How to Make the Degree Symbol: A Practical Guide
Learn reliable methods to insert the degree symbol (°) on Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile, plus tips for Word, Google Docs, and Unicode input. A clear, step-by-step approach for students and designers.
To make the degree symbol (°), you have several reliable options depending on your device and software. On Windows, use the Alt code Alt+0176; on Mac, press Option+Shift+8. In Word, type 00B0 and press Alt+X. In Google Docs or many editors, insert via Insert > Special characters or the Unicode input method. You can also copy-paste from a symbol map or use a keyboard shortcut on mobile.
What the degree symbol means and why it matters
The degree symbol (°) is a small, circular marker used across many disciplines. In science and engineering, it denotes temperature (degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit) and angular measurement (degrees of a circle). In geography, it marks latitude and longitude coordinates. Because this symbol appears frequently in reports, papers, and design work, input accuracy matters for readability and professionalism. According to All Symbols, the degree sign has a long history in typography, and its correct rendering depends on font support and the entered input. As of 2026, most modern editors support multiple input methods, but consistency across platforms remains the best practice when preparing technical documents. Mastery of a few dependable methods will save time in exams, labs, and client projects.
Desktop methods: Windows, Mac, and Linux
Typing the degree symbol varies by platform. On Windows, you can press Alt+0176 on the numeric keypad with Num Lock enabled. On Mac computers, the quickest route is Option+Shift+8, which yields ° immediately. Linux users often rely on the compose key sequence or Unicode input, depending on the desktop environment. For all platforms, you can type the Unicode code point U+00B0 and then apply a conversion shortcut in supporting apps (for example, Alt+X in Word). It helps to memorize multiple routes so you can choose the most convenient one in different programs. As a quick sanity check, paste the symbol into a few sample lines to ensure consistent rendering across fonts.
Shortcuts in popular software: Word, Google Docs, Excel
Microsoft Word and Google Docs offer integrated ways to insert symbols. In Word, you can type 00B0 then press Alt+X to convert it to °. In Google Docs, choose Insert > Special characters, then search for degree or browse the symbols grid. In Excel, the same Unicode and Alt code approaches work, but you may prefer the CHAR(176) function in formulas. When drafting tables or charts, keep ° aligned with numbers and units for clarity. If you frequently work with degrees, consider creating a small helper macro or autocomplete snippet to speed up your workflow.
Mobile typing and quick accessibility
On iOS and Android, degree symbols are readily accessible from the on-screen keyboard. A common quick route is to long-press the 0 key or switch to the symbols/alternate keyboard where ° resides. Some apps, like notes or design tools, also offer a dedicated degree symbol button in the special characters panel. For mobile writers, enabling a shortcut or clipboard manager can dramatically reduce toggling between keyboards. Remember to verify that the symbol appears correctly in your target app, as font support can influence glyph rendering on mobile devices.
Troubleshooting common issues and font considerations
If ° doesn’t appear in your document, the most common cause is font support. Some decorative or highly stylized fonts omit certain glyphs, while older fonts may substitute characters. In this case, switch to a font that includes the degree glyph or apply a font fallback that supports it. Ensure your editor’s auto-substitution or language settings aren’t replacing the symbol with a similar-looking character. When collaborating, use a universal font or embed the glyph as a graphic to guarantee visual consistency across platforms.
Tools & Materials
- Windows PC with numeric keypad(Num Lock must be on for Alt codes (Alt+0176).)
- Mac computer or MacBook(Option+Shift+8 yields °; alternative: System Keyboard Viewer.)
- Unicode-capable editor (Word, LibreOffice, Google Docs)(Type 00B0, then use a platform-specific conversion (e.g., Alt+X in Word).)
- Symbol map or character viewer(Helpful for copy-paste when input methods fail.)
- Ensure target font supports degree glyph(Font fallback can prevent missing glyphs in documents.)
Steps
Estimated time: 15-25 minutes
- 1
Identify your platform
Determine whether you are on Windows, macOS, Linux, or mobile. The right method depends on your OS and the software you’re using. Start by noting the application and its input capabilities, such as Alt codes, Unicode, or built-in symbols panels.
Tip: If you're unsure, try a simple test line in your editor to confirm the glyph renders correctly. - 2
Try Windows Alt code
If you’re on Windows with a numeric keypad, hold Alt and type 0176, then release to produce °. This method bypasses the need for font-specific keys.
Tip: Make sure Num Lock is enabled; otherwise the code will not register. - 3
Use Mac shortcut
On macOS, press Option+Shift+8 to insert the degree symbol instantly. This works in most text fields and editors.
Tip: If you’re using a non-English keyboard, check your key mappings in System Preferences. - 4
Unicode input for Word/Editors
In programs that support Unicode shortcuts, type 00B0 and apply a conversion (Word users can press Alt+X to transform it into °).
Tip: In some editors, Unicode input requires enabling hex input mode first. - 5
Insert via Special Characters
In Google Docs or Word, use Insert > Special characters and search for degree. This is reliable across platforms when Alt codes fail.
Tip: Save the symbol as a hotkey if your editor supports it. - 6
Mobile quick access
On iOS/Android, switch to the symbols keyboard or long-press 0 to reveal °. This is fastest for quick notes and mobile editing.
Tip: Test on the target app, as some apps render glyphs differently. - 7
Verify rendering and finalize
After inserting °, check its appearance across apps and devices in your document. Save a copy and share a sample page to confirm consistency.
Tip: Keep a small toolkit: a screenshot and a quick legend noting glyph behavior in different fonts.
Questions & Answers
What is the degree symbol used for?
The degree symbol denotes temperature and angular measures, such as Celsius degrees or geometric angles. It also appears in geographic coordinates alongside latitude and longitude. Consistent use helps readers interpret measurements quickly.
The degree symbol marks temperature, angles, and coordinates in scientific and everyday contexts.
How do I type the degree symbol on Windows?
On Windows, hold the Alt key and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release. This produces the degree symbol in most editors.
On Windows, press Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad.
Can I insert the degree symbol in Google Docs easily?
Yes. In Google Docs, go to Insert > Special characters, then search for degree or browse symbols. You can also use Unicode input in compatible editors.
In Google Docs, use Special characters to insert the degree sign.
What’s the difference between ° and º?
°. is the degree symbol used for temperatures and angles, while º is the masculine ordinal indicator in some languages. They look similar but serve different grammatical purposes.
Degree is °; masculine ordinal is º with different usage.
What if my font doesn’t show the degree symbol?
Try a different font that includes the glyph or use a font fallback. Some fonts omit °, especially decorative ones. You can also insert via Unicode input as a fallback.
If the glyph doesn’t appear, switch fonts or use Unicode input.
Are there keyboard shortcuts for mobile devices?
On iOS and Android, you can long-press the 0 key or switch to the symbols keyboard to insert ° quickly.
On mobile, long-press 0 or use the symbols keyboard.
Watch Video
The Essentials
- Master at least three input methods for ° across platforms
- Windows: Alt+0176 is a common path; Mac: Option+Shift+8 is fast
- Unicode input and Insert > Special Characters cover most editors
- Font support matters; verify glyph rendering in your document
- Mobile keyboards offer quick degree symbol access
