How to Type Degree Symbol on Laptop Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever wondered how to type the degree symbol (°) on your Windows 10 laptop? Whether you’re writing a weather report (like 25°C), documenting an angle (45°), or preparing a science assignment, the degree symbol is essential — yet not easily found on your keyboard.

Don’t worry — in this guide, we’ll walk you through every method to type the degree symbol on a Windows 10 laptop. You’ll learn keyboard shortcuts, character map techniques, and even how to use Emoji and Symbol panels. Let’s dive in!

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🔹 What Is the Degree Symbol (°)?

The degree symbol (°) is a small circle used to represent:

• Temperature: 25°C, 98.6°F

• Angles: 90°, 180°

• Geographical coordinates: 33°N, 73°E

It’s small but powerful — conveying precise information in math, science, and everyday contexts.

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🔹 Why You Need to Know How to Type the Degree Symbol

Typing the degree symbol saves time and adds professionalism. Instead of writing “degrees” (like 25 degrees Celsius), typing 25°C looks cleaner, more accurate, and tech-savvy.

You might need it when:

• Writing weather updates

• Creating Excel data sheets

• Preparing mathematics assignments

• Documenting scientific reports

• Writing emails or technical documents

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🧭 Overview: Ways to Type the Degree Symbol in Windows 10

Here are the most common methods you’ll learn in this guide:

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🧩 Method 1: Use Alt Code to Type the Degree Symbol (°)

This is the fastest and most reliable way.

✅ Steps:

1. Place your cursor where you want the degree symbol to appear.

2. Make sure Num Lock is ON.

3. Hold down the Alt key.

4. On your numeric keypad, type 0176.

5. Release the Alt key, and the ° symbol will appear.

👉 Example: Alt + 0176 = °

⚠️ Important Notes:

• Works only on keyboards with a numeric keypad.

• On laptops without a numeric keypad, use the Fn key combinations (explained below).

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💡 Method 2: Alt Code on Laptops Without Numeric Keypad

Many laptops (especially compact ones) don’t have a dedicated numeric keypad. Don’t worry — you can still type the degree symbol using your function key (Fn).

✅ Steps:

1. Turn on Num Lock by pressing Fn + NumLk (or a similar combination).

2. Use the embedded number keys (often marked in blue or gray).

3. Hold Alt, then type 0176 using those keys.

4. Release Alt — and voilà! The ° symbol appears.

If this doesn’t work, try the next methods below.

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🧭 Method 3: Use the Character Map Tool

Windows 10 includes a built-in Character Map that lets you find and copy special symbols.

✅ Steps:

1. Press Windows + S to open search.

2. Type Character Map and open it.

3. In the Character Map window:

   • Check “Advanced view” at the bottom.

   • Type degree in the Search for box.

4. Click the ° symbol.

5. Click Select → Copy.

6. Paste it (Ctrl + V) wherever you need it.

🧠 Tip: Once copied, you can paste it multiple times — even in emails or browsers.

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🧭 Method 4: Use Windows Emoji & Symbols Panel (Fastest Modern Method)

This is perfect for quick typing in chat, notes, or browser forms.

✅ Steps:

1. Place the cursor where you want the symbol.

2. Press Windows key + . (period) or Windows + ; (semicolon).

3. When the panel opens:

   • Click on the Symbols tab (Ω).

   • Scroll until you find the degree symbol (°).

4. Click it once — and it’s inserted instantly!

💡 Works in almost every text field — even on social media, Notepad, and browsers.

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🧭 Method 5: Insert the Degree Symbol in Microsoft Word or Excel

If you often use Word or Excel, this method is foolproof.

✅ In Microsoft Word:

1. Open your document.

2. Click Insert → Symbol → More Symbols.

3. In the Symbol window:

   • Set Font to Normal Text.

   • Choose Latin-1 Supplement from the Subset dropdown.

   • Select the ° symbol.

4. Click Insert → Close.

✅ In Microsoft Excel:

1. Select the cell where you want to insert the degree symbol.

2. Click Insert → Symbol on the Ribbon.

3. Repeat the same steps as in Word.

4. The degree symbol appears instantly.

📈 Pro Tip: You can also use =CHAR(176) in a cell to insert the symbol programmatically!

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🧭 Method 6: Copy and Paste the Degree Symbol

If you’re in a hurry, just copy the symbol below and paste it anywhere:

👉 °

✅ Steps:

1. Highlight the symbol above.

2. Press Ctrl + C to copy.

3. Go to your target location.

4. Press Ctrl + V to paste.

It works on browsers, Word, Excel, and even command lines.

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🧭 Method 7: Use On-Screen Keyboard (When Keys Don’t Work)

If your keyboard’s Alt or number keys are broken, the On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) can help.

✅ Steps:

1. Press Windows + R → type osk → hit Enter.

2. The On-Screen Keyboard appears.

3. Open Character Map (as shown earlier).

4. Copy the ° symbol and paste it using Ctrl + V.

Not the fastest, but great for emergencies!

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🧭 Method 8: Use AutoCorrect in Word for Faster Typing

If you type the degree symbol frequently, automate it using AutoCorrect.

✅ Steps:

1. Open Word → File → Options → Proofing → AutoCorrect Options.

2. In “Replace,” type something short like (deg).

3. In “With,” paste the ° symbol.

4. Click Add → OK.

Now whenever you type (deg), it will automatically convert to °.

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🧭 Method 9: Insert Degree Symbol Using Unicode

If you’re comfortable with Unicode input, this is a professional trick.

✅ Steps:

1. Type 00B0 (this is the Unicode for °).

2. Press Alt + X.

3. It instantly converts to °.

💡 Works great in Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

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🧭 Method 10: Using Microsoft Word Equation Editor

If you’re working on math or physics formulas:

✅ Steps:

1. Go to Insert → Equation → Insert New Equation.

2. Type your expression, e.g., 45°.

3. Insert the degree symbol using Alt + 0176 or Insert Symbol.

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💬 Common Issues and Fixes

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🧠 Alternative Ways: Use Temperature Shortcuts in Apps

Some apps (like Microsoft Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint) auto-format “C” or “F” when following a number.

Example: Typing 25 C may automatically change to 25°C in some cases.
Check your AutoFormat options if you want to enable or disable this.

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🔍 Comparison: Best Methods for Different Situations

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📘 Conclusion

Typing the degree symbol (°) on a Windows 10 laptop doesn’t have to be tricky. Whether you use a numeric keypad, the Character Map, or the Emoji panel — there’s always a method that fits your situation.

Here’s what you should remember:

• The Alt code (0176) is the fastest way.

• The Character Map is universal.

• The Windows Emoji Panel is modern and quick.

Once you’ve tried a few, you’ll find your favorite method and never have to Google it again!

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🔑 Key Takeaways

• Alt + 0176 = ° (fastest method)

• Use Character Map or Windows + . (period) for easy access

• AutoCorrect can save time for frequent users

• Unicode 00B0 + Alt + X works in most Microsoft apps

• Works in Word, Excel, browsers, and emails

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❓ FAQs About Typing the Degree Symbol on Windows 10

1. What is the shortcut key for the degree symbol on Windows 10?

Use Alt + 0176 on the numeric keypad to type the degree symbol.

2. How do I type the degree symbol without a numeric keypad?

Use the Character Map, Windows + ., or copy and paste ° directly.

3. Can I use the degree symbol in Excel formulas?

Yes. You can use =CHAR(176) or insert it manually in text cells.

4. Does the same method work in Windows 11?

Absolutely. All the methods listed here also work perfectly on Windows 11.

5. Why doesn’t Alt + 0176 work on my laptop?

Ensure Num Lock is on, or use the Fn key to access the embedded numeric keypad.

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✅ In short: You now know every possible way to type the degree symbol on your Windows 10 laptop. Try a few methods, pick the one that fits your workflow, and you’ll type “°” like a pro — whether it’s for 25°C or 90° angles!