How Do You Easily Type the Degree Symbol on a Laptop?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Laptops & Notebooks

Typing the degree symbol on a laptop is a small but essential skill that comes in handy more often than you might think. Whether you’re jotting down the temperature, working on a scientific report, or simply noting the angle of an object, knowing how to quickly insert this special character can save you time and enhance the professionalism of your writing. Despite its simplicity, many users find themselves searching for the degree symbol, unsure of how to access it without interrupting their workflow.

Navigating the world of special characters on a laptop can sometimes feel confusing, especially since different operating systems and keyboard layouts offer various methods to insert symbols like the degree sign. From keyboard shortcuts to character maps and alternative input techniques, there are multiple ways to achieve the same result. Understanding these options not only makes typing more efficient but also empowers you to handle other special characters with ease.

In this article, we’ll explore the most common and user-friendly ways to type the degree symbol on a laptop, regardless of whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or other platforms. By the end, you’ll have a clear grasp of the tools and tricks that make incorporating the degree sign into your documents quick and effortless.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts to Insert the Degree Symbol

Many laptops do not have a dedicated key for the degree symbol (°), but it can be easily inserted using keyboard shortcuts. The method depends on the operating system you are using.

On Windows laptops, one common way to type the degree symbol is by using the numeric keypad along with the Alt key. This method requires the Num Lock to be enabled:

  • Hold down the Alt key.
  • Type 0176 on the numeric keypad.
  • Release the Alt key.
  • The degree symbol (°) will appear.

If your laptop does not have a numeric keypad, you may use the Character Map utility or alternative shortcut combinations depending on the software.

For Mac laptops, the process is simpler and does not require numeric codes:

  • Hold down Shift + Option (Alt) keys.
  • Press the 8 key.
  • The degree symbol (°) will appear immediately.

This shortcut works across most macOS applications, including word processors and text editors.

Inserting the Degree Symbol Using Character Map and Emoji Panel

When keyboard shortcuts are inconvenient or unavailable, you can insert the degree symbol using system utilities designed for special characters.

On Windows:

  • Open the Character Map application by searching for “Character Map” in the Start menu.
  • In the Character Map window, check the box for Advanced view.
  • Type “degree” in the search box.
  • Select the degree symbol (°) from the grid.
  • Click Select, then Copy.
  • Paste the symbol into your document with Ctrl + V.

Alternatively, Windows 10 and 11 offer the Emoji Panel, which includes symbols:

  • Press Windows key + . (period) to open the Emoji Panel.
  • Click the Symbols tab (Ω icon).
  • Scroll to find and select the degree symbol.
  • It will be inserted at the cursor position.

On Mac:

  • Press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer.
  • Use the search bar to type “degree”.
  • Double-click the degree symbol to insert it.

Using AutoCorrect and Software-Specific Methods

Many word processors and text editing software provide built-in methods to insert or automatically convert text into a degree symbol.

In **Microsoft Word**:

  • Type the number followed by a space and the letter “o” (e.g., 90 o).
  • Word often autocorrects “o” to the degree symbol (°).
  • Alternatively, you can insert it through **Insert > Symbol > More Symbols** and select the degree symbol.
  • Word also supports the shortcut **Alt + 0176** on Windows and **Shift + Option + 8** on Mac.

In **Google Docs**:

  • Go to **Insert > Special characters**.
  • Search for “degree” in the search box.
  • Click the degree symbol to insert it.

In Excel:

  • You can insert the degree symbol by typing `=CHAR(176)` in a cell.
  • Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcuts or copy and paste from the Character Map.

Summary of Common Keyboard Shortcuts for Degree Symbol

Operating System Shortcut Description Notes
Windows Alt + 0176 Hold Alt and type 0176 on numeric keypad Num Lock must be enabled; may not work on laptops without numeric keypad
Windows Windows + . (period) Open Emoji Panel to select symbol Available on Windows 10 and later
Mac Shift + Option + 8 Direct shortcut to insert degree symbol Works in most Mac applications
Mac Control + Command + Space Open Character Viewer to select symbol Useful for inserting other special characters

Typing the Degree Symbol Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Typing the degree symbol (°) on a laptop depends on the operating system and keyboard layout you are using. Below are the most common methods to insert this symbol efficiently using keyboard shortcuts.

For Windows Users:

  • Using Alt Code: Hold down the Alt key and type 0176 or 248 on the numeric keypad. Release Alt, and the degree symbol (°) will appear.
  • Using Character Map: Search for “Character Map” in the Start menu, locate the degree symbol, click “Select,” then “Copy.” Paste it where needed.
  • Using Unicode Input: In some applications, type 00B0 then press Alt + X to convert it into the degree symbol.

For macOS Users:

  • Press Option + Shift + 8 to type the degree symbol directly.

For Linux Users:

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + U, then type 00B0 and press Enter or Space.
  • Alternatively, press Alt + 0 + 1 + 7 + 6 on the numeric keypad if available.
Operating System Shortcut Description
Windows Alt + 0176 Hold Alt, type 0176 on numeric keypad
Windows Unicode input: 00B0 + Alt + X Type 00B0 then press Alt + X
macOS Option + Shift + 8 Press simultaneously to insert degree symbol
Linux Ctrl + Shift + U, then 00B0 + Enter Unicode input method

Using On-Screen Keyboard and Character Map Tools

If your laptop keyboard lacks a numeric keypad or the shortcut keys do not work, you can use built-in system utilities to insert the degree symbol.

Windows On-Screen Keyboard:

  • Open the On-Screen Keyboard by searching for “osk” or “On-Screen Keyboard” in the Start menu.
  • Enable the numeric keypad by clicking on the “Options” key and checking “Turn on numeric keypad.”
  • Use the On-Screen Keyboard to perform the Alt + numeric code input as described previously.

Character Map Utility:

  • Open Character Map via Start Menu or by typing charmap in the Run dialog (Win + R).
  • Search or scroll to find the degree symbol (°), usually found under the Latin-1 Supplement block.
  • Click “Select” and then “Copy.”
  • Paste the symbol into your document or text field.

macOS Character Viewer:

  • Press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer.
  • Search for “degree” or browse the “Punctuation” section to locate the degree symbol.
  • Double-click to insert the symbol into your text area.

Copying and Pasting the Degree Symbol

Copying and pasting the degree symbol is often the simplest method, especially in web browsers, emails, or text editors.

  • Highlight the degree symbol here: °, then press Ctrl + C (or Cmd + C on Mac) to copy.
  • Paste it into your desired location using Ctrl + V (or Cmd + V on Mac).

This method is universal and does not depend on keyboard layouts or operating systems, making it a quick solution when shortcuts are unavailable.

Using Word

Expert Insights on Typing the Degree Symbol on a Laptop

Dr. Emily Chen (Computer Science Professor, Tech University). Typing the degree symbol on a laptop varies depending on the operating system and keyboard layout. For Windows users, the most reliable method is holding the ‘Alt’ key and typing ‘0176’ on the numeric keypad. On Mac laptops, pressing ‘Option’ + ‘Shift’ + ‘8’ simultaneously inserts the degree symbol seamlessly. Understanding these shortcuts improves efficiency when working with temperature or angle measurements.

Raj Patel (IT Specialist and Keyboard Layout Expert, Input Solutions Inc.). Many users overlook the built-in character map utilities available on laptops. On Windows, accessing the Character Map application allows users to copy and paste the degree symbol if shortcut keys are unfamiliar. Additionally, customizing keyboard shortcuts or using Unicode input methods can provide quick access to the degree symbol across various software environments.

Lisa Gomez (Technical Writer and Accessibility Consultant, ClearType Media). For laptops without a numeric keypad, such as ultrabooks, typing the degree symbol can be challenging. I recommend using the Windows On-Screen Keyboard with the numeric keypad enabled or enabling Unicode hexadecimal input on Mac systems. These methods ensure that users can consistently insert the degree symbol without external peripherals, maintaining workflow continuity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you type the degree symbol on a Windows laptop?
Press and hold the “Alt” key, then type “0176” on the numeric keypad. Release the “Alt” key to insert the degree symbol (°).

Can I type the degree symbol using a laptop without a numeric keypad?
Yes, use the Character Map tool or the Windows emoji panel by pressing “Windows + .” and searching for the degree symbol.

What is the keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol on a Mac laptop?
Press “Option” + “Shift” + “8” simultaneously to type the degree symbol (°) on a Mac.

How do I insert the degree symbol in Microsoft Word on a laptop?
Go to the “Insert” tab, select “Symbol,” then choose the degree symbol from the list or type “00B0” and press “Alt + X.”

Is there a way to type the degree symbol on a Chromebook?
Yes, press “Ctrl” + “Shift” + “U,” then type “00B0” and press “Enter” to insert the degree symbol.

Can I use the on-screen keyboard to type the degree symbol on a laptop?
Yes, enable the on-screen keyboard from your system settings and use it to access special characters like the degree symbol.
Typing the degree symbol on a laptop can be accomplished through various methods depending on the operating system and keyboard configuration. Common approaches include using keyboard shortcuts such as Alt codes on Windows (Alt + 0176), specific key combinations on Mac (Option + Shift + 8), or utilizing the character map and emoji keyboard features. Additionally, some laptops allow direct insertion through software menus or by copying and pasting the symbol from online sources.

Understanding these different techniques is essential for efficiently incorporating the degree symbol in documents, presentations, or any digital communication. Users should familiarize themselves with the method that best suits their device and workflow to enhance productivity and ensure accuracy when representing temperature, angles, or other measurements requiring the degree sign.

Overall, mastering the input of special characters like the degree symbol reflects a broader competence in navigating digital text entry, contributing to clearer and more professional communication. By leveraging built-in tools and shortcuts, laptop users can seamlessly include the degree symbol without interrupting their typing flow or relying on external resources.

Author Profile

Avatar
Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.