How to Insert Degree Symbol in Word

Complete Microsoft Word guide with keyboard shortcuts, AutoCorrect setup, and professional document formatting techniques

Microsoft Word
Keyboard Shortcuts
Ribbon Menu
Documents

What You'll Learn

Alt Codes AutoCorrect Symbol Dialog Ribbon Menu

Quick Reference Guide

Most Common Word Degree Symbol Methods

Method Shortcut/Action Best For Speed
Alt Code (Windows)
Alt + 0176 Direct typing ⚡ Instant
Option Key (Mac)
Option + Shift + 8 Mac users ⚡ Instant
Ribbon Menu
Insert > Symbol Visual selection 🔄 Medium
AutoCorrect
deg → ° Frequent use 🚀 Fast

Quick Methods

Keyboard Shortcut

Ctrl + @, Space

The fastest way to insert degree symbol in Word.

Pro Tip:

Type Ctrl + @ then release and press Space. Works in all Word versions.

Ribbon Menu

Insert > Symbol > More Symbols

Use Word's built-in symbol insertion tool.

Steps:

  1. 1. Go to Insert tab
  2. 2. Click Symbol button
  3. 3. Select More Symbols
  4. 4. Find and insert °

Detailed Methods

Method 1: Keyboard Shortcuts

Primary Word Shortcut

Ctrl + @, Space

This is Word's built-in shortcut for the degree symbol. Press Ctrl + @ together, then release and press Space.

Alternative Shortcuts

Alt + 0176 (Windows)

Use the numeric keypad. This works system-wide, not just in Word.

Mac Users

Option + Shift + 8

Standard Mac keyboard shortcut that works in Word for Mac.

Method 2: Using the Ribbon Menu

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1 Open your Word document and place cursor where you want the degree symbol
  2. 2 Click the Insert tab in the ribbon at the top
  3. 3 In the Symbols group, click the Symbol button
  4. 4 If the degree symbol (°) appears in the dropdown, click it
  5. 5 If not, click More Symbols at the bottom
  6. 6 In the Symbol dialog box, make sure Normal Text is selected
  7. 7 Scroll down to find the degree symbol (°) and double-click it
  8. 8 Click Close to return to your document

Pro Tip:

You can also search for "degree" in the Symbol dialog box to find it quickly. The degree symbol has Unicode code U+00B0.

Method 3: Using AutoCorrect

Setting Up AutoCorrect

  1. 1 Click File > Options
  2. 2 Select Proofing from the left menu
  3. 3 Click AutoCorrect Options
  4. 4 In the Replace: field, type a shortcut like (d)
  5. 5 In the With: field, paste the degree symbol (°)
  6. 6 Click Add then OK

Popular AutoCorrect Entries:

  • • (c) → °C
  • • (f) → °F
  • • (deg) → °

Method 4: Using Character Code

Typing Unicode Directly

  1. 1 Place your cursor where you want the symbol
  2. 2 Type the Unicode code: 00B0
  3. 3 Press Alt + X

Common Degree Symbol Codes:

Degree: 00B0
Celsius: 2103
Fahrenheit: 2109
Masculine Ordinal: 00BA

Copy and Paste Method

°

Degree Symbol

℃

Celsius

℉

Fahrenheit

Best Practices

Recommended Methods

Keyboard Shortcuts:

Fastest for frequent users

AutoCorrect:

Best for repetitive use

Copy & Paste:

Universal solution

Common Issues

Symbol not found:

Check you're using the correct font

Shortcut not working:

Try alternative methods

Formatting issues:

Use Insert > Symbol for best results

Version-Specific Tips

Word 2016/2019

  • • All methods work perfectly
  • • AutoCOrrect is highly customizable
  • • Symbol dialog has improved search

Microsoft 365

  • • Cloud-based AutoCorrect sync
  • • Enhanced symbol suggestions
  • • Best for collaborative work

Word for Mac

  • • Use Option + Shift + 8
  • • Ribbon similar to Windows
  • • Character viewer integration

Quick Reference Summary

Keyboard Shortcuts

Degree Symbol: Ctrl + @, Space
Windows Alt Code: Alt + 0176
Mac Shortcut: Option + Shift + 8
Unicode: 00B0 + Alt + X

Insert Methods

Ribbon Menu: Insert > Symbol
AutoCorrect: File > Options > Proofing
Copy & Paste: From this website
Character Map: Windows utility