You’re staring at a weather report or a recipe for sourdough. You need to type 75 degrees. You hit the 7, then the 5, and then... nothing. You pause. Your fingers hover over the keyboard like they're waiting for an invitation that never comes. We've all been there. It’s one of those tiny, nagging digital hurdles that makes you feel like you’ve forgotten how to use a computer. You end up typing "degrees" out loud like a total amateur, or worse, you go to Google, search for the symbol, and copy-paste it like a digital scavenger.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Honestly, the alt key for degree symbols is one of those "secret" handshake maneuvers that separates the power users from the rest of the pack. But it’s also weirdly inconsistent. Depending on if you’re on a laptop with a cramped keyboard, a full-sized desktop, or a Mac, the "secret" changes.
The Magic Number: Alt 0176
If you are on a Windows machine, the most reliable way to get that little circle is to hold down the Alt key and type 0176 on your numeric keypad.
Wait. Don’t just try it on the top row of numbers. It won't work.
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This is where most people get tripped up. Windows is picky about which numbers you use for ASCII codes. You must use the dedicated Numpad on the right side of your keyboard. If you’re on a laptop that doesn't have a Numpad, you’re basically out of luck with this specific shortcut unless you have a "Fn" (Function) key that turns your regular keys into a makeshift number pad.
Why 0176? It’s part of the Windows-1252 character set. It’s been there since the early days of computing, buried in the code like an ancient artifact. Some people swear by Alt 248, which also works in many programs. Try it. Hold Alt, tap 2, 4, 8, and let go. Boom. Degree symbol. Technically, Alt 248 is the "Extended ASCII" version, while 0176 is the ANSI version. For 99% of your emails, Word docs, and Chrome searches, they do the exact same thing.
What If You’re Using a Laptop?
Laptops have ruined everything. In the quest to make devices thinner and lighter, manufacturers ditched the Numpad. Now, when you try the alt key for degree trick, nothing happens. It's frustrating.
But there is a workaround that’s actually faster than memorizing codes.
Windows has a built-in tool called the Emoji Panel. You might think it’s just for laughing-crying faces, but it’s a powerhouse for symbols. Press the Windows Key + Period (.). A little window pops up. Click on the symbols icon (it looks like an omega sign Ω). Scroll down a bit, or click the general punctuation tab. The degree symbol is usually right there, waiting for you. No math required.
The Mac Alternative (It’s Actually Easier)
Apple handles this way better. If you’re on a MacBook or an iMac, you don't need to memorize four-digit codes or find a hidden number pad.
Just hit Option + Shift + 8.
That’s it. That’s the whole thing. If you want a slightly different version (the "masculine ordinal indicator," which looks like a degree symbol but is technically different), you can use Option + 0. But for temperature and angles, Option + Shift + 8 is the gold standard. It’s intuitive, it’s fast, and it doesn't require a degree in computer science to remember.
ChromeOS and Linux: The Outliers
Chromebooks are a bit of a curveball. They don't really do "Alt codes" in the traditional sense. Instead, they use Unicode entry. To get the degree symbol on a Chromebook, you have to press Ctrl + Shift + U, which puts a little underlined "u" on your screen. Then type 00b0 and hit Enter.
It feels like you’re writing code in a terminal in a 90s hacker movie. It’s not elegant. It’s definitely not "lifestyle friendly." But it works every single time.
Linux users often use a "Compose Key." If you have this set up, it's usually Compose, o, o. It’s logical. Two "o"s make a little circle. Simple.
Why Does This Even Matter?
You might think, "Who cares? I'll just type 'deg' or 'degrees'."
Precision matters. If you’re writing a technical report, a scientific paper, or even just a very specific recipe for a 450°F oven, using the actual symbol looks professional. It saves space. It’s the difference between a document that looks like it was written by a pro and one that looks like a rough draft.
Think about GPS coordinates. 45° 31' 12" N looks a lot better than 45 deg 31 min 12 sec N. It’s about the visual language of information.
The Common Pitfall: The "o" Superscript
A lot of people try to fake it. They type a lowercase "o" and then highlight it and hit "Superscript" in Microsoft Word.
Don't do this.
First off, it’s slow. Second, it doesn't translate well if you copy-paste that text into an email or a web form. The formatting usually breaks, and you're left with a giant "o" hanging out next to your numbers. It looks messy. Using the alt key for degree ensures that the character itself is the degree symbol, not just a letter "o" wearing a hat.
A Quick Reference for the Road
Since you'll probably forget these the second you close this tab (honestly, me too), here is the quick-and-dirty breakdown of how to get it done:
- Windows (Desktop): Alt + 0176 (on the Numpad).
- Windows (Universal): Win + Period (.) -> Symbols.
- Mac: Option + Shift + 8.
- MS Word specifically: Press Ctrl + @, then Space.
- iPhone/Android: Long-press the "0" (zero) key on the number keyboard.
Actionable Tips for Mastery
If you find yourself needing this symbol daily, stop relying on your memory. It’s a waste of brainpower.
- Create an Auto-Correct Shortcut: In Word or Google Docs, you can set it so that every time you type "(deg)", the software automatically replaces it with the ° symbol. This is a game-changer for students and engineers.
- The Sticky Note Method: If you're on a Windows desktop, write "Alt + 0176" on a post-it and stick it to the bottom of your monitor. After three days, you'll have the muscle memory, and you can toss the note.
- Use the Character Map: On Windows, search for "Character Map" in the start menu. It’s an old-school utility, but it lets you see every single symbol available in your current font. You can select the degree symbol, copy it, and see the Alt code listed in the bottom right corner for future reference.
The degree symbol isn't going anywhere. Whether you're tracking the climate, shouting about the heatwave on X (formerly Twitter), or calculating the angles of a DIY woodworking project, knowing the alt key for degree is a small but mighty digital skill. Next time you need to type "it’s 90° out here," you’ll do it in half a second while everyone else is still looking for the copy-paste button.