Learning how to make degree symbol on keyboard pc is a common need for students, professionals, and anyone writing about temperatures, angles, or coordinates. Typing the degree symbol on a Windows keyboard is simple once you learn the correct key combination. This guide covers every method, from quick shortcuts to advanced tools, ensuring you can insert this symbol no matter what software you’re using.
How To Make Degree Symbol On Keyboard Pc
The most efficient way to type the degree symbol on a PC is by using a keyboard shortcut. This method works in most text fields and programs on Windows, including Microsoft Word, Google Docs, email clients, and web browsers. It relies on using the numeric keypad, which is the set of number keys usually located on the right side of a full-sized keyboard.
The Standard Alt Code Method
This is the universal Windows Alt code for the degree symbol. Follow these steps carefully.
- Place your cursor in the text field where you want the degree symbol to appear.
- Ensure your Num Lock key is turned on. You should see a light indicator on your keyboard if it has one.
- Press and hold down the Alt key on your keyboard.
- While holding Alt, type the numbers 0176 on the numeric keypad. Do not use the number row at the top of your keyboard.
- Release the Alt key. The degree symbol (°) will appear at your cursor’s location.
It’s important to note that this method requires a keyboard with a dedicated numeric keypad. If you are using a compact laptop keyboard without one, this specific shortcut may not work, and you will need to try an alternative method listed below.
Using The Character Map Utility
Windows includes a built-in tool called Character Map that gives you access to every symbol and character available in your installed fonts. This is a reliable fallback option.
- Click the Windows Start button and type “Character Map”. Open the application.
- In the Character Map window, ensure the font selected matches the font you are using in your document (e.g., Arial, Times New Roman).
- Scroll through the list of characters or use the “Advanced view” checkbox to search.
- In the search box, type “degree” and click Search. The degree symbol will be highlighted.
- Click on the degree symbol to select it, then click the “Select” button followed by the “Copy” button.
- Return to your document and paste the symbol (Ctrl + V) where needed.
Why Use Character Map?
Character Map is invaluable because it shows you the Alt code for any selected character at the bottom of the window. It also allows you to copy multiple symbols at once. If you ever need a less common symbol, like a musical note or a mathematical operator, this is the tool to use.
Keyboard Shortcuts In Microsoft Word
If you are working specifically in Microsoft Word or other Office applications like Outlook or PowerPoint, there are even faster shortcuts that don’t require the numeric keypad.
- Ctrl + @, then Space: In Word, press Ctrl + @ (you may need to press Shift for the @ symbol), then immediately press the Spacebar. This often produces the degree symbol.
- Alt + X (Hex Code): This is a powerful Word-specific trick. Type the Unicode hex code for the degree symbol, which is 00B0, then immediately press the Alt key and the X key together. The code “00B0” will transform into a degree symbol.
- Insert Tab: You can also go to the Insert tab on the ribbon, click “Symbol,” then “More Symbols.” Find the degree symbol in the list, select it, and click Insert.
These Word-specific methods are often quicker for heavy document editors, as they keep your hands on the main keyboard area.
Methods For Laptops Without A Numpad
Many modern laptops omit the dedicated numeric keypad to save space. This can make the standard Alt+0176 method seem impossible. However, you have several effective workarounds.
Enable The On-Screen Keyboard
Windows includes an on-screen keyboard that features a virtual numeric keypad.
- Open the Start menu and type “On-Screen Keyboard” to launch it.
- Click the “Options” key on the virtual keyboard and check the box that says “Turn on numeric keypad.”
- A virtual numpad will appear on the right side of the on-screen keyboard.
- In your document, click to place the cursor. Then, on the virtual keyboard, click to hold down the Alt key, click the numbers 0, 1, 7, 6 on the virtual numpad, and then release the Alt key.
This method is a bit slower but guarantees access to all Alt codes on any laptop or tablet.
Use The Function (Fn) Key With Embedded Numpad
Some laptops have a secondary function for certain keys (usually M, J, K, L, U, I, O, etc.) that act as a numpad when a special key is pressed. Look for small blue numbers printed on your keyboard keys.
- Locate the Function Lock (Fn) key and the Num Lock (NumLk) key on your laptop. You may need to press Fn + NumLk to activate the embedded numeric keypad.
- Once activated, a set of your main keys (typically 7, 8, 9, U, I, O, J, K, L, etc.) will function as the numeric keypad.
- Now you can use the Alt code method: Hold Alt, then press the corresponding keys for 0, 1, 7, 6 using these embedded number keys, and release Alt.
The exact keys and process vary by laptop brand, so you may need to consult your device’s manual if this doesn’t work immediately.
Creating The Degree Symbol In Other Software
Different programs sometimes have their own unique shortcuts or insertion methods. Knowing these can save you a lot of time.
In Google Docs And Web Browsers
When working in a web-based environment like Google Docs, Gmail, or a text field in your browser, the standard Windows Alt code method often works if you have a numpad. If not, try these:
- Character Copy-Paste: The simplest method is to copy a degree symbol from a webpage (like this one: °) and paste it where you need it. You can keep it in a simple text file for quick access.
- Google Docs Insert Menu: In Google Docs, click “Insert” in the menu, then select “Special characters.” You can search for “degree” or draw the symbol in the drawing box to find and insert it.
- Unicode Input: In many web forms, you can type the Unicode directly. For the degree symbol, that is U+00B0. However, this may not convert automatically outside of specific developer environments.
In Graphic Design And CAD Software
Programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or AutoCAD have specific text tools.
In most Adobe applications, you can go to Type > Glyphs to open a panel similar to Character Map. You can then find and insert the degree symbol from your current font. For frequent use in AutoCAD, it’s common to define a text style or use the %%d string as an automatic conversion shortcut within single-line text objects.
Understanding Unicode And Alt Codes
Knowing a bit about how symbols work on your PC can make finding others much easier. The degree symbol has a specific Unicode value, which is U+00B0. Unicode is a universal standard that assigns a unique number to every character across all languages and platforms.
The Windows Alt code (Alt+0176) is essentially a way to input that Unicode character directly from your keyboard. The number 0176 is the decimal representation of the hexadecimal value 00B0. Other common symbols also have Alt codes, like Alt+248 for a similar degree symbol or Alt+241 for the plus/minus symbol (±).
Common Alt Code Symbols For Reference
- Degree Symbol (°): Alt + 0176
- Degree Symbol (alternative): Alt + 248
- Plus/Minus (±): Alt + 241
- Copyright (©): Alt + 0169
- Registered Trademark (®): Alt + 0174
Remember, these all require the numeric keypad and Num Lock to be on. If you find yourself using a particular symbol frequently, making note of its Alt code is a huge time-saver.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Sometimes, the shortcuts don’t work as expected. Here are solutions to the most frequent issues.
Alt Code Is Not Working
If pressing Alt+0176 produces nothing or a different character, check these points:
- Num Lock: This is the most common culprit. Ensure the Num Lock light is on.
- Numeric Keypad: You must use the number keys on the dedicated numpad, not the number row across the top of the keyboard.
- Application Support: A very small number of older or specialized programs may not support direct Alt code input. In these cases, use Character Map to copy and paste the symbol.
- Keyboard Layout: Some international keyboard layouts may reassign the function of the Alt key or the numpad keys. Try the right-side Alt key (AltGr) if your keyboard has one.
Symbol Appears As A Different Character
If you get a letter or a box instead of the degree symbol, the issue is usually font-related. The font you are currently using in your document might not include the degree symbol character. Try changing the font to a common one like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. The symbol should appear correctly.
FAQ Section
How Do I Type A Degree Symbol On A PC Laptop?
For laptops without a numpad, use the On-Screen Keyboard (enable the numpad in options) or the Character Map utility. Some laptops have a hidden numpad activated by pressing the Fn + Num Lock keys, allowing you to use Alt codes on certain letter keys.
What Is The Shortcut Key For The Degree Symbol?
The primary Windows shortcut is Alt + 0176 on the numeric keypad. In Microsoft Word, you can also type 00B0 and then press Alt + X.
How Do You Make A Degree Symbol On A Keyboard Without A Number Pad?
You can copy and paste the symbol from the web or a document, use the Windows Character Map tool, or enable the on-screen keyboard’s numeric pad. The Insert Symbol menu in programs like Word is also a reliable option.
Can I Make A Degree Symbol In Excel?
Yes. The Alt + 0176 method works in Excel cells. You can also use the Insert Symbol dialog from the Insert tab on the ribbon. To add a degree symbol to a number for temperature (e.g., 45°), type the number, then use Alt+0176.
Is There An ASCII Code For The Degree Symbol?
The standard ASCII code set does not include the degree symbol. It is part of the extended ASCII and Unicode sets. On Windows, you use the Alt code (an extended ASCII code) or the Unicode input method.
Mastering how to make degree symbol on keyboard pc is a small but useful skill that enhances your productivity. Whether you’re writing a science report, formatting weather data, or inputting geographic coordinates, having these methods at your fingertips ensures you’ll never be stuck looking for that little circle again. Practice the Alt code method if you have a numpad, and bookmark the Character Map as a trusty backup for all your symbol needs.