The degree symbol ( ° ) is pretty handy for all sorts of things, like showing temperature, coordinates, or even musical notes. If you’re here, you probably need to use it in Word, and there are a bunch of ways to do it. Some people might copy-paste it every time, but there are faster methods out there. Let’s check out 7 different ways you can insert the degree symbol in your Word documents, then you can pick the one you like best.
Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Using keyboard shortcuts is often the quickest method. Word has some built-in shortcuts that make adding the degree symbol a breeze.
First, put your cursor where you need the symbol. Then, try any of these:
- ALT+0176 - Make sure your Num Lock is on. Hold down the Alt key and type 0176 on the number pad (the one on the right side of your keyboard).
- ALT+248 - Again, ensure Num Lock is active. Hold Alt, and type 248 on the number pad.
Release the Alt key, and boom, there’s your degree symbol.
Alternatively, you can also use Ctrl+Shift+@ then Space to insert the degree symbol.
Method 2: Utilizing Unicode
Another quick way is using Unicode. Simply type the code for the degree symbol, followed by a key combination, and you’re done.
Type either 00b0 or 00B0 into your document. Immediately after, press Alt+X. The code will be converted to the degree symbol.
If you’re adding this to a number, add a space between them, for example: “35 00B0” instead of “3500B0”, so word will recognize the code. Then press Alt+X.
Now, just delete the extra space before the degree symbol.
Method 3: Copy-Pasting the Symbol
If shortcuts aren’t your thing, or you don’t use the degree symbol often, a quick copy and paste is always an option.
Just copy the degree symbol below:
°
You can also find the symbol online if you like and copy it from there.
Method 4: Using the Insert Symbol Dialog Box
You can use the ‘Insert Symbol’ feature in Word. It’s a common way to add special symbols, including the degree symbol.
First, place your cursor where you want to insert the symbol. Go to the ‘Insert’ tab, then click ‘Symbol’ in the ‘Symbols’ group.
Select ‘More Symbols’ from the menu.
In the Symbol box, choose the font you’re using from the ‘Font’ dropdown.
Scroll through the symbols, find the degree symbol, and select it. Make sure you’re selecting the right one, and not a look-alike.
Verify under the ‘Unicode name:’ section that the symbol selected is the ‘Degree sign’. Then, click ‘Insert’ followed by ‘Close’.
Alternatively, type its character code 00B0 in the ‘Character code’ field to automatically select the degree symbol.
Click “Insert”, and the symbol will show up where your cursor is.
Method 5: Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts
Word lets you create your own keyboard shortcuts for symbols.
Go to ‘Insert’ and click on ‘Symbols’ then ‘More Symbols’.
When you select a symbol, you can see its current shortcut below.
If you want to change this, click on the ‘Shortcut Key…’ button in the bottom left of the dialog box.
This will open the ‘Customize Keyboard’ dialog. Click in the ‘Press new shortcut key’ box and type the key combo you want (like Alt+Shift+D). Then, click ‘Assign’.
Shortcuts are usually saved to the Normal.dotm template, but you can change that if you want. Click ‘Close’ twice to close the open dialog boxes.
Now you can use your new shortcut to insert the degree symbol.
Method 6: Using the Character Map
The Character Map shows all the characters available in your fonts, which can be helpful for inserting the degree symbol.
Search for ‘Character Map’ in the start menu, and open it.
If you can’t see the degree symbol, click ‘Advanced view’ in the bottom left.
Then, type ‘degree’ or ‘degree sign’ in the search box, and click ‘Search’.
You’ll see a list of related symbols, like Degree sign, Degree Celsius and Degree Fahrenheit.
Double-click the degree sign, or select it, then click ‘Select’.
The selected symbol will appear in the “Characters to copy:” field. Then, click ‘Copy’.
You can also type the Unicode 00B0 in the “Go to Unicode” box, and then click ‘Select’ and ‘Copy’.
If you need the ‘Degree Celsius’ or ‘Degree Fahrenheit’ symbols, you can also select and copy them from here.
Now you can paste it anywhere with Ctrl+V.
Method 7: Using AutoCorrect
AutoCorrect can automatically change specific text into the degree symbol for you.
Go to the ‘Insert’ tab, click on ‘Symbol’, and then ‘More Symbols’.
Click the ‘AutoCorrect…’ button at the bottom.
AutoCorrect has two main ways you can use it here:
Using the ‘Replace text as you type’ option in AutoCorrect
This makes Word automatically replace a string of text with the degree symbol.
In the AutoCorrect dialog box, on the ‘AutoCorrect’ tab, make sure the ‘Replace text as you type’ option is checked, then select ‘Plain text’ below.
Type the text you want to trigger the change in the ‘Replace’ box. For example DEGS.
Then, type the degree symbol in the ‘With:’ box. You can use the keyboard shortcut ALT+0176 or Alt+248. Then, click ‘Add’.
Now click ‘OK’ and then ‘Close’.
Now, if you type DEGS and press space, it will change to the degree symbol.
Using Math AutoCorrect
Open the AutoCorrect dialog again and go to the ‘Math AutoCorrect’ tab.
Make sure ‘Use Math AutoCorrect rules outside of the math regions’ is enabled. Look for the \\degree – ° rule, which is a default rule. Then click ‘OK’.
Now if you type \\degree and hit Space, it will change into the degree symbol.