How to Make a Degree Symbol on the Computer

Keyboard Shortcuts for Typing Degree Symbols

When you need to type a degree symbol (°) on your computer, one of the quickest ways is to use a keyboard shortcut. Here are the steps to follow for some of the most commonly used keyboard shortcuts:

1. For Windows computers:

   • Hold down the “Alt” key on your keyboard
   • Type “0176” on your numeric keypad (make sure “Num Lock” is on)
   • Release the “Alt” key

2. For Mac computers:

   • Hold down the “Option” key on your keyboard
   • Type “Shift-8” to create the “°” symbol

3. For Google Docs:

   • Hold down the “Ctrl” key and the “Shift” key on your keyboard
   • Type “@ degree” (without the quotes)
   • Select the degree symbol from the options that appear

Remember that keyboard shortcuts may vary depending on your computer and operating system, so if these shortcuts don’t work for you, try searching for the appropriate shortcut for your specific device.

Using the Character Map to Insert Degree Symbols

If you don’t have a numeric keypad or prefer not to use keyboard shortcuts, you can also use the character map or symbol dialog box to insert the degree symbol. Here are the steps to follow:

1. For Windows computers:

   • Click on the “Start” menu and type “character map” in the search bar
   • Select “Character Map” from the search results
   • Find the degree symbol (°) in the character map and click on it to select it
   • Click the “Select” button, then the “Copy” button
   • Paste the degree symbol into your document or application by pressing “Ctrl” + “V” or right-clicking and selecting “Paste”

2. For Mac computers:

   • Click on the “Edit” menu in your document or application
   • Select “Emoji & Symbols” or “Special Characters” (depending on your version of macOS)
   • Find the degree symbol (°) in the character viewer and click on it to select it
   • Click the “Copy” button
   • Paste the degree symbol into your document or application by pressing “Command” + “V” or right-clicking and selecting “Paste”

Using the character map or symbol dialog box can be a slower process than using keyboard shortcuts, but it is a reliable way to insert special characters when you need them.

Creating Degree Symbols on Mac Computers

Mac computers offer several options for creating degree symbols, including using keyboard shortcuts and the character viewer. Here are some steps you can follow to create degree symbols on your Mac:

1. Use the keyboard shortcut:

   • Hold down the “Option” key on your keyboard
   • Type “Shift-8” to create the “°” symbol

2. Use the character viewer:

   • Click on the “Edit” menu in your document or application
   • Select “Emoji & Symbols” or “Special Characters” (depending on your version of macOS)
   • Find the degree symbol (°) in the character viewer and click on it to select it
   • Click the “Insert” button

3. Create a custom keyboard shortcut:

   • Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences”
   • Click on “Keyboard,” then select the “Shortcuts” tab
   • Select “App Shortcuts” from the sidebar, then click the “+” button
   • Choose your application from the dropdown menu, enter the exact name of the menu command you want to use (such as “Insert Degree Symbol”), and assign a keyboard shortcut
   • Click “Add”

With these options, you can choose the method that works best for you to create degree symbols on your Mac.

Alternative Ways to Type Degree Symbols

In addition to keyboard shortcuts and the character map or symbol dialog box, there are a few other ways to type degree symbols on your computer. Here are some options:

1. Copy and paste:

   • Find a degree symbol (°) online or in a document
   • Copy it by selecting it and pressing “Ctrl” + “C” (Windows) or “Command” + “C” (Mac)
   • Paste it into your document or application by pressing “Ctrl” + “V” (Windows) or “Command” + “V” (Mac)

2. AutoCorrect:

   • In Microsoft Word, go to “File” > “Options” > “Proofing” > “AutoCorrect Options”
   • Under “Replace,” type the text string you want to trigger the degree symbol (such as “deg” or “degrees”)
   • Under “With,” type the degree symbol (°) and click “Add,” then “OK”
   • Now, whenever you type the text string you specified, Word will automatically replace it with the degree symbol

3. Third-party apps or software:

   • There are also third-party apps or software that allow you to easily insert symbols, such as the Character Map app on Windows or the PopChar app on Mac

By using one of these alternative methods, you can quickly insert degree symbols into your documents and applications without having to remember keyboard shortcuts or navigate the character map.

Conclusion

There are many ways to create degree symbols on your computer, including keyboard shortcuts, the character map or symbol dialog box, and third-party apps or software. Which method you choose may depend on your personal preference, the software you are using, and the type of computer you have. By using one of these methods, you can quickly and easily insert degree symbols into your documents and applications, saving you time and effort.