Type a Degree Symbol (Quick Tip!)
Would you rather spend hours searching for the degree symbol on your keyboard, or effortlessly type it with just a few keystrokes?
I bet you’d pick the latter! Let’s face it, in today’s fast-paced world, efficiency is key. This article is your quick and efficient guide on how to type the degree symbol (°) across various platforms and devices in 2025.
1. Understanding the Degree Symbol
So, what exactly is the degree symbol?
It’s that little circle (°) you see used to indicate degrees of temperature (like 25°C), angles (like a 90° angle), or geographical coordinates (like 37.7749° N).
It might seem small, but it’s incredibly important. Imagine trying to understand a weather report or navigate using GPS without it!
Think about fields like science, mathematics, engineering, and even everyday tasks like cooking. The degree symbol is a fundamental part of communicating information clearly and accurately.
For example, consider a scientific research paper discussing the optimal temperature for enzyme activity. Or an architect designing a building with precise angles. The degree symbol is indispensable in these scenarios.
2. Typing the Degree Symbol on Different
Operating Systems
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s how to type the degree symbol on different operating systems:
Windows
Alt Codes: This is a classic method. Hold down the Alt key and type 0176 on
the numeric keypad. Release the Alt key,
and voilà! The degree symbol appears.
Note: This only works with the numeric keypad, not the numbers across the top of your keyboard.
Character Map: If you’re not a fan of remembering Alt codes, the Character Map is your friend. Search for “Character Map” in the Windows search bar. Find the degree symbol, select it, and copy it to your clipboard. Then, paste it wherever you need it.
MS Word Shortcuts: If you’re using Microsoft
Word, you can also type 00B0 and then press
Alt + X. This will convert 00B0 into the
degree symbol.
Mac OS
Keyboard Shortcuts: Mac users have it pretty
easy. Simply press Option + Shift + 8. Boom! Degree symbol.
Character Viewer: Similar to Character Map on
Windows, Mac has a Character Viewer. You can
access it by going to System Preferences >
Keyboard > Input Sources and checking “Show
Input menu in menu bar.” Then, click the input
menu icon in the menu bar and select “Show
Emoji & Symbols.” Search for “degree” and
double-click to insert it.
3. Typing the Degree Symbol on Mobile Devices
Mobile devices are a different beast, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
iOS (iPhone/iPad)
On iOS, the easiest way is to press and hold the “0” (zero) key. A popup will appear with the degree symbol (°). Slide your finger to select it.
Android
Android can be a bit more varied depending on the keyboard app you’re using. However, the general principle is the same.
-
Gboard (Google Keyboard): Press and hold the “0” (zero) key, just like on iOS.
-
Samsung Keyboard: You might find the degree symbol under the “Symbols” section (usually accessed by pressing the
?123key). Look for it among the other symbols.
If you’re using a different keyboard app, check its settings or symbol menu. Most keyboard apps offer a way to access special characters.
4. Using the Degree Symbol in Word Processing
Software
Let’s talk about using the degree symbol in popular word processing software.
Microsoft Word
As mentioned earlier, you can use the Alt + X
trick. Type 00B0 and then press Alt + X. Alternatively, you can go to the Insert tab,
click Symbol, and select the degree symbol.
You can also create an AutoCorrect entry. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect
Options. In the “Replace” field, type something
like (d). In the “With” field, insert the
degree symbol (using one of the methods above). Now, whenever you type (d) in Word, it will
automatically be replaced with the degree symbol.
Google Docs
Google Docs makes it pretty straightforward. Go to Insert > Special characters. In the search
bar, type “degree.” Select the degree symbol
from the results.
You can also copy and paste the degree symbol from another source (like this article!).
5. Incorporating the Degree Symbol in HTML and
Programming Languages
If you’re a web developer or programmer, you’ll need to know how to use the degree symbol in code.
HTML:
The HTML entity for the degree symbol is °
or °. Use this in your HTML code to
display the degree symbol on your webpage.
For example:
“`html
The temperature is 25°C.
“`
This will render as:
The temperature is 25°C.
Programming Languages:
In programming languages like Python or
JavaScript, you can simply use the Unicode
character \u00B0 or copy and paste the degree
symbol directly into your code.
Python Example:
python
temperature = 25
print(f"The temperature is {temperature}\u00B0C")
JavaScript Example:
javascript
let temperature = 25;
console.log(`The temperature is ${temperature}°C`);
6. Creating Shortcuts for Frequent Use
If you find yourself using the degree symbol frequently, creating custom keyboard shortcuts can save you a ton of time.
Windows:
You can use AutoHotkey, a free and open-source scripting language for Windows, to create custom keyboard shortcuts.
Here’s a simple AutoHotkey script that assigns
Ctrl + Shift + D to the degree symbol:
autohotkey
^+d::Send, °
return
Save this script as a .ahk file and run it. Now, whenever you press Ctrl + Shift + D,
the degree symbol will be inserted.
Mac:
You can create custom keyboard shortcuts in
System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts >
App Shortcuts. Click the + button, select
the application you want to create the shortcut
for (or “All Applications” for a global shortcut),
enter “Insert Degree Symbol” in the “Menu Title”
field, and assign your desired keyboard shortcut.
Third-Party Applications:
There are also third-party applications like PhraseExpress or TextExpander that can help you streamline typing special characters and other frequently used text snippets.
7. Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Let’s clear up some common mistakes and misconceptions about the degree symbol.
Mistake: Using the letter “o” or the number “0” instead of the degree symbol. These are not the same! The degree symbol is a specific Unicode character.
Misconception: That the degree symbol is only used for temperature. While temperature is a common use, it’s also used for angles, coordinates, and other measurements.
Mistake: Forgetting to use the numeric keypad when using Alt codes on Windows. The Alt codes only work with the numeric keypad.
Misconception: That all keyboard apps on Android have the degree symbol in the same place. As mentioned earlier, it can vary depending on the keyboard app.
8. Conclusion
So, there you have it! Typing the degree symbol doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. With the right knowledge and a few simple tricks, you can effortlessly insert it into your documents, emails, and code.
Whether you’re using Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Microsoft Word, Google Docs, HTML, or a programming language, there’s a method that works for you.
Remember to practice these techniques to become more efficient. And don’t be afraid to explore custom keyboard shortcuts to further streamline your workflow.
Now go forth and conquer those temperatures, angles, and coordinates with ease!
