How to Make a Degree Symbol: A Comprehensive Guide

The degree symbol (°), a small circle typically placed after a number, is used across various contexts, from indicating temperature (e.g., 25°C) and angles (e.g., 90°) to geographical coordinates (e.g., 37°N). While it seems straightforward, many users find themselves searching for the quickest way to type this symbol. Whether you’re writing a science report, crafting social media posts, or just need to express the temperature, knowing how to easily insert the degree symbol is essential.

This guide will provide you with multiple methods to make a degree symbol on different operating systems and devices, ensuring you can effortlessly use this symbol whenever you need it. We’ll cover keyboard shortcuts, character maps, and even copy-paste options, making sure you have the most helpful techniques at your fingertips.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts to Type the Degree Symbol

Keyboard shortcuts are often the fastest way to insert special characters like the degree symbol. The specific shortcut varies depending on your operating system, but here are the most common and efficient methods for Windows and macOS.

For Windows Users:

Windows offers several ways to type the degree symbol using keyboard shortcuts:

1. Using Alt Codes (Numeric Keypad Required):

This is a widely recognized method for inserting various symbols on Windows.

Ensure Num Lock is ON: The numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard must be enabled.
Press and Hold the Alt Key: Keep the Alt key pressed down throughout the process.
Type 0176 on the Numeric Keypad: While holding Alt, type the numbers 0, 1, 7, and 6 in sequence on your numeric keypad.
Release the Alt Key: Once you release the Alt key, the degree symbol (°) will appear.

This method utilizes the ASCII code for the degree symbol, which is a standard way to input special characters in Windows.

2. Using the Character Map:

If you prefer a visual approach or are unsure about Alt codes, the Character Map is a built-in Windows tool that allows you to find and insert any character, including the degree symbol.

Open Character Map: Search for “Character Map” in the Windows search bar and open the application.
Find the Degree Symbol: In the Character Map window, ensure “Unicode” is selected in the “Character set” dropdown and “Unicode Subrange” is set to “All”. You can scroll through the characters or search for “degree” in the “Search for” box.
Select and Copy: Once you find the degree symbol (°), click on it, then click “Select” and then “Copy”.
Paste the Symbol: Go to your document or application where you need the degree symbol and press Ctrl + V (or right-click and select “Paste”) to insert it.

The Character Map is a reliable method, especially if you need to use the degree symbol or other special characters infrequently and want to ensure you are using the correct symbol.

For macOS Users:

macOS provides equally convenient keyboard shortcuts for typing the degree symbol:

1. Using Option + Shift + 8:

This is the simplest and most direct keyboard shortcut on a Mac.

Press Option + Shift + 8: Simultaneously press and hold the Option (⌥) and Shift keys, then press the number 8 key.
Degree Symbol Appears: The degree symbol (° ) will instantly be inserted.

This shortcut is quick to memorize and use, making it ideal for frequent use on macOS.

2. Using the Character Viewer (Emoji & Symbols):

Similar to Windows’ Character Map, macOS has a Character Viewer, also known as Emoji & Symbols, which allows you to browse and insert various characters.

Open Character Viewer: Press Control + Command + Spacebar to open the Character Viewer. Alternatively, you can find it in the Input menu in your menu bar (if enabled in System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources).
Search for Degree Symbol: In the Character Viewer, type “degree” in the search bar at the top right.
Insert the Symbol: Double-click on the degree symbol (° ) to insert it into your document. You can also drag and drop the symbol into your desired location.

The Character Viewer is useful for discovering and inserting not only the degree symbol but also a wide range of emojis, symbols, and special characters available on macOS.

Alternative Methods for Inserting the Degree Symbol

Besides keyboard shortcuts and character maps, here are a few other methods you can use to insert the degree symbol:

1. Copy and Paste:

The simplest method, though perhaps not the most efficient for frequent use, is to copy the degree symbol from somewhere and paste it into your document.

Find the Degree Symbol Online: You can easily find the degree symbol on websites like this very page or in online dictionaries.
Copy the Symbol: Select and copy the degree symbol (°).
Paste the Symbol: Paste it wherever you need it using Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (macOS).

This method is quick for occasional use but can become cumbersome if you need to insert the degree symbol repeatedly.

2. Using Word Processors’ Symbol Libraries:

Most word processors, like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice Writer, have built-in symbol libraries that include the degree symbol.

Microsoft Word: Go to the “Insert” tab in the ribbon, click on “Symbol” in the “Symbols” group, and select “More Symbols.” In the Symbol dialog, find the degree symbol, select it, and click “Insert.”
Google Docs: Go to “Insert” in the menu, select “Special characters.” In the Special characters dialog, type “degree” in the search bar. Click on the degree symbol to insert it.
LibreOffice Writer: Go to “Insert” in the menu, select “Special Character.” In the Special Characters dialog, find the degree symbol from the list or by subset and click “Insert.”

These word processor methods are helpful if you are already working within these applications and prefer using their built-in features.

Troubleshooting and Keyboard Variations

While the above methods are generally reliable, you might encounter situations where they don’t work as expected. Here are a few troubleshooting tips and considerations for different keyboard layouts:

1. Non-US Keyboard Layouts:

Keyboard shortcuts can sometimes vary depending on your keyboard layout. For example, as seen in the original forum thread, users with Norwegian keyboards might find that Option + 0 or Shift + Alt + -8 do not work. In such cases, Shift + Alt + Q might be an alternative, as suggested in the forum.

If the standard shortcuts don’t work, try exploring your keyboard layout settings in your operating system and searching online for degree symbol shortcuts specific to your keyboard language and region.

2. When Keyboard Shortcuts Don’t Work:

Check Num Lock (Windows Alt Codes): Ensure that Num Lock is enabled if you are using the Alt code method on Windows.
Try Different Alt Codes (Windows): While Alt + 0176 is the most common, some systems might respond to slightly different codes.
Restart Your Application: In rare cases, an application might not be correctly interpreting keyboard inputs. Restarting the application can sometimes resolve this.
Check Keyboard Settings: Ensure your keyboard layout is correctly set in your operating system’s settings.

Conclusion

Inserting the degree symbol doesn’t have to be a challenge. By mastering these various methods—from quick keyboard shortcuts to using character maps and copy-paste—you can confidently and efficiently use the degree symbol in all your digital communications and documents. Whether you prefer the speed of keyboard shortcuts or the visual assistance of character maps, there’s a method here to suit your needs and workflow. Practice these techniques, and you’ll be typing degree symbols like a pro in no time!