How to Type the Degree Symbol on a Keyboard

How do you make a degree symbol on a keyboard?

The degree symbol, °, is a small but essential glyph used in science, math, temperatures, and geographic coordinates. For students, researchers, and designers, knowing multiple ways to insert ° saves time and prevents awkward typos. In this guide, produced by All Symbols, we explore platform-specific shortcuts, Unicode entry, and practical tips to ensure the symbol appears correctly in Word, code editors, spreadsheets, and on mobile keyboards. By mastering a few reliable keystrokes, you can type ° quickly without leaving the keyboard. The goal is to give you a toolkit you can pull out in class, lab, or on the go in 2026.

Below, you’ll learn the most reliable methods for Windows,

Windows: Alt codes and character map

Windows users often rely on the Alt code method because it works in most programs, including Word, Excel, and many code editors. The classic approach is Alt+0176 on the numeric keypad. If your laptop lacks a dedicated keypad, you can use the on-screen keyboard or enable a numeric keypad via the function keys. The Windows Character Map (charmap.exe) is another reliable route for finding ° and copying it into your document. While Alt codes are fast, they require Num Lock and a numeric keypad, which can be awkward on compact keyboards.

For best results, combine Alt+0176 with the on-screen keyboard on a laptop that lacks a numpad. This ensures you don’t stumble over mispresses and can place the symbol precisely where you need it.

Linux and alternative methods

Linux users often rely on Unicode input methods. A common approach is Ctrl+Shift+U, then type 00B0 and press Enter to render the symbol. Some desktop environments support a Compose key, which lets you type a sequence (like Compose then o then o) to generate °. If you prefer a GUI method, you can use the GNOME Character Map or KDE’s KCharacterSelector to copy and paste the symbol. These methods ensure you can type ° even in environments where Alt codes aren’t available.

For reliability in coding environments, the Unicode entry is a great fallback when Alt codes fail due to key remappings.

Mobile devices:

Troubleshooting common issues

If your degree symbol doesn’t appear where you expect, check a few common culprits. Ensure Num Lock is on for Windows Alt codes, and confirm you’re using the numeric keypad. Some apps override keyboard inputs, especially in code editors or web forms, so try a different program to verify the symbol renders correctly. In fonts that lack a full range of Unicode glyphs, ° may appear as a missing glyph box; switch to a font with complete symbol support or adjust your font settings. Finally, confirm you’re using the correct Unicode code point (00B0) when entering via Unicode methods.

Tips for accuracy and accessibility

• Use a standard, widely-supported font to ensure ° displays consistently.
• In documents with strict typography, insert ° at the character level rather than copying pre-formed images.
• If you frequently type degrees in equations, temperatures, or coordinates, create a simple macro or utility script for your OS to reduce keystrokes.
• For visually impaired users, remember that some screen readers announce the symbol as “degree” when read in context; place it clearly beside numbers to aid comprehension.

Practical examples and quick tips

• Temperature: 23°C can be typed quickly using the Windows Alt code or

Use cases across apps and workflows

• Word processors: Alt codes, Option+Shift+8, or Unicode methods work well in Word, Google Docs, and Pages.
• Spreadsheets: Degrees symbols in header cells or value columns behave like normal text, but ensure the font supports the glyph.
• Coding: Prefer Unicode entry or paste from a reliable source to avoid font substitution that could misrender the symbol in code comments and strings.
• Design software: When exporting to PDFs or vector formats, verify symbol rendering in the final document to preserve typography quality.