Have you ever been typing a message about the weather, a math problem, or an angle measurement, only to pause when you need the degree symbol? You know, that little superscript circle (°) that makes “90 degrees” look correct. It’s a common hiccup, as this useful symbol isn’t gracing your laptop’s main keyboard.
The good news is that getting that perfect ° into your document, email, or social media post is much easier than you might think. Whether you’re a Windows user, a Mac devotee, or just need a quick universal method, there’s a simple solution for you.
The Quick Keyboard Shortcut Method
For those who love speed and efficiency, keyboard shortcuts are the way to go. These let you insert the symbol without taking your hands off the keyboard.
If you’re on a Windows laptop with a numeric keypad (usually on the right side), make sure Num Lock is on. Then, simply hold down the Alt key and type 0176 on the keypad. Release the Alt key, and the ° symbol will appear.
For Mac users, the process is even simpler. Just press Option + Shift + 8 simultaneously, and the degree symbol will pop right into your text.
Using the Character Map or Viewer
Don’t have a numeric keypad or prefer a visual approach? Your laptop has a built-in character library. On Windows, you can search for “Character Map” in the start menu. Find the degree symbol in the grid, click select, and then copy and paste it where you need it.
On a Mac, while in most text fields, press Control + Command + Spacebar. This opens the Character Viewer. You can then search for “degree” and double-click the symbol to insert it.
The Simple Copy and Paste Solution
Sometimes, the easiest method is the best one. If you only need the symbol occasionally and don’t want to memorize codes, you can always copy it from somewhere else. Here it is for you to use: °. Just highlight it, copy it (Ctrl+C or Command+C), and paste it (Ctrl+V or Command+V) into your document. You can even save it in a simple note on your desktop for future access.
With these methods at your fingertips, you’ll never be stuck trying to describe a “90 degrees” angle again. The next time you need to note the temperature or an angle, you can confidently and correctly use the proper symbol.
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