How to Easily Type the Degree Symbol on Your Keyboard

Introduction

Typing the degree symbol, which is a small circle that appears at the top right of a number to indicate temperature or angular measurement, might seem like a trivial task, but it can be surprisingly elusive on modern keyboards. Whether you’re writing a weather report, a scientific paper, or preparing a presentation that includes temperature or angles, knowing how to quickly and accurately type the degree symbol is a valuable skill. This article will guide you through the various methods of typing the degree symbol across different devices and operating systems, ensuring that you can express measurements with precision and ease.

Understanding the Degree Symbol

Before we delve into the methods of typing the degree symbol, let’s understand what it is and where it’s used. The degree symbol (°) is a typographical symbol that is used to represent degrees of arc (in geographic coordinates, temperatures, or scales), hours (in medicine), or degrees of alcohol proof. It is a vital character in various fields such as meteorology, mathematics, and chemistry.

Typing the Degree Symbol on Windows

Using the Alt Code

One of the most common methods to type the degree symbol on a Windows PC is by using the Alt code method. Here’s how you can do it:

• Ensure that your Num Lock is turned on.
• Hold down the Alt key on your keyboard.
• While holding down the Alt key, type 0176 or 248 on the numeric keypad.
• Release the Alt key, and the degree symbol should appear.

Alt + 0176 or Alt + 248

Using the Character Map

Windows also provides a Character Map utility that allows you to copy special characters like the degree symbol. Follow these steps:

• Open the Start menu and type “Character Map” into the search bar.
• Launch the Character Map application.
• Check the “Advanced view” checkbox to expand the window.
• In the search box, type “degree” and press Enter.
• Select the degree symbol from the list.
• Click on “Select” and then “Copy.”
• Paste the degree symbol where needed using Ctrl + V.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Some Windows keyboards also offer a shortcut to type the degree symbol:

• Press and hold the Fn key and the Alt key.
• While holding these keys, type the code for the degree symbol, which is usually 0176 or 248.
• Release all keys, and the degree symbol should appear.

Typing the Degree Symbol on Mac

Using the Keyboard Shortcut

Mac users have a straightforward keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol:

• Press and hold the Shift key and the Option key simultaneously.
• While holding these keys, press the 8 key once.
• Release all keys, and the degree symbol will appear.

Shift + Option + 8

Using the Emoji & Symbols Viewer

Another way to insert the degree symbol on a Mac is through the Emoji & Symbols viewer:

• Place your cursor where you want to insert the degree symbol.
• Go to the Edit menu in the top menu bar and select “Emoji & Symbols” (or press Control + Command + Space).
• Type “degree” in the search bar.
• Click on the degree symbol to insert it into your text.

Typing the Degree Symbol on Mobile Devices

On iOS (iPhone/iPad)

Typing the degree symbol on an iOS device is quite simple:

• Open the keyboard by tapping on a text field.
• Switch to the numeric keyboard by tapping on the 123 key.
• Hold down the 0 (zero) key.
• A small pop-up will appear showing the degree symbol.
• Slide your finger over to the degree symbol and release to insert it.

On Android

The process for typing the degree symbol on Android is similar to iOS:

• Tap on a text field to open the keyboard.
• Switch to the numeric and symbols keyboard (usually by tapping “?123” or “1/2”).
• Find the degree symbol, which might be under one of the keys. Hold down on the key if necessary to reveal additional symbols.
• Select the degree symbol to insert it into your text.

Using Microsoft Office and Google Docs

Microsoft Word

In Microsoft Word, you can use a dedicated function to insert the degree symbol:

• Click on the “Insert” tab in the ribbon.
• Click on “Symbol” and then “More Symbols.”
• In the “Symbol” window, set the font to “(normal text)” if it isn’t already.
• Scroll down or use the “Character code” box to find the degree symbol (°).
• Click “Insert” and then “Close.”

Google Docs

Google Docs also provides an easy way to add the degree symbol:

• Click on “Insert” in the top menu.
• Select “Special characters.”
• Type “degree” in the search box or draw the symbol in the drawing area.
• Click on the degree symbol to insert it into your document.

Using ASCII or Unicode

Advanced users may prefer to use ASCII or Unicode codes to type the degree symbol:

• For ASCII, use the Alt code method described earlier for Windows.
• For Unicode, type 00B0 and then press Alt + X in Microsoft Word.

00B0 Alt + X

FAQ Section

Can I type the degree symbol on a keyboard without a numeric keypad?

Yes, you can use the Character Map on Windows or the Emoji & Symbols viewer on Mac. On some laptops, you may also use a Function (Fn) key combination.

Is there a universal shortcut for the degree symbol?

No, the shortcut varies depending on the operating system and sometimes the keyboard layout.

Can I use the degree symbol in HTML?

Yes, you can use the HTML entity ° to display the degree symbol on web pages.

Why can’t I find the degree symbol on my Android keyboard?

The location of the degree symbol can vary by keyboard app and device. It may be under a long-press on the period, comma, or number keys.

Conclusion

Typing the degree symbol on your keyboard is a simple task once you know the correct shortcuts and methods for your specific device and operating system. Whether you’re working on a Windows PC, a Mac, or a mobile device, there are multiple ways to access and type this essential character. By following the detailed instructions provided in this article, you’ll be able to effortlessly include the degree symbol in your work, ensuring clear and professional communication of temperature, angles, and other measurements.

References

• Microsoft Support: How to use the Character Map (https://support.microsoft.com/)
• Apple Support: Mac keyboard shortcuts (https://support.apple.com/)
• Unicode Consortium: The Unicode Standard (https://www.unicode.org/)

HTML Table Example

Device/OS	Method	Shortcut/Code
Windows	Alt Code	Alt + 0176 or Alt + 248
Mac	Keyboard Shortcut	Shift + Option + 8
iOS	Keyboard Long-Press	0 (Zero) Key
Android	Keyboard Long-Press	Varies by Keyboard