Keyboards

Introduction to the Degree Symbol

The degree symbol, often represented as a small circle (°), is a typographical symbol. It denotes temperature (Celsius or Fahrenheit), angles in geometry, or geographic coordinates. Its presence on the keyboard can vary, which may stump some users. Whether you are writing a math paper or documenting temperature changes, knowing how to type the degree symbol on keyboard is essential. Our guide simplifies this process for varied devices and software. It ensures you quickly find and use the degree symbol whenever needed.

In this quick guide, we will walk through the steps to type the degree symbol on different platforms. This includes Windows and Mac computers, mobile devices, and within software like Microsoft Office. Additionally, we’ll look at alternative methods such as using ASCII or Unicode codes and online tools. By the end of this guide, typing the degree symbol will be a breeze.

mac keyboard

Using Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows

For Windows users, the ease of typing the degree symbol on keyboard comes with handy shortcuts. Knowing these shortcuts allows you to insert the degree symbol without navigating complex menus or memorizing long sequences of numbers.

To type the degree symbol in Windows environments, follow these uncomplicated steps:

  1. Using the Keyboard Shortcut: Hold down the ‘Alt’ key and type ‘0176’ on the numeric keypad. Make sure the numeric lock on your keyboard is on. Once you release the ‘Alt’ key, the degree symbol (°) will appear.
  2. Shortcut for Word: In Microsoft Word, you can quickly insert the degree symbol by typing ’00B0′ followed by pressing ‘Alt’ and ‘X’ keys simultaneously. Your ’00B0′ will be converted to a degree symbol.

These methods are straightforward, ensure quick access to the degree symbol, and can greatly improve your workflow when working with documents on Windows that require this symbol. Remember these shortcuts as they can save time, especially when typing the degree symbol frequently on keyboard.

Typing the Degree Symbol on Mac

Typing the degree symbol on a Mac is also simple, with several methods available. If you apply these easy techniques, inserting the degree symbol into your documents becomes a straightforward task.

  1. Using Keyboard Shortcut: On your Mac, hold down the ‘Option’ key and press the ‘Shift’ and ‘8’ keys simultaneously. The degree symbol (°) will promptly appear where your cursor is.
  2. Using the Special Characters Menu: Go to the ‘Edit’ menu in most Mac applications and select ‘Emoji & Symbols’ (or ‘Special Characters’ in some versions). Scroll down to find the degree symbol, then click to insert it into your document.
  3. Using the Touch Bar: If you’re using a Mac with a Touch Bar, tap the ‘123’ button to reveal function keys, then locate and tap the degree symbol.

By memorizing the keyboard shortcut, you can type the degree symbol on keyboard effortlessly while working on your Mac. Alternatively, the Special Characters menu offers a no-memorization-required approach, ideal for an occasional need. And for those with the latest Mac models, the Touch Bar presents a quick-access method. With these methods, your workflow will be seamless, even when the degree symbol is a frequent necessity.

White Typewriter Keyboard

Inserting Degree Symbol in Microsoft Office

For those working in Microsoft Office, inserting the degree symbol is straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Using the Ribbon: Go to the ‘Insert’ tab on the ribbon. Click on ‘Symbol’ and choose ‘More Symbols’. Find the degree symbol in the list and insert it into your document.
  2. Keyboard Shortcut in Word: In Word, type ’00B0′ and then press ‘Alt’ and ‘X’ together. This will convert your typed code into the degree symbol.
  3. Using the Equation Tool: In Microsoft Office applications, like Word and PowerPoint, click on ‘Insert’, then select ‘Equation’. In the equation box that appears, type ‘\degree’ to get the degree symbol.

These methods can help you add the degree symbol on keyboard with ease when crafting documents in Microsoft Office. They are simple and quick, perfect for those who need the symbol frequently. Keep these tips handy to streamline your workflow.

Using Character Map in Windows

Windows users have another tool at their disposal for typing the degree symbol on keyboard: the Character Map. This native utility offers an easy way to insert various symbols into your documents. Here’s a step-by-step method to use the Character Map to find and insert the degree symbol:

  1. Accessing Character Map: Click on the Start menu or press the Windows key. Type ‘Character Map’ into the search field and open the application.
  2. Finding the Degree Symbol: Scroll through the symbols or use the search feature within Character Map to locate the degree symbol (°).
  3. Copying the Symbol: Select the degree symbol and click the ‘Copy’ button to place it on your clipboard.
  4. Pasting the Symbol: Navigate to your document and paste the degree symbol where needed by pressing ‘Ctrl’ and ‘V’ or by right-clicking and selecting ‘Paste’.

The Character Map is convenient for users who don’t frequently type the degree symbol on keyboard and prefer a visually interactive approach. This tool also allows you access to a wide array of symbols that may not have keyboard shortcuts, making it versatile for various typing needs. Keep in mind that the Character Map is only available on Windows operating systems, making it a Windows-specific solution for inserting the degree symbol and other special characters.

Keyboards

Finding the Degree Symbol on Mobile Keyboards

Finding the degree symbol on mobile keyboards can vary by device and operating system. Here are the methods for both iOS and Android devices that can simplify your typing experience.

  1. iOS Devices:
    • Using the Keyboard: On your iPhone or iPad, access the numeric keyboard by tapping the ‘123’ key. Hold down the ‘0’ (zero) key. A small pop-up will show the degree symbol. Slide your finger over to select and insert it.
  2. Android Devices:
    • Using the Keyboard: Access the numeric keyboard by tapping the ‘123’ key on your Android device. Look for the ‘?123’ key if the degree symbol is not visible. Long press the letter ‘K’ or other nearby keys. Sometimes, the degree symbol hides behind these keys.

By knowing these native shortcuts, you can easily insert the degree symbol into your text messages, emails, or any document you are working on from your mobile. This method saves you time and enhances your efficiency when the degree symbol on keyboard is needed.

Utilizing ASCII or Unicode

For those who prefer using keystroke combinations or need to type the degree symbol on keyboard frequently, ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) or Unicode could be invaluable tools.

ASCII Method:

  • On Windows: You can type the degree symbol by using the ASCII code. Hold down the ‘Alt’ key while typing ‘248’ on the numeric keypad. Make sure Num Lock is on.
  • No Mac ASCII Support: Mac systems do not support ASCII directly. Use Unicode or other methods described earlier.

Unicode Method:

  • Universal Option: Unicode works across different platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. Type ‘U+00B0’ and the degree symbol appears.
  • Word Processors and Text Editors: In programs like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, use the sequence ’00B0′ followed by ‘Alt’ and ‘X’ to convert it into the degree symbol.

These techniques ensure you can easily insert the degree symbol into your documents, regardless of the software or operating system you are using.

Alternatives: Copy-Pasting and Online Tools

If shortcuts or special commands seem cumbersome, there are simpler ways to insert the degree symbol on keyboard. These include copy-pasting and using online tools, offering effortless methods regardless of the device or platform you are using.

Copy-Pasting the Degree Symbol

Often the quickest way to get the degree symbol is simply to copy it (°) from another source and paste it where needed. You can copy it from a web page, a different document, or from a character map online. This method requires no memorization of codes or shortcuts:

  1. Find a source: Locate the degree symbol in any text where it appears.
  2. Copy the symbol: Highlight the degree symbol and press ‘Ctrl’ + ‘C’ (or ‘Cmd’ + ‘C’ on Mac).
  3. Paste the symbol: Place your cursor in the desired location in your document and press ‘Ctrl’ + ‘V’ (or ‘Cmd’ + ‘V’ on Mac).

This simple method ensures that you can use the degree symbol anywhere text editing is allowed.

Using Online Tools

Numerous websites allow you to easily copy special characters, including the degree symbol. These online tools display a variety of characters where you can click to copy the desired symbol to your clipboard:

  1. Access an online symbol site: Search for ‘degree symbol online’.
  2. Copy the degree symbol: Click on the degree symbol, and it will automatically copy to your clipboard.
  3. Paste as needed: Navigate to your document and paste the symbol.

These methods are straightforward and perfect for those who need a quick solution without dealing with keyboard setups or memorizing ASCII/Unicode codes. Using these alternative resources, you can effortlessly and accurately insert the degree symbol on the keyboard with minimal fuss.

By Griley