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Save Article Icon A bookmarkFor as many keys as your keyboard holds, there are always hundreds more symbols that get left out. One of these is the degree symbol.
Luckily, the degree symbol is on your keyboard — just hidden behind a special code or action. Here's how to type the degree symbol on your keyboard, whether you're using a computer or phone.
AdvertisementOn a PC, you have a few options.
If you're using a full-size keyboard with a numeric keypad (or "numpad") on the right side, you can type the degree symbol with an Alt Code. These codes require you to hold down the Alt key and type a series of numbers on the numpad.
The degree symbol code is Alt + 0176. As soon as you let go of the Alt key, the symbol should appear.
AdvertisementWindows 10 has a hidden emoji menu that lets you easily insert any emoji or special character into your text.
1. While you're able to type, press the Windows key + . (period) to open the emoji menu.
2. At the top of the menu, click the omega symbol (Ω) to see the list of every special character.
3. Scroll down in the list until you find the degree symbol and click it to add it to your text.
AdvertisementRemapping is the process of changing what a specific button or key does. You can download apps and configure your keyboard so when you press a specific key, or enter a keyboard shortcut, it types out a degree symbol.
There are a few apps that let you create custom keyboard shortcuts, but the best for making special character shortcuts (like for the degree symbol) is probably CatchChar. It takes a little tinkering, but will let you insert any special character with a quick keyboard shortcut.
AdvertisementTo type the degree symbol on a Mac, press Shift + Option + 8.
Alternatively, press Control + Command + Space to open the Emoji & Symbols menu and then click Punctuation in the left sidebar. You'll find the degree symbol in this list — double-click it to add it to your text.
Note: If all you see is a small pop-up filled with emoji, click the tiny box icon in the top-right corner to expand the menu to its full size.
AdvertisementThe method on a Chromebook will sound a bit confusing at first, but once you do it once, it'll be clear.
1. While you're able to type, press Ctrl + Shift + U. The letter u with a line below it will appear where you typed.
2. Without clicking away, type OOBA and then press Enter.
The underlined u will turn into the degree symbol.
Advertisement1. Tap a place that you're able to type so the keyboard appears.
2. Press the 123 icon in the bottom-left corner of your keyboard, and then press and hold your finger on the zero key (0).
3. After a moment, a small pop-up will appear with the degree symbol in it. Drag your finger over to it and release.
Advertisement1. Tap a place that you're able to type so the keyboard appears.
2. Tap the ?123 icon in the bottom-left corner, and then the =\ icon above it.
3. The degree symbol will be on this page. Tap it to type it.
William Antonelli (he/she/they) is a writer, editor, and organizer based in New York City. As a founding member of the Reference team, he helped grow Tech Reference (now part of Insider Reviews) from humble beginnings into a juggernaut that attracts over 20 million visits a month. Outside of Insider, his writing has appeared in publications like Polygon, The Outline, Kotaku, and more. He's also a go-to source for tech analysis on channels like Newsy, Cheddar, and NewsNation. You can find him on Twitter @DubsRewatcher, or reach him by email at wantonelli@businessinsider.com.
