Whether you’re typing temperatures like 25°C, angles in geometry, or scientific measurements, the degree symbol (°) is a small but essential character. The good news? It’s easy to type once you know the right shortcut or method. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to type the degree symbol on your keyboard, no matter if you’re using Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu/Linux.
Let’s go over the quickest and most effective ways to insert the degree sign into your text.
What Is the Degree Symbol and When to Use It?
The degree symbol (°) represents degrees of temperature, angles, or geographic coordinates. It’s commonly used in:
- Weather reports: 30°C or 86°F
- Geometry: 90° angle
- Location data: 48° N, 16° E
It looks like a small raised circle, similar to a superscript “o”, but it has a unique Unicode character: U+00B0
How to Type the Degree Symbol on Windows
Method 1: Using Alt Code (Numeric Keypad)
- Ensure Num Lock is on
- Hold the Alt key
- Type 0176 using the numeric keypad
- Release the Alt key
- The degree symbol ° appears
✅ Example: 25°C
Works in most programs: Word, Excel, Notepad, browser fields
Method 2: Character Map Tool
- Open Start > Windows Accessories > Character Map
- Choose the “° Degree Sign” from the list
- Click Select > Copy
- Paste where needed
How to Type Degree Symbol on macOS
Typing the degree symbol on a Mac is super easy:
Shortcut:
Option + Shift + 8
✅ Result: °
Works in TextEdit, Pages, Word, Excel, and browser fields.
Alternative via Emoji & Symbols
- Press Control + Command + Space
- Type “degree” into the search bar
- Click on the ° symbol to insert it
Typing the Degree Symbol on Ubuntu (Linux)
Linux users have a handy Unicode method:
Method:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + U
- Type 00b0
- Press Enter or Space
✅ Result: °
Works in most Linux apps like LibreOffice, Gedit, Terminal, and even in browser text fields.
Copy and Paste the Degree Symbol
The quickest method if you don’t remember the shortcut:
° ← Copy this and paste it anywhere
This is great for occasional use, especially on shared or unfamiliar computers.
Degree Symbol in Word, Excel, and Google Docs
Microsoft Word:
- Go to Insert > Symbol > More Symbols
- Set subset to Latin-1 Supplement
- Select °, click Insert
Excel:
- Use
=CHAR(176)to generate the degree symbol - Or insert manually from the Symbol menu
Google Docs:
- Insert > Special Characters
- Search for “degree” and click to add
- Or use Alt + 0176 on Windows
Best Practices for Using the Degree Symbol
- No space between number and ° (e.g., 100°C ✅ not 100 °C ❌)
- Use non-breaking space if followed by a letter (e.g., 30° C)
- Always use the official character rather than a small “o” or superscript
FAQs about the Degree Symbol on Keyboard
What is the Alt code for the degree symbol?
It’s Alt + 0176 on Windows with the numeric keypad.
How do I type the degree symbol on Mac?
Press Option + Shift + 8.
What’s the Unicode for the degree sign?
The Unicode is U+00B0.
Can I insert it in Excel or Google Sheets?
Yes, using CHAR(176) in Excel or the special characters tool in Google Docs/Sheets.
Is there a difference between ° and ˚?
Yes, ° is the correct degree symbol. ˚ is a modifier letter, not standard.
How do I type the degree symbol on Linux?
Use Ctrl + Shift + U, then type 00b0 and press Enter.
Conclusion: Type ° Quickly Anywhere You Need It
The degree symbol might be tiny, but it’s a big part of clear and professional communication in science, weather, and math. Whether you’re writing a technical paper or a casual blog post, knowing how to insert ° makes your text cleaner and more accurate.
Now that you’ve learned how to type the degree symbol on any keyboard — Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu — you’ll never be left wondering again 🌡️
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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