Need the degree sign for 25°C or a 90° angle? Insert the real degree symbol ° (U+00B0), not a superscript letter o.
Word shortcut for degree symbol
Type \degree and press space to get ° symbol.
Note
The above shortcut is Math AutoCorrect feature of Ms Word and works inside equation editor. However, by one time setting, you can enable it to work everywhere.
Steps to Enable Above Shortcut
- Click Files → Options to open Word Options
- Navigate to Proofing and click AutoCorrect Options button to open Auto Correct window
- Navigate to Math Autocorrect tab
- Check the box against “Use Math Autocorrect options outside Math region“
- Click Ok and close all the dialogue boxed.
Summary
Math Autocorrect feature of Microsoft Word is the smartest way to type degree symbol. To get degree symbol (°), type \degree and hit spacebar.
Updated step-by-step guidance
In Word for Windows, type 00B0 then Alt+X, or hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, Option+Shift+8 commonly inserts °. Insert > Symbol > More Symbols is a cross-version alternative.
Troubleshooting and important limitations
The degree sign ° is different from the masculine ordinal º and ring operator ∘. Alt+number shortcuts require a numeric keypad. If the shortcut fails, use the Symbol dialog or copy °.
Related tutorial
For more background, see this related PickupBrain tutorial.
C P Gupta is a YouTuber and Blogger. He is expert in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. His YouTube channel @pickupbrain is very popular and has crossed 9.9 Million Views.