Complete guide with CHAR functions, formulas, keyboard shortcuts, and professional formatting techniques for Excel spreadsheets
| Method | Formula/Shortcut | Best For | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
|
CHAR Function
|
=CHAR(176) |
Formulas & automation | ⚡ Fast |
|
Alt Code
|
Alt + 0176 |
Direct typing | ⚡ Instant |
|
Symbol Dialog
|
Insert > Symbol |
Visual selection | 🔄 Medium |
|
AutoCorrect
|
deg → ° |
Frequent use | 🚀 Fast |
| Function | Formula | Result | Use Case | Version |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Degree | =CHAR(176) |
° | Simple degree symbol | All versions |
| Unicode Degree | =UNICHAR(176) |
° | Unicode support | Excel 2013+ |
| Celsius | =A1&CHAR(176)&"C" |
25°C | Temperature display | All versions |
| Fahrenheit | =B1&CHAR(176)&"F" |
77°F | Temperature display | All versions |
| Angle | =TEXT(C1,"0")&CHAR(176) |
45° | Angle measurement | All versions |
| Custom Format | 0"°" |
25° | Number formatting | All versions |
Fastest direct input method
Alt + 0176
Works in any Excel cell or text box
Enable Num Lock on your keyboard
Hold Alt and type 0176
Release Alt key - symbol appears instantly
Dynamic formula method
=CHAR(176)
Works in all Excel versions
Temperature: =A1&CHAR(176)&"C"
Angle: =B1&CHAR(176)
Formula: =SIN(RADIANS(C1&CHAR(176)))
Visual symbol selection
Insert > Symbol
Automatic replacement
deg → °
Universal method
° Copy symbol
The fastest way to insert a degree symbol in Excel is using the Alt key code:
Note: This method requires a numeric keypad. If you're using a laptop without a numeric keypad, use one of the other methods below.
Excel's CHAR function can generate the degree symbol programmatically:
=CHAR(176)
Returns: °
You can combine this with other text or numbers:
="25"&CHAR(176)&"C"
Returns: 25°C
Or use it with cell references:
=A1&CHAR(176)&"F"
If A1 contains 98, returns: 98°F
Use Excel's built-in Symbol dialog box:
The simplest method is to copy the symbol from here:
Just click the button above to copy the degree symbol, then paste it into your Excel cell.
Here are some common temperature display formulas:
=A1&CHAR(176)&"C"
Displays Celsius temperature with degree symbol
=B1&CHAR(176)&"F"
Displays Fahrenheit temperature with degree symbol
=TEXT(C1,"0")&CHAR(176)
Displays angle measurement with degree symbol
Set up AutoCorrect to automatically replace text with degree symbols:
deg°Add degree symbols conditionally:
Use custom number formats like 0"°" to display numbers with degree symbols automatically.
Make sure you're using the numeric keypad, not the top row numbers. Enable Num Lock and try again.
Your Excel version might use a different character encoding. Try =UNICHAR(176) for newer Excel versions.
Check that your font supports the degree symbol. Most standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, and Times New Roman work fine.