Whether you're dealing with a mathematical equation, physics problem, or simply indicating temperature, knowing how to make a degree symbol (°) is essential. Depending on the device or operating system you’re using, there are multiple ways to create this symbol. This guide will cover how to make a degree symbol on Windows, Mac, smartphones, and even different applications.

Creating a Degree Symbol on Windows

Creating a degree symbol on a Windows computer can be achieved through various methods.

Using the Keyboard

One of the simplest ways is by using your keyboard. Follow these steps:

  • Press and hold the Alt key.
  • Using the numeric keypad, type 0176 or 248.
  • Release the Alt key, and the degree symbol will appear.

Using Character Map

Another method is by using the Character Map:

  • Open the Character Map by typing "Character Map" in the Windows search bar.
  • Select the degree symbol from the list.
  • Click on 'Copy', then paste it where you need it.

Creating a Degree Symbol on Mac

Mac users have their own shortcuts and tools to make a degree symbol.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Here's a quick keyboard shortcut for Mac users:

  • Press Option+Shift+8 simultaneously to create a degree symbol (°).

Using Emoji & Symbols Menu

You can also use the Emoji & Symbols menu in the following way:

  • Press Control+Command+Space to open the Emoji & Symbols menu.
  • Type "degree" into the search bar.
  • Select the degree symbol from the list.

Creating a Degree Symbol on Smartphones

Depending on whether you use an iPhone or an Android phone, the methods to create a degree symbol differ slightly.

On iPhone

  • Open the keyboard by typing in any text field.
  • Press and hold the 0 (zero) key.
  • Slide your finger to select the degree symbol (°) from the pop-up menu.

On Android

  • Open the keyboard in any app.
  • Go to the numbers and symbols keyboard by pressing the 123? key.
  • Press and hold the 0 key and slide your finger to select the degree symbol (°).

Creating a Degree Symbol in Microsoft Word

If you frequently use Microsoft Word, you have a couple of easy methods:

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Press Ctrl+Shift+@, and then hit the Spacebar.

Using the Ribbon

  • Navigate to the Insert tab on the Ribbon.
  • Click on Symbol, and then More Symbols.
  • Select the degree symbol from the list and insert it into your document.

Creating a Degree Symbol in HTML

If you are working on a website or an HTML document, creating a degree symbol is both simple and straightforward:

  • Use the HTML entity code ° or the Unicode °.
  • These codes will produce the degree symbol in a web browser.

Tabular Summary

Here is a table summarizing the different methods:

Device/Platform Method Details
Windows Keyboard Alt + 0176 or 248
Windows Character Map Open Character Map, select and copy
Mac Keyboard Shortcut Option + Shift + 8
Mac Emoji & Symbols Control + Command + Space
iPhone Keyboard Press and hold 0 key
Android Keyboard Press and hold 0 key
Microsoft Word Keyboard Shortcut Ctrl + Shift + @ + Spacebar
Microsoft Word Ribbon Insert > Symbol > More Symbols
HTML Entity Code ° or °

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to make a degree symbol can be incredibly useful in various contexts. The method you choose will largely depend on the device or platform you are using. Whether you are on a Windows computer, a Mac, a smartphone, or working on a webpage, you now have multiple ways to insert this essential symbol.