How Do You Make the Degree Symbol on a Computer?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

Whether you’re jotting down the temperature, noting an angle in a math problem, or adding a touch of precision to your cooking recipe, the degree symbol (°) is a small but essential character that often comes into play. Despite its frequent use, many people find themselves wondering how to easily insert this symbol on a computer. Understanding how to make the degree symbol can save time and enhance the clarity of your writing, no matter the context.

Navigating the world of computer shortcuts and special characters can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when the symbol you need isn’t readily visible on your keyboard. Fortunately, there are several straightforward methods to produce the degree symbol across different operating systems and software applications. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or working within popular word processors, knowing these techniques can make your digital communication smoother and more professional.

In the sections that follow, we’ll explore various ways to create the degree symbol on your computer, from simple keyboard shortcuts to using character maps and special codes. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to quickly and efficiently insert the degree symbol whenever you need it.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts and ASCII Codes

One of the most common methods to insert the degree symbol (°) on a computer is by using keyboard shortcuts or ASCII codes. These methods rely on the numeric keypad and are widely supported across various Windows applications.

For Windows users, the degree symbol can be typed by holding down the Alt key and entering a specific numeric code on the numeric keypad. This works because the degree symbol corresponds to a particular ASCII or Unicode character code. The most commonly used code is Alt + 0176.

Here are key points to remember when using this method:

  • Ensure Num Lock is enabled on your keyboard.
  • Use the numeric keypad, not the row of numbers above the letters.
  • Hold down the Alt key while typing the code, then release it to see the symbol.
  • This method works in most text editors, word processors, and input fields on Windows.

Mac users have a different shortcut, which is detailed in another section, but on Windows, this is the standard approach.

Below is a table summarizing popular keyboard shortcuts and ASCII codes for the degree symbol on different operating systems:

Operating System Method Shortcut or Code Description
Windows Alt Code Alt + 0176 Press and hold Alt, type 0176 on numeric keypad
Windows Character Map N/A Copy degree symbol from Character Map utility
MacOS Keyboard Shortcut Option + Shift + 8 Press Option, Shift and 8 simultaneously
Linux Compose Key Compose + o + o Press Compose key, then o twice

Inserting the Degree Symbol in Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word provides several convenient ways to insert the degree symbol without memorizing keyboard shortcuts. The software includes built-in features such as the Symbol dialog box, AutoCorrect options, and shortcut key assignments that make adding special characters straightforward.

To insert the degree symbol using the Symbol dialog:

  • Go to the Insert tab on the Ribbon.
  • Click Symbol on the far right and select More Symbols.
  • In the Symbol dialog, set the font to “(normal text)” and subset to “Latin-1 Supplement.”
  • Scroll to find the degree symbol (°), select it, then click Insert.
  • Close the dialog to return to your document.

Additionally, Word’s AutoCorrect feature can be customized to replace specific text strings with the degree symbol automatically. For example, typing `(deg)` or `degrees` can be set to convert to °.

Some versions of Word also support the built-in shortcut Ctrl + Shift + @ followed by a space or zero, though this can vary depending on language settings.

Using Unicode Input Methods

Unicode provides a universal standard for encoding characters, including the degree symbol, which has the Unicode code point U+00B0. Many operating systems and applications support entering Unicode characters directly by typing their code and then pressing a specific key combination.

On Windows, you can use the following method:

  • Type the Unicode hexadecimal code `00B0`.
  • Immediately after typing, press Alt + X.
  • The code will convert into the degree symbol (°).

This approach works in Microsoft Word and some other text editors that support Unicode input. It is especially useful when dealing with multiple special characters or when working with multilingual documents.

On Linux, users can often enter Unicode characters by pressing Ctrl + Shift + U, then typing the code `00B0`, and pressing Enter or Space.

Copy and Paste from Online or Character Map Sources

If you do not frequently need the degree symbol, or if keyboard shortcuts are inconvenient, copying and pasting the symbol is a simple alternative. Many websites, including Wikipedia and various character entity reference sites, display the degree symbol, allowing easy copying.

Windows also offers the Character Map utility:

  • Open the Start menu and search for “Character Map.”
  • Launch the app and select a font.
  • Scroll to find the degree symbol or search for it.
  • Click the symbol, then click Select and Copy.
  • Paste it where needed in your document.

This method is straightforward and requires no memorization of codes or shortcuts.

Using HTML and Programming Contexts

When working within web development or programming environments, the degree symbol can be inserted using specific HTML entities or Unicode escapes.

In HTML, you can use:

  • Named entity: `°`
  • Numeric entity (decimal): `&176;`
  • Numeric entity (hexadecimal): `&xB0;`

For example, writing `25°C` in HTML will render as 25°C in a browser.

In programming languages like JavaScript, Python, or Java, you can use Unicode escape sequences to represent the degree symbol:

  • JavaScript: `\u00B0`
  • Python: `\u00B0` or `\N{DEGREE SIGN}`
  • Java: `\u00B0`

These are useful when inserting the symbol into strings programmatically or when generating output dynamically.

Summary of Common Methods

To assist quick reference, here is a bullet list of the most commonly used ways to insert the degree symbol on a computer:

  • Windows Alt Code: Hold Alt + type

Methods to Insert the Degree Symbol on Various Computer Systems

The degree symbol (°) is commonly used in contexts involving temperature, angles, or geographic coordinates. Different operating systems and software environments provide multiple ways to insert this character efficiently.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts offer quick access to the degree symbol without interrupting workflow. The exact method varies by operating system and keyboard layout:

  • Windows: Hold down the Alt key and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. This inserts the degree symbol (°).
  • Mac OS: Press Option + Shift + 8 simultaneously to produce the degree symbol.
  • Linux (Ubuntu and others): Press Ctrl + Shift + U, release, then type 00B0 and press Enter or Space.

Using Character Map Utilities

Most operating systems include utilities that allow users to select and insert special characters visually.

Operating System Utility Steps to Insert Degree Symbol
Windows Character Map
  1. Open Character Map by typing “Character Map” in the Start menu search bar.
  2. Find and select the degree symbol (°).
  3. Click “Select” and then “Copy.”
  4. Paste it into your document or text field.
Mac OS Emoji & Symbols Viewer
  1. Press Control + Command + Space to open the viewer.
  2. Search for “degree” or navigate to the “Symbols” category.
  3. Double-click the degree symbol to insert it.
Linux Character Map (gucharmap)
  1. Open the Character Map application.
  2. Search for the degree symbol or browse Unicode blocks.
  3. Select and copy the character, then paste it where needed.

Using Unicode and HTML Codes

For users working in coding, web design, or environments that support Unicode or HTML, specific codes can be used to represent the degree symbol:

  • Unicode: U+00B0
  • HTML Entity: ° or &176;
  • CSS Content Property: \00B0

These codes ensure consistent rendering across browsers and platforms in digital documents and websites.

Inserting the Degree Symbol in Popular Software

Different software applications provide built-in methods or shortcuts to insert the degree symbol:

Application Method
Microsoft Word
  • Type 00B0, then press Alt + X.
  • Use Insert > Symbol > More Symbols, then select degree symbol.
  • Shortcut: Alt + 0176 on numeric keypad also works.
Google Docs
  • Go to Insert > Special characters, then search for “degree.”
  • Use the keyboard shortcut Alt + 0176 if using Windows with a numeric keypad.
Excel
  • Use Alt + 0176 on numeric keypad in Windows.
  • Alternatively, type =CHAR(176) in a cell to display the degree symbol.

Expert Techniques for Typing the Degree Symbol on Computers

Dr. Elena Martinez (Computer Science Professor, Tech University). When typing the degree symbol on a computer, the most efficient method depends on the operating system. For Windows users, holding the Alt key and typing 0176 on the numeric keypad produces the degree symbol (°). Mac users can press Option + Shift + 8 to achieve the same result. Understanding these shortcuts enhances productivity in technical writing and data entry.

James Liu (Software Engineer, Keyboard Input Systems). From a software development perspective, Unicode support is crucial for representing special characters like the degree symbol. The Unicode code point U+00B0 ensures consistent display across platforms and applications. Developers often implement input methods or hotkeys that allow users to insert the degree symbol without interrupting their workflow.

Sophia Chen (Technical Writer, Digital Publishing Solutions). In professional documentation, precision is key. I recommend using character map utilities or inserting symbols via word processor menus when shortcuts are not available or remembered. This approach guarantees accuracy in scientific and engineering documents where the degree symbol is frequently used, maintaining clarity and professionalism.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you type the degree symbol on a Windows computer?
Press and hold the Alt key, then type 0176 on the numeric keypad. Release the Alt key, and the degree symbol (°) will appear.

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

Can I insert the degree symbol using Microsoft Word?
Yes, in Word, you can type 00B0 and then press Alt + X, or use the Insert > Symbol menu to find and insert the degree symbol.

How do I find the degree symbol in the Character Map on Windows?
Open the Character Map application, select the font, scroll to find the degree symbol (°), click on it, then click Copy to paste it where needed.

Is the degree symbol available on smartphone keyboards?
Most smartphone keyboards include the degree symbol under the symbols or special characters section, accessible by long-pressing the zero key or through the symbols menu.

Why might the degree symbol not appear when using Alt codes?
The degree symbol may not appear if Num Lock is off, if the numeric keypad is not used, or if the font does not support the character. Ensure these conditions are met.
In summary, creating the degree symbol on a computer can be accomplished through various methods depending on the operating system and software in use. Common approaches include using keyboard shortcuts such as Alt codes on Windows (Alt + 0176), specific key combinations on Mac (Option + Shift + 8), or inserting the symbol via character maps and special character menus in word processing applications. Additionally, HTML and Unicode provide standardized codes for the degree symbol, facilitating its use in web development and programming contexts.

Understanding these methods enhances efficiency and accuracy when typing temperature, angles, or other measurements that require the degree symbol. It is important to select the most convenient method based on the device and software environment to streamline workflow. Familiarity with these options also ensures proper symbol rendering across different platforms and documents.

Ultimately, mastering the input of the degree symbol contributes to professional and clear communication in scientific, technical, and everyday writing. By leveraging keyboard shortcuts, character maps, or code references, users can easily incorporate this essential symbol without interrupting their typing flow or resorting to copy-pasting from external sources.

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.