How to Insert a Degree Symbol in Microsoft Word

If you are writing a scientific paper recording temperature data (72°F) or a geometry assignment documenting angles (a 90° corner), you must use the official Degree symbol. Because the degree symbol is not printed on standard English keyboards, many users attempt to fake it by typing a lowercase ‘o’ or a zero and shrinking the font size. This looks incredibly unprofessional and will often break the formatting of the entire sentence.

You must use the actual, mathematically correct character. Microsoft Word provides three incredibly fast ways to insert the symbol: a universal Windows keyboard shortcut, a Word-specific auto-format trick, and the visual symbol library.

Method 1: The Windows Alt-Code (The Universal Method)

This is the best method to learn because it works everywhere, not just in Microsoft Word. It relies on the hidden “Alt Codes” built into the core Windows operating system. However, it absolutely requires a dedicated numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard (it will not work using the row of numbers above the letters).

1. Ensure that the Num Lock key on your keyboard is turned ON.
2. Place your blinking text cursor exactly where you want the degree symbol to appear.
3. Press and hold down the Alt key on the left side of your spacebar.
4. While holding the Alt key, type the numbers 0 1 7 6 in rapid succession on the numeric keypad.
5. Release the Alt key.

The degree symbol (°) will instantly appear. (Note: Alt + 248 also generates a degree symbol, but Alt + 0176 is the official typographic standard).

The Mac Keyboard Shortcut

If you are using Microsoft Word on an Apple Mac, the shortcut is even easier and does not require a numeric keypad.

1. Press and hold Option + Shift.
2. Tap the number 8.

Method 2: The Ctrl+@ Shortcut (The Word-Specific Method)

If you are using a compact laptop that lacks a dedicated numeric keypad, you cannot use the Alt-0176 code. Fortunately, Microsoft built a specific shortcut exclusively for Word.

1. Place your cursor where you want the symbol.
2. Press and hold three keys simultaneously: Ctrl + Shift + 2 (This is effectively typing Ctrl + @).
3. Release all three keys. (Nothing will happen yet on your screen; Word is waiting for your next keystroke).
4. Immediately tap the Spacebar.

The degree symbol will appear.

Method 3: The Symbol Menu (The Visual Method)

If you hate memorizing keyboard shortcuts, or if you only need to use the symbol once a year, you can simply select it from Word’s visual library.

1. Look at the Ribbon at the top of the screen and click the Insert tab.
2. Look all the way to the absolute far right of the ribbon and click the Symbol button. (It usually has a blue Omega ‘Ω’ icon).
3. A small drop-down menu will appear featuring the 20 most recently used symbols. If the degree symbol is there, click it. If not, click More Symbols… at the bottom of the menu.
4. A massive dialog box will open. Ensure the “Font” drop-down in the top left is set to (normal text).
5. Look at the “Subset” drop-down menu on the top right. Change it to Latin-1 Supplement.
6. Scan the grid of characters. The degree symbol is located in the middle of the grid (usually next to the plus-minus ± sign).
7. Click on the ° symbol to highlight it.
8. Click the Insert button at the bottom of the window, then click Close.

Now that you have inserted it manually once, the degree symbol will permanently live in that quick-access drop-down menu the next time you click the Symbol button.