Knowing how to insert degree symbol in Word is useful when writing temperatures, angles, mathematical formulas, measurements, and technical documents. Microsoft Word provides several simple ways to add the degree symbol without copying it from another document.
Whether you use Windows or Mac, you can insert ° in just a few steps.
How to Insert Degree Symbol in Word Using a Keyboard
The fastest method on Windows is a keyboard shortcut.
Place your cursor where you want the symbol and press:
Alt + 0176
Make sure you use the numeric keypad for the shortcut. When entered correctly, Word will display the degree symbol: °.
Use the Numeric Keypad
If the shortcut does not work, check that Num Lock is enabled. Laptop users may need to use an alternative keyboard shortcut depending on their device.
Insert the Degree Symbol Using Word's Symbol Menu
Another simple method is Word's built-in Symbol feature.
Open your Word document.
Place the cursor where you need the symbol.
Select Insert from the top menu.
Choose Symbol.
Select More Symbols.
Find the degree symbol.
Click Insert.
The symbol will appear at the cursor position.
Why Use the Symbol Menu?
The Symbol menu is useful when you cannot remember keyboard shortcuts. It also gives you access to many other special characters that are not available directly on the keyboard.
Use a Unicode Shortcut
Word also supports Unicode character codes. To insert the degree symbol, type:
00B0
Then press:
Alt + X
Word will convert the code into the degree symbol.
This method is particularly useful when you regularly work with Unicode characters.
How to Insert Degree Symbol on Mac
Mac users can use a keyboard shortcut to quickly insert the symbol.
Press:
Option + Shift + 8
The degree symbol ° should appear immediately.
You can also use the macOS Character Viewer to search for and insert special characters.
Copy and Paste the Degree Symbol
If you only need the symbol occasionally, copying it can be the easiest option:
°
Select the symbol, copy it, and paste it into your Word document.
However, keyboard shortcuts are generally faster when you frequently use temperature or angle measurements.
Where Is the Degree Symbol Used?
The degree symbol is commonly used in:
Temperature measurements, such as 25°C
Angles, such as 90°
Geographic coordinates
Engineering documents
Scientific writing
Mathematical content
Technical reports
Using the correct symbol makes documents easier to read and gives professional content a consistent appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shortcut for the degree symbol in Word?
On Windows, press Alt + 0176 using the numeric keypad. On Mac, press Option + Shift + 8.
How do I insert ° without a numeric keypad?
Use Word's Insert > Symbol > More Symbols option or type 00B0 and press Alt + X.
Can I copy and paste the degree symbol?
Yes. You can copy this symbol and paste it into Word: °.
Does the degree symbol work for Celsius and Fahrenheit?
Yes. You can write temperatures such as 25°C and 77°F using the degree symbol.
Conclusion
Learning how to insert degree symbols in Word makes it easier to create professional documents containing temperatures, angles, measurements, and technical information. Windows users can use Alt + 0176, while Mac users can use Option + Shift + 8. Word's Symbol menu and Unicode method provide useful alternatives when keyboard shortcuts are unavailable.
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