How to use it
- Click ° to copy it.
- Paste it after your number, like 72°F.
- Or use the keyboard shortcut for your device below.
How to type the degree symbol
| Device or app | How |
|---|---|
| Windows | Hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (or Alt + 248) |
| Mac | Option + Shift + 8 |
| iPhone and iPad | On the number keyboard, press and hold 0, then slide to ° |
| Android (Gboard) | Tap ?123, then =<, and choose ° |
| Microsoft Word | Type 00B0, then Alt + X |
| Google Docs | Insert → Special characters, search "degree" |
| HTML | ° or ° |
| Excel | Alt + 0176, or =CHAR(176) |
Writing temperatures and angles
- Fahrenheit and Celsius: write the degree sign before the letter: 72°F, 22°C. The AP style used by U.S. newspapers writes temperatures without a space (72°F); scientific style (SI) puts a space between the number and °C (22 °C). Pick one style and use it consistently.
- Kelvin never uses a degree sign: 295 K.
- Angles: 90°, 45° 30′ 15″ (degrees, minutes, seconds). Coordinates: 40°42′51″N 74°0′21″W.
There are also single-character ℉ and ℃ symbols, but most style guides recommend the regular ° plus a letter, because it displays better and is easier to search.
Look-alikes that aren't degree signs
These characters look similar but mean something else, and can cause trouble in search, sorting or screen readers:
| Character | What it really is |
|---|---|
| º | masculine ordinal indicator (Spanish 1º, "primero") |
| ˚ | ring above, a diacritic |
| ⁰ | superscript zero |
The correct degree sign is ° (U+00B0). On a Mac, Option + 0 gives º, not °, which is a common mix-up.
Other unit symbols on this page
Besides °, the page has prime marks ′ ″ for feet and inches or minutes and seconds, ± plus-minus, µ micro, Ω ohm, ‰ per mille, superscripts ² and ³ for squared and cubed units, ⌀ diameter and № number sign. For a full list of characters, see copy and paste symbols.
How to copy and paste
Click a symbol on this page and it's copied to your clipboard right away. Then:
- Windows: click where you want it and press Ctrl + V.
- Mac: press Cmd + V.
- iPhone and Android: tap and hold in the text field, then tap Paste.
The panel that opens after a click also lets you copy the HTML code instead, or add the symbol to the Your text box at the bottom so you can combine several symbols and words and copy them all at once. Symbols you've used recently appear at the top of the page, stored only in your browser.
Frequently asked questions
How do I type the degree symbol on Windows?
Hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. Alt + 248 also works.
How do I type the degree symbol on a Mac?
Press Option + Shift + 8.
How do I type ° on an iPhone?
Switch to the number keyboard, press and hold 0, and slide to °.
Should there be a space in 72 °F?
U.S. news style writes 72°F with no space; scientific style puts a space before °C. Either is fine if you're consistent.
What is the HTML code for the degree sign?
° or °.
Sources
Last updated: November 12, 2026