How to Insert a Degree Symbol in Microsoft Word

If you are typing a scientific lab report on boiling temperatures, a geography essay detailing GPS coordinates, or simply complaining about the weather in an informal document, you inevitably need to type the degree symbol (°). Unlike the dollar sign or the asterisk, the degree symbol is not physically printed on any standard QWERTY keyboard.

You do not need to pause your writing, open Google, search for “degree symbol,” and copy/paste it into your document. Microsoft Word has several built-in methods for inserting special characters, ranging from a hidden keyboard shortcut (the absolute fastest way) to a visual symbol menu.

Method 1: The Keyboard Shortcut (The Fastest Way)

If you type the degree symbol frequently, you must memorize this keyboard shortcut. It works flawlessly in Microsoft Word on any Windows PC, and keeps your hands on the keyboard so you don’t break your typing rhythm.

1. Click your mouse cursor exactly where you want the symbol to appear (e.g., right after the number 98).
2. Press and hold the Ctrl key and the Shift key simultaneously.
3. While holding those two keys, tap the 2 key (the one with the @ symbol) at the top of your keyboard.
4. Let go of all three keys. Nothing will happen yet.
5. Immediately tap the Spacebar.

The degree symbol (°) will instantly appear. The logic behind this shortcut is that Ctrl + Shift + 2 triggers Word’s “special character insertion mode,” and the Spacebar confirms you want the default circle.

Method 2: The Alt Code (For Windows PCs with a Numpad)

If you have a massive desktop keyboard with a dedicated 10-key number pad on the far right side, you can use a universal Windows “Alt Code.” This method works not just in Word, but in Excel, Notepad, and Google Chrome.

1. Ensure the Num Lock key is turned on (a small light should be illuminated above the number pad).
2. Press and hold the Alt key on the left side of your spacebar.
3. While holding the Alt key, use the 10-key number pad to quickly type the numbers 0176.
4. Let go of the Alt key.

The degree symbol will appear immediately. Crucial Note: You must use the dedicated number pad on the right. You cannot use the row of numbers across the top of your keyboard for Alt Codes.

Method 3: The Symbol Menu (The Visual Way)

If you are working on a small laptop without a number pad, and you simply cannot remember the keyboard shortcut, you can use Word’s visual symbol library.

1. Look at the Ribbon at the top of the screen and click the Insert tab.
2. Look all the way to the extreme right edge of the ribbon for the Symbols group.
3. Click the Symbol button (it looks like a blue Omega Ω).
4. A small drop-down menu will appear. The degree symbol is often listed right here in the “Recently used” section. If you see it, click it.
5. If you do not see it, click More Symbols… at the bottom of the drop-down menu.
6. A chaotic box of characters will open. Look at the “Subset:” drop-down menu in the top right corner of the box and change it to Latin-1 Supplement.
7. Scan the grid. The degree symbol is located in the middle, right next to the plus/minus (±) sign.
8. Click the symbol, then click the Insert button at the bottom of the box.
9. Click Close.

Method 4: The Keyboard Shortcut for Mac Users

If you are using Microsoft Word on an Apple Mac, the Windows Alt Codes will not work. Apple uses an entirely different, heavily simplified system for special characters.

To type a degree symbol on a Mac, simply press and hold Option + Shift + 8.