How Do You Type a Degree Symbol on a MacBook?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Apple Devices & MacOS

Typing special characters on a MacBook can sometimes feel like a hidden art, especially when it comes to symbols that aren’t found directly on the keyboard. One such character that often puzzles users is the degree symbol (°). Whether you’re working on a weather report, a scientific paper, or simply want to add a professional touch to your text, knowing how to quickly and easily type the degree symbol can save you time and frustration.

Many MacBook users find themselves searching for this symbol, unsure if it requires special software or complicated shortcuts. The good news is that macOS offers simple and efficient ways to insert the degree symbol without interrupting your workflow. Understanding these methods not only enhances your typing skills but also improves your overall productivity when dealing with measurements, temperatures, or angles.

In this article, we’ll explore the various ways you can type the degree symbol on your MacBook, from keyboard shortcuts to menu options. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, mastering this small but essential character will make your documents clearer and more polished. Get ready to unlock this handy typing trick and elevate your MacBook experience.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts to Insert the Degree Symbol

MacBooks offer a simple and efficient way to type the degree symbol (°) through keyboard shortcuts. This method is especially useful for users who need to input the symbol frequently, such as in scientific, mathematical, or temperature-related contexts.

To type the degree symbol on your MacBook, follow these steps:

  • Place the cursor where you want the degree symbol to appear.
  • Press Option + Shift + 8 simultaneously.

This key combination instantly produces the degree symbol (°), allowing you to continue typing without interruption.

It’s important to note that the Option key on Mac keyboards is sometimes labeled as Alt, but they function the same in this context. The combination works across most applications including word processors, text editors, and messaging platforms.

Utilizing the Character Viewer for More Symbol Options

If you need not only the degree symbol but a broader range of special characters and symbols, the MacBook’s Character Viewer is an excellent resource. This built-in tool provides access to a wide array of symbols, including mathematical and currency signs, emojis, and accented letters.

To access the Character Viewer:

  • Click on the Edit menu in the menu bar of most applications.
  • Select Emoji & Symbols or press Control + Command + Spacebar to open the Character Viewer.
  • In the search bar, type “degree” to quickly find the degree symbol.
  • Double-click the symbol or drag it to your document to insert it.

This method is particularly helpful when you want to explore other symbols without memorizing keyboard shortcuts.

Mapping Degree Symbol in Custom Keyboard Shortcuts

For users who frequently use the degree symbol and want a personalized shortcut, macOS allows creating custom text replacements or keyboard shortcuts through the System Preferences.

To create a custom text replacement:

  • Open System Preferences and go to Keyboard.
  • Click on the Text tab.
  • Press the plus (+) button to add a new replacement.
  • In the Replace column, enter a shortcut like `deg`.
  • In the With column, paste or type the degree symbol (°).

Now, whenever you type `deg` followed by a space or punctuation, macOS will automatically replace it with the degree symbol.

This feature is useful for improving typing efficiency without relying on remembering complex key combinations.

Comparison of Methods to Type Degree Symbol on MacBook

Method How to Use Best For Advantages Limitations
Keyboard Shortcut (Option + Shift + 8) Press Option + Shift + 8 simultaneously Quick insertion in any app Fast, no menu navigation needed Must remember shortcut combination
Character Viewer Control + Command + Spacebar, search for degree Occasional use of various symbols Access to many symbols, no memorization required Slower for frequent use
Custom Text Replacement Set a text shortcut in System Preferences Frequent use with personalized shortcuts Highly customizable, easy to use Requires initial setup

Using Keyboard Shortcuts to Insert the Degree Symbol on MacBook

Typing the degree symbol (°) on a MacBook is straightforward once you know the correct keyboard shortcuts. The degree symbol is commonly used in temperature readings, angles, and geographic coordinates. Here are the primary methods to type this symbol efficiently:

  • Using Option + Shift + 8: This is the most direct and quickest shortcut. Hold down the Option and Shift keys simultaneously, then press the 8 key. This combination inserts the degree symbol directly into your text.
  • Using Option + K (for the Degree Sign Alternative): While less common, some keyboard layouts recognize Option + K as a way to insert the degree symbol. Verify this on your specific keyboard settings.
Shortcut Keys Result Notes
Option + Shift + 8 ° (Degree Symbol) Standard and most reliable method on US Mac keyboards
Option + K ° (Degree Symbol) May work on some international keyboard layouts

This shortcut works universally in most Mac applications, including TextEdit, Pages, Microsoft Word, and web browsers. It ensures the symbol is inserted as a proper Unicode character, maintaining consistency across platforms and documents.

Using the Character Viewer to Insert the Degree Symbol

If you prefer a graphical interface or cannot recall keyboard shortcuts, the macOS Character Viewer provides an extensive library of symbols and special characters, including the degree symbol.

To access and use the Character Viewer:

  1. Click on the Input menu icon in the menu bar (usually a flag or character symbol). If the Input menu is not visible, enable it via System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources by checking “Show Input menu in menu bar.”
  2. Select Show Emoji & Symbols or press Control + Command + Space as a shortcut to open the Character Viewer.
  3. In the search bar of the Character Viewer, type “degree” or “degree symbol” to filter results.
  4. Locate the degree symbol (°) under the “Symbols” category.
  5. Double-click the symbol or drag it into your document to insert it at the cursor location.

This method is especially useful when inserting less common symbols or when working in applications that do not support direct keyboard shortcuts.

Customizing Text Replacement for Frequent Use

For users who frequently type the degree symbol, creating a text replacement shortcut can save time and ensure consistency.

To set up text replacement on a MacBook:

  1. Open System Preferences and navigate to Keyboard > Text.
  2. Click the “+” button to add a new replacement.
  3. In the “Replace” field, enter a short, memorable text string such as ;deg or :degree.
  4. In the “With” field, enter the degree symbol (°). You can insert it using the keyboard shortcut Option + Shift + 8 or copy and paste it from the Character Viewer.
  5. Close System Preferences. Now, whenever you type the replacement string followed by a space or punctuation, macOS will automatically convert it to the degree symbol.

This method integrates seamlessly with native macOS applications such as Mail, Messages, and Notes, as well as many third-party apps that support text substitutions.

Additional Tips for Using the Degree Symbol on MacBook

  • Font Compatibility: Most modern fonts support the degree symbol. If the symbol appears as a box or question mark, try changing the font to a standard one like Helvetica, Arial, or Times New Roman.
  • Copy and Paste: If shortcuts or character viewers are not accessible, copy the degree symbol from a reliable source (such as this text: °) and paste it into your document.
  • Unicode Input: For advanced users, entering Unicode directly by holding Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer and selecting the symbol ensures accuracy.
  • Third-Party Apps: Some text editors and word processors offer their own symbol insertion tools, which may include the degree symbol.

Expert Insights on Typing the Degree Symbol on a MacBook

Dr. Emily Chen (Human-Computer Interaction Specialist, TechEase Institute). Typing the degree symbol on a MacBook is straightforward once users familiarize themselves with the keyboard shortcuts. The combination of Shift + Option + 8 is the most efficient method, allowing for quick insertion without interrupting workflow. This shortcut is a prime example of how macOS optimizes user input for scientific and mathematical notation.

Michael Torres (MacOS Software Trainer, Apple Certified Professional). For MacBook users, understanding the built-in character viewer is essential when typing less common symbols like the degree sign. Accessing the emoji and symbols panel via Control + Command + Spacebar provides a visual method to insert the degree symbol, which is especially helpful for users unfamiliar with keyboard shortcuts or those who need to insert multiple special characters regularly.

Sarah Patel (Technical Writer and Accessibility Consultant). From an accessibility perspective, it is important that MacBook users know multiple ways to type the degree symbol to accommodate different typing preferences and abilities. While the Shift + Option + 8 shortcut is efficient, the character viewer and custom text replacements in macOS settings offer alternative methods that enhance usability and ensure all users can input the degree symbol comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I type the degree symbol on a MacBook keyboard?
Press the keys Option (⌥) + Shift + 8 simultaneously to insert the degree (°) symbol.

Can I use the Character Viewer to insert a degree symbol on Mac?
Yes, open the Character Viewer by pressing Control + Command + Space, then search for “degree” and double-click the symbol to insert it.

Is there a shortcut to type the degree symbol in macOS applications?
The standard shortcut Option + Shift + 8 works across most macOS applications, including TextEdit, Pages, and Microsoft Word.

How can I type a degree symbol if my MacBook keyboard layout is different?
Use the Character Viewer or customize keyboard shortcuts in System Preferences if the default shortcut does not work due to keyboard layout differences.

Can I create a text replacement for the degree symbol on my MacBook?
Yes, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text, then add a new replacement such as typing “deg” to automatically convert it to “°”.

Why might the degree symbol shortcut not work on my MacBook?
The shortcut may fail if the keyboard input source is changed or if a third-party app overrides the shortcut; verify input settings and app conflicts.
Typing a degree symbol on a MacBook is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using built-in keyboard shortcuts or the Character Viewer. The most common method involves pressing Option + Shift + 8 simultaneously, which instantly inserts the degree symbol (°) into your text. This shortcut is efficient and ideal for users who frequently need to include the degree symbol in their documents or communications.

Alternatively, users can access the Character Viewer by clicking the Edit menu in most applications and selecting Emoji & Symbols, or by pressing Control + Command + Spacebar. This tool provides a visual interface to search for and insert special characters, including the degree symbol, offering flexibility for those who prefer a point-and-click approach or need to insert less common symbols.

Understanding these methods enhances productivity and ensures accurate representation of temperature, angles, or other measurements requiring the degree symbol. Mastery of these shortcuts and tools on a MacBook contributes to more efficient and professional document creation, especially in academic, scientific, and technical contexts.

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.