Adding a degree symbol (°) is useful when working with temperatures, angles, coordinates, etc. This symbol is not readily available on standard keyboards, but can be inserted in documents and spreadsheets with a few easy methods.
Inserting a Degree Symbol in Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word has a few different options for adding a degree symbol. Here are the top methods:
Use the Keyboard Shortcut
This method only works if your keyboard has a 10-key numeric keypad.
- Place your cursor where you want to insert the symbol
- Hold down the Alt key
- While holding Alt, type 0176 on the numeric keypad
- Release the Alt key
The ° degree symbol will appear where you placed the cursor.
Use the Insert Symbol Tool
- Place your cursor where you want the degree symbol to appear
- Go to Insert > Symbol
- Select More Symbols
- Select the Latin-1 Supplement font
- Locate and select the ° degree symbol
- Click Insert
The degree symbol will now appear in your document.
Use the AutoCorrect Feature
You can set up an automatic replacement so typing a specific letter combination will insert the symbol:
- Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options
- In the Replace field type deg
- In the With field, hold down Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad
- Click Add
Now whenever you type deg and hit space/enter, it will change to the ° degree symbol.
Adding the Degree Symbol in Excel
Excel has similar methods as Word for inserting the degree symbol into cells.
Use the Keyboard Shortcut
- Select the cell(s) where you want the symbol
- Press F2 to edit the cell
- Hold down Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad
- Press Enter when finished
Insert from the Symbol Library
- Select the cell(s) where you want the symbol
- Go to Insert > Symbol
- Select More Symbols
- Choose the Latin-1 Supplement font
- Locate and select the ° degree symbol
- Click Insert
Use Excel’s AutoCorrect
- Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options
- In the Replace field type deg
- In the With field, hold down Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad
- Click Add
Now typing deg will change to the degree symbol automatically.
Adding the Symbol in PowerPoint
PowerPoint uses the same methods as Word to insert a degree symbol:
Use the Keyboard Shortcut
- Click in the text box where you want the symbol
- Hold down Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad
- Release Alt
Insert from Symbols Library
- Select the text box for the symbol
- Go to Insert > Symbols
- Select More Symbols
- Choose the Latin-1 Supplement font
- Locate and select the ° degree symbol
- Click Insert
Degree Symbol Uses
Now that you know how to insert it, here are some of the most common uses for the degree symbol:
- Temperatures in Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin, etc.
- Angles and coordinates in geometry, trigonometry
- Latitude and longitude coordinates in geography/navigation
- Accuracy of measurements in science and engineering
Here are some examples of the degree symbol in use:
- The boiling point of water at standard pressure is 100° Celsius or 212° Fahrenheit.
- The angle formed by the hands of a clock at 3 PM is 90°.
- The latitude coordinate for the Equator is 0°.
- The accuracy of the thermometer is ±0.5°.
So whenever you need to denote degrees, temperatures, angles, locations, accuracy of measurements, etc., use the handy degree symbol.
Tips for Using the Degree Symbol
- Make sure to insert a space between the number and degree symbol (e.g. 100 °C).
- You can copy and paste the symbol once inserted in order to reuse it.
- Add it to the AutoCorrect replacement list if you use it frequently.
- For Celsius, Fahrenheit, etc. use the appropriate symbols (°C, °F) available in the symbols library.
- Use it consistently throughout charts, graphs, reports, and presentations for consistency.
Inserting a degree symbol into Word, Excel, PowerPoint or other Office documents is simple once you know these methods. Use the instructions in this guide to add this useful symbol to your work.