that supports special characters (e.g., Arial) |
| CHAR(176) shows numbers | Ensure cell format is General or Text |
| Custom format doesn’t apply | Confirm you’re using the correct syntax: 0° |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I insert the degree symbol in Excel on Windows?
Use Alt + 0176 on the numeric keypad, or use CHAR(176) in a formula.
What’s the Mac shortcut for the degree symbol in Excel?
Press Shift + Option + 8 to type °.
Can I automate the degree symbol in calculated cells?
Yes! Use ="Angle: "&A1&CHAR(176) to combine dynamic data and the symbol.
How do I show numbers with ° automatically?
Use custom number formatting like 0° in the Format Cells menu.
Does the degree symbol work in Excel Online or mobile?
Yes — you can copy-paste ° directly, or use Unicode-compatible methods.
✅ Conclusion: Insert Degree Symbol in Excel Like a Pro
Whether you’re calculating angles, charting weather, or labeling data, knowing how to add the degree symbol in Excel ensures clarity and professionalism 🌡️. With keyboard shortcuts for Windows, Mac, and Ubuntu/Linux, as well as formulas and formatting tricks, you have everything you need to use ° like a spreadsheet master.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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