The degree symbol (°) is commonly used when writing temperatures, angles, geographic coordinates, and mathematical expressions. Whether you’re typing 25°C, 90°, or 45°N, knowing how to quickly insert the degree symbol can save time and improve the appearance of your documents. While it isn’t available as a dedicated key on most laptop keyboards, Windows 11 provides several easy ways to type it.
You can insert the degree symbol using keyboard shortcuts, the Emoji Panel, Character Map, Alt codes, Microsoft Word shortcuts, and other built-in Windows tools. Most methods work across popular applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Notepad, web browsers, and email clients.
In this guide, you’ll learn the best ways to type the degree symbol on a Windows 11 laptop.
What Is the Degree Symbol?
The degree symbol (°) is a special character used to indicate degrees of temperature, angles, and geographic coordinates.
Some common examples include:
- 30°C
- 72°F
- 90°
- 180°
- 40°N, 74°W
Since most laptop keyboards don’t include a dedicated degree symbol key, you’ll need to use one of the methods below.
Method 1: Use the Alt Code (Numeric Keypad)
The quickest method on a keyboard with a numeric keypad is to use an Alt code.
Turn on Num Lock if necessary.
Hold the Alt key.
Type 0176 on the numeric keypad.
Release the Alt key.
The degree symbol (°) appears where the cursor is positioned.
Note: This method works only when using a numeric keypad. Many compact laptops without a dedicated numeric keypad don’t support this shortcut unless they provide an embedded numeric keypad.
Method 2: Copy and Paste the Degree Symbol
If you only need the symbol occasionally, copying and pasting is the simplest solution.
Copy the symbol below:
°Paste it into your document using Ctrl + V.
This method works in virtually every Windows application.
Method 3: Use the Emoji Panel
Windows 11 includes an Emoji Panel that also contains symbols.
Press Windows + . (Windows + Period).
Select the Symbols tab.
Browse or search for the degree symbol (°).
Click it to insert the symbol.
The Emoji Panel works in most modern applications.
Method 4: Use Character Map
Character Map allows you to insert special characters from installed fonts.
Press Windows and search for Character Map.
Open the app.
Choose a font such as Arial or Segoe UI.
Locate the degree symbol (°).
Click Select, then Copy.
Paste it into your document.
Character Map is useful when working with many special characters.
Method 5: Insert the Degree Symbol in Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word provides built-in symbol insertion.
Open Word.
Select Insert > Symbol > More Symbols.
Choose the degree symbol (°).
Click Insert.
The symbol is added at the current cursor position.
Method 6: Use Word’s Unicode Shortcut
Microsoft Word supports Unicode conversion for many symbols.
Type:
00B0Immediately press Alt + X.
Word converts 00B0 into the degree symbol (°).
This shortcut works only in Microsoft Word and some Office applications.
Method 7: Use the On-Screen Keyboard
If your laptop lacks a working keyboard or numeric keypad, the On-Screen Keyboard can help.
Press Windows + Ctrl + O to open the On-Screen Keyboard.
If your laptop includes an embedded numeric keypad, enable it using the Options button.
Use the Alt code method with the virtual numeric keypad.
This method is useful for accessibility or hardware issues.
Method 8: Create an AutoCorrect Shortcut in Word
If you frequently type the degree symbol, Word can insert it automatically.
Open Microsoft Word.
Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options.
Create a replacement, such as:
- Replace:
deg - With:
°
Click Add, then OK.
Typing deg followed by a space automatically inserts the degree symbol.
Method 9: Use the Windows Clipboard History
If you use the degree symbol regularly, Clipboard History can save time.
Press Windows + V.
Pin the copied degree symbol to your clipboard history.
Whenever needed, open Clipboard History and click the symbol to insert it.
This is convenient if you frequently use the same special characters.
Method 10: Use an External Numeric Keypad
If you often work with Alt codes, consider connecting a USB or Bluetooth numeric keypad.
After connecting it, simply hold Alt and type 0176 using the external keypad.
This solution is especially useful for laptops without built-in numeric keypads.
Conclusion
Typing the degree symbol on a Windows 11 laptop is easy once you know the available methods. If your keyboard includes a numeric keypad, the Alt + 0176 shortcut is one of the fastest options. For laptops without a numeric keypad, the Emoji Panel, Character Map, copy-and-paste, or Microsoft Word’s built-in tools provide reliable alternatives.
Choose the method that best fits your workflow. If you regularly work with temperatures, engineering drawings, scientific documents, or geographic coordinates, creating an AutoCorrect shortcut or using Clipboard History can make inserting the degree symbol even faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Alt code for the degree symbol?
The Windows Alt code is Alt + 0176 using a numeric keypad.
Why doesn’t Alt + 0176 work on my laptop?
Many laptops don’t include a dedicated numeric keypad. In that case, use the Emoji Panel, Character Map, copy and paste, or an external numeric keypad.
Can I type the degree symbol in Microsoft Word without the Alt code?
Yes. Type 00B0 and then press Alt + X, or use Insert > Symbol to insert the degree symbol.
Does the degree symbol work in all applications?
Yes. The degree symbol is a standard Unicode character and is supported by most Windows applications, including Microsoft Office, web browsers, Notepad, email clients, and messaging apps.
