Where Is the Degree Symbol on a Laptop Keyboard? A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever wanted to type the degree symbol (°) on your laptop but couldn’t find it anywhere, you’re not alone. It’s one of those quirky characters that no keyboard seems to highlight. So, where is it hiding? And how do you actually type it? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know: from why there’s usually no dedicated key, to the exact shortcuts for Windows, Mac, and Linux, plus some alternative tricks for those stubborn keyboards or software setups. Think of this as your friendly walkthrough, like I’m sitting next to you showing you how to find that elusive little circle. Ready? Let’s dive in.

Why Isn’t There a Dedicated Degree Symbol Key on Laptops?

First, you might be wondering: why doesn’t my keyboard have a degree symbol key? It seems like such a basic character, right?

Well, most laptop keyboards are designed to be as compact as possible. Since the degree symbol isn’t used constantly by most people, manufacturers usually don’t give it a dedicated spot. Instead, it’s tucked away in the extended character sets, accessible only through combinations or special codes. That keeps the keyboard layout clean without overwhelming you with too many keys.

Think about it: how often do you need the degree symbol in everyday typing? Probably not as much as letters, numbers, or punctuation. So, instead of creating a whole key for it, laptops rely on shortcuts.

How Do I Type the Degree Symbol (°) on a Laptop Keyboard?

Okay, the million-dollar question. How do you type that little circle?

The answer depends on your operating system—Windows, Mac, or Linux. Different systems have their own shortcuts or character entry methods. Let’s look at them step by step.

Typing the Degree Symbol on Windows

If you’re on Windows, there are a couple of ways to get that degree symbol:

1. Using the Alt Code

This is probably the most common method.

• Step 1: Make sure your Num Lock is turned on (if your laptop has a numeric keypad).
• Step 2: Hold down the Alt key.
• Step 3: While holding Alt, type 0176 on the numeric keypad.
• Step 4: Release the Alt key, and voilà—the degree symbol (°) appears.

But what if your laptop doesn’t have a numeric keypad? Many laptops, especially smaller ones, don’t.

2. Using the Character Map

• Open the Character Map program by typing “Character Map” in the Start menu.
• Scroll through or search for the degree symbol.
• Click on it, then click Copy.
• Paste it wherever you want.

Pro tip: You can pin the Character Map to your taskbar if you find yourself using it often.

3. Keyboard Shortcut (Windows 10 and later)

On some Windows laptops, pressing Windows key + . (period) opens the emoji and symbols panel.

• Open it, click on the Symbols tab (usually looks like Ω).
• Find the degree symbol and click it.

Typing the Degree Symbol on Mac

Macs make this pretty straightforward.

• Step 1: Position your cursor where you want the degree symbol.
• Step 2: Hold down the Shift + Option keys.
• Step 3: While holding those, press 8.
• Step 4: Release all keys, and you’ll see the ° symbol.

So Shift + Option + 8 equals °. Easy, right? Just remember that for next time.

Typing the Degree Symbol on Linux

Linux can be a bit trickier, depending on your distro and desktop environment, but here’s a reliable way:

• Using Compose Key: If you have the compose key enabled (often set to the right Alt key):

• Press Compose, then o, then o. This should produce the degree symbol.

• Using Unicode Input:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + U simultaneously.

• Release all keys.
• Type 00B0 (the Unicode for the degree symbol).
• Press Enter or Space, and the symbol appears.

Are There Alternative Methods If Keyboard Shortcuts Don’t Work?

Sometimes shortcuts aren’t your friend. Maybe your laptop lacks a numeric keypad, or the shortcut behaves oddly in a specific program. What else can you try?

1. Copy and Paste

A simple workaround is to copy the degree symbol from somewhere else and paste it.

Here’s the degree symbol you can copy right now: °

Just highlight it, press Ctrl + C (or Cmd + C on Mac), then paste it where you want with Ctrl + V (or Cmd + V).

2. Use AutoCorrect Features

Programs like Microsoft Word or Google Docs often auto-convert certain character combinations into symbols.

• For example, typing (degree) or deg might trigger an autocorrect into the degree symbol.
• You can also set up your own shortcut inside Word or your text editor.

3. Use On-Screen Keyboard or Emoji Panel

• On Windows: Open the on-screen keyboard (search “On-Screen Keyboard”).
• On Mac: Open the emoji and symbols viewer with Ctrl + Cmd + Space, then search for “degree.”

4. Insert Symbol in Word Processors

In Microsoft Word:

• Go to the Insert tab.
• Click on Symbol → More Symbols.
• Scroll or search to find the degree symbol.
• Click Insert.

Quick Reference Table: Degree Symbol Shortcuts

Common Pain Points and How to Overcome Them

Let’s talk about some common hurdles—and how to breeze past them.

“I Can’t Find A Numeric Keypad on My Laptop!”

Many modern laptops, especially ultrabooks or compact models, don’t have a separate numeric keypad. This makes the Alt code method tricky.

Solution: Try using the Windows emoji panel (Windows + .) or copy-pasting the symbol instead. Alternatively, some laptops use a function (Fn) key combined with certain letter keys to emulate a numpad—check your manual or look for tiny numbers on keys.

“The Shortcut Doesn’t Work in My Program”

Some programs override standard shortcuts, or your keyboard layout may be different (like AZERTY or Dvorak), which can confuse things.

Solution: Use the OS’s character map or insert symbol dialog. For repeated use, set up a custom autocorrect shortcut in your text editor.

“I Keep Forgetting the Shortcut”

Keyboard shortcuts can be tricky to memorize. No worries—you’re not alone.

Solution: Write it down somewhere visible, or create a text snippet or macro that inserts the degree symbol for you. On Mac, you can create a text replacement in System Preferences under Keyboard. On Windows, tools like AutoHotkey can help with custom shortcuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the degree symbol important?

It’s super useful for temperatures, angles in math, and geographic coordinates, among other things. Without it, your writing might look weird or confusing.

Q: Is the degree symbol different from the small letter ‘o’?

Yes! The degree symbol (°) is a special character distinct from the letter ‘o’. It’s smaller and sits a bit higher (superscript). Using ‘o’ instead can look unprofessional or incorrect.

Q: Can I type the degree symbol on a Chromebook?

Yes. Press Ctrl + Shift + U, then type 00B0, press Enter. Or use the emoji panel (Search/Launcher + Shift + Space) and find the symbol.

Wrapping It Up

Typing the degree symbol on a laptop keyboard can seem like a wild goose chase, especially if you expect a dedicated key that just isn’t there. But once you know the shortcuts and tricks, it’s a piece of cake.

Remember:

• No dedicated key? No problem.
• Windows users often rely on Alt codes or emoji panels.
• Macs have a simple Shift + Option + 8 shortcut.
• Linux users can use Compose keys or Unicode input.
• When all else fails, copy and paste.

Give these a try next time you need to type “90°” without fuss. And hey, if you forget the shortcut, just come back here—you’ll have a handy guide ready.

References

1. According to Microsoft Support, Alt codes are a standard way to insert symbols on Windows systems Microsoft Support.

2. Apple’s official documentation confirms the Shift + Option + 8 shortcut for the degree symbol on macOS Apple Support.

3. Ubuntu documentation details Unicode input methods, including the Ctrl + Shift + U approach Ubuntu Wiki.

If you have any other keyboard mysteries you want to solve, just let me know!