How to Get the Degree Symbol in MS Office

Type degree symbols using an "Alt" code.

The degree symbol (°) may be one of the most used symbols that does not have a dedicated key on computer keyboards. The degree symbol is used in both mathematics and meteorology and if you are in one of these fields, you may find yourself needing to use the symbol quite often. Although it is not possible to directly type a degree symbol using a single keyboard key, you can type the symbol using an "Alt code."

Instructions

1. Press and hold the "Alt" key. If you have a laptop computer with an "Fn" key and no dedicated numerical keypad, hold the "Fn" key as well.

2. Press the keys "0176" on your numerical keypad. Note that you cannot use the number keys at the top of the keyboard to type the degree symbol. If you have a laptop computer with no dedicated numerical keypad, use the keys with blue numerals on them.

3. Release the "Alt" key and, if applicable, the "Fn" key as well. The degree symbol appears at the location of the blinking cursor.

References

• Penn State University: Windows Alt Key Numeric Codes