where is the degree symbol on a laptop keyboard

You’re typing a message about the weather, a math problem, or giving directions, and you need that little circle for degrees. You glance at your laptop keyboard, and it’s nowhere to be seen. It’s a common head-scratcher. Unlike the dollar sign or percent symbol, the degree symbol often doesn’t get its own key, leaving many of us wondering where it’s hiding.

Don’t worry, it’s definitely there, you just need to know the right combination of keys or a simple trick to find it. Let’s look at the most common ways to make it appear on your screen.

The Quick Keyboard Shortcut Method

For many Windows laptops, the fastest way is a simple keyboard shortcut. Make sure your Num Lock is on. Then, hold down the Alt key and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (usually on the right side of your keyboard). Once you release the Alt key, the symbol (°) will pop up. If your laptop doesn’t have a separate number pad, you might need to press a Function (Fn) key to activate one that’s usually printed in small numbers on the M, J, K, L, U, I, O, and other keys.

Using the Character Map on Windows

If the shortcut doesn’t work for you, there’s a handy built-in tool. You can search for “Character Map” in your Windows start menu. Open it, and in the window that appears, scroll through the list of symbols until you find the degree symbol. Click on it, select “Copy,” and then you can paste it wherever you need it. It’s a surefire way to get the right symbol without memorizing codes.

How to Find the Degree Symbol on a Mac

For those using a MacBook, the process is even simpler. Just place your cursor where you want the symbol to go. Then, press the keys Option + Shift + 8 simultaneously. Like magic, the ° symbol will appear in your text. It’s a quick and easy combination that works across most applications.

A Simple Copy and Paste Solution

When all else fails, or if you just need the symbol quickly for a one-time use, remember the power of copy and paste. You can copy the degree symbol from this very article: °. Highlight it, right-click and select “Copy,” and then paste it into your document or message. It’s a universal fix that works on any device.

While it might not be printed on a key, the degree symbol is easily accessible once you know these simple methods. Whether you prefer a quick shortcut or the reliability of the character map, you now have a few different tools to help you type it with confidence.