How To Insert Degree Sign

Dianna Russini

3 min read

·

Mar 30, 2025

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How to Insert a Degree Sign: A Comprehensive Guide

Typing the degree symbol (°), whether for Celsius, Fahrenheit, or other measurements, might seem simple, but the method varies depending on your operating system and device. This guide covers multiple ways to insert the degree symbol, ensuring you're equipped to use it seamlessly across various platforms.

Understanding the Degree Symbol

Before diving into the methods, it's helpful to understand what the degree symbol represents. It's a small circle (°) placed after a number to indicate a measurement of angles, temperature, or other units. Its correct insertion is crucial for clear and accurate communication.

Methods for Inserting the Degree Symbol

Here's a breakdown of the most common methods for inserting the degree symbol across different platforms:

1. Using the Keyboard Shortcut (Windows & macOS)

This is the quickest method if your keyboard supports it:

• Windows: Hold down the Alt key and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (not the numbers above the letters). Release the Alt key, and the degree symbol (°) will appear.

• macOS: Press Option + Shift + 8. This combination will directly insert the degree symbol.

2. Using the Character Map (Windows)

The Character Map is a built-in Windows tool providing access to a wide range of characters, including the degree symbol:

1. Search for "Character Map" in the Windows search bar.
2. Open the Character Map application.
3. Locate the degree symbol (°).
4. Select it and click "Select."
5. Click "Copy."
6. Paste the copied symbol into your document.

3. Using the Emoji & Symbols Keyboard (macOS & iOS)

Both macOS and iOS offer convenient emoji keyboards:

• macOS: Click the globe icon or press Control + Command + Space to open the emoji & symbols keyboard. Search for "degree" to find the symbol.

• iOS: Tap the globe icon on your keyboard to access the emoji & symbols keyboard. Search for "degree" to find the symbol.

4. Using the Insert Symbol Function (Microsoft Word & Other Word Processors)

Many word processors have a dedicated "Insert Symbol" function:

1. Open your document in a word processor like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Pages.
2. Look for the "Insert" menu (the exact location may vary depending on the application).
3. Select "Symbol" or a similar option.
4. Find the degree symbol in the symbol list.
5. Insert the symbol into your document.

5. Copy and Paste from Online Sources

If all else fails, you can always copy the degree symbol (°) from this document or any other online source and paste it into your document.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you're experiencing difficulties, ensure your keyboard layout is correctly set. Also, double-check that you're using the correct numeric keypad for the Alt code method.

Optimizing Your Content for Search Engines

Using the correct degree symbol not only improves the readability of your text but also aids in SEO. Search engines prioritize accurate and well-formatted content, potentially boosting your search rankings.

Remember to use relevant keywords throughout your content related to temperature, angles, or other measurements that utilize the degree symbol. This will improve your content's visibility to users searching for related information.

This comprehensive guide ensures you can seamlessly insert the degree symbol into your documents, regardless of your operating system or application. Remember to choose the method most comfortable and efficient for your workflow.