How to type the degree symbol (°) on Windows, Mac and phone

The degree symbol (°) is a commonly used symbol for temperature (e.g. 25°C), angles (e.g. 90°) and geographic coordinates. Unfortunately, this character isn't on your keyboard by default. In this article you'll learn all the ways to type the degree symbol on different devices and programs. Looking for reliable web hosting? At Theory7 you get fast SSD hosting with 24/7 support. Check out our web hosting plans.

Typing the degree symbol on Windows

There are two easy methods to type the degree symbol on Windows:

Method 1: Alt code (most common)

1. Make sure Num Lock is on
2. Hold down the Alt key
3. Type 0176 on the numeric keypad
4. Release the Alt key: the degree symbol ° now appears.

Method 2: Character Map

1. Open the Start menu and search for "Character Map"
2. Select the font you are using
3. Find the degree symbol (°) in the table
4. Click "Select" and then "Copy"
5. Paste the character wherever you need it

Typing the degree symbol on Mac

On a Mac, use the following key combination:

• Hold down Option (or Alt) + Shift
• Press the 8 key

You can also use Option + K, but for the real degree symbol, Option + Shift + 8 is the correct combination.

Typing the degree symbol on Linux

On Linux you can type the degree symbol via Unicode:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + U
2. Type B0 (the Unicode code for °)
3. Press Enter or Space

Alternative: use the Compose key followed by o and o.

Typing the degree symbol on iPhone and iPad

On iOS the degree symbol is very easy to find:

1. Open the keyboard
2. Press and hold the 0 (zero)
3. A pop-up appears with the ° symbol
4. Slide your finger to the degree symbol and let go

Typing the degree symbol on Android

On Android devices it works in a similar way:

1. Open the keyboard
2. Press and hold the 0 (zero)
3. The degree symbol appears as an option
4. Tap ° to insert it

On some keyboards you'll find the symbol via the symbols key (?123) and then the second page of symbols.

Typing the degree symbol in Word, Excel and PowerPoint

In Microsoft Office programs you have extra options:

Shortcut

• Type 00B0 and then press Alt + X (works in Word)

Via Insert Symbol

1. Go to Insert > Symbol > More Symbols
2. Under Font, select: "(normal text)"
3. Find the degree symbol or type 00B0 in "Character code"
4. Click Insert

Excel function

In Excel you can also use the formula: =CHAR(176)

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Does Alt+0176 also work on a laptop without a numeric keypad?

No, the Alt code requires a numeric keypad. On laptops without a number pad, you can often hold down Fn and use the numbers on the letter keys (often printed in blue: 7, 8, 9 on U, I, O etc.). Otherwise, use Character Map or copy the symbol: °

What is the difference between the degree symbol and a superscript o?

The real degree symbol (°) is an official Unicode character (U+00B0). A superscript o (º) is the ordinal indicator (U+00BA), which looks similar but has a different meaning. Always use the real degree symbol for temperatures and angles.

How do I type the degree symbol in HTML?

In HTML you use the code ° or the numeric variant °. For example: 25°C gives 25°C.

Overview of shortcuts