How To Make A Degrees Sign On Keyboard

Frequently Asked Questions: Typing the Degree Symbol (°)

The degree symbol (°) is commonly used in various contexts, from indicating temperature to angles. While it's a simple symbol, many users aren't aware of the quick and easy ways to type it using a keyboard. This FAQ provides clear, concise instructions for different operating systems and devices.

Question 1: What's the easiest way to type the degree symbol on Windows?

There are several convenient methods to insert the degree symbol on Windows. Here are the most popular options:

• Using the Alt Key Code: This is the most universally applicable method on Windows.
  1. Ensure Num Lock is activated on your keyboard.
  2. Press and hold the Alt key.
  3. Type 0176 (zero, one, seven, six) on the numeric keypad.
  4. Release the Alt key. The degree symbol (°) should appear.
• Using Character Map: Windows includes a Character Map utility that contains a wide range of symbols.
  1. Search for "Character Map" in the Windows search bar and open the application.
  2. In the Character Map window, select the font you're using (e.g., Arial, Times New Roman).
  3. Scroll through the characters or search for "degree".
  4. Select the degree symbol (°) and click "Select" then "Copy".
  5. Paste the symbol (°) into your document or application.
• Using the Windows Emoji Picker (Windows 10 and later):
  1. Press the Windows key + . (period) or Windows key + ; (semicolon) to open the Emoji Picker.
  2. In the search bar of the Emoji Picker, type "degree".
  3. Select the degree symbol (°) from the search results.

The Alt + 0176 method is often the fastest, but if you don't have a numeric keypad or prefer a visual approach, the Character Map is a good alternative.

Question 2: How do I type the degree symbol on a Mac?

Typing the degree symbol on macOS is even simpler than on Windows, thanks to a convenient keyboard shortcut:

• Using the Keyboard Shortcut:
  1. Press and hold the Option (or Alt) key and the 0 (zero) key simultaneously.
  2. Release both keys. The degree symbol (°) will appear.
• Using the Character Viewer: macOS has a Character Viewer accessible from the menu bar.
  1. Click on the Input Menu icon in the menu bar (it might look like a flag or character). If you don't see it, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources and check "Show Input menu in menu bar".
  2. Select "Show Emoji & Symbols".
  3. Search for "degree" in the search bar of the Character Viewer.
  4. Double-click the degree symbol (°) to insert it into your document.

The Option + 0 shortcut is by far the quickest and most commonly used method on macOS.

Question 3: How can I make the degree symbol on my iPhone or iPad?

Typing the degree symbol on iOS devices (iPhone and iPad) involves a slightly different approach:

• Using the Number Keyboard and Symbol View:
  1. Open the app where you want to type the degree symbol (e.g., Notes, Messages).
  2. Bring up the keyboard.
  3. Tap the "123" button to switch to the number keyboard.
  4. Press and hold the "0" (zero) key. A popup will appear with the degree symbol (°) and possibly other related symbols.
  5. Slide your finger to the degree symbol (°) and release. The symbol will be inserted.

This method leverages the hidden symbols associated with certain keys on the iOS keyboard. It's relatively easy once you know where to look.

Question 4: Is there a way to type the degree symbol on Android devices?

Similar to iOS, Android devices provide access to the degree symbol through the number and symbol keyboard:

• Using the Number and Symbol Keyboard:
  1. Open the app where you want to type the degree symbol.
  2. Bring up the keyboard.
  3. Tap the "?123" or similar button to switch to the number and symbol keyboard (the exact button may vary depending on your keyboard app).
  4. Look for a "Symbols" button (often indicated by characters like ~\{|€). Tap this button to access a secondary set of symbols.
  5. You should find the degree symbol (°) within the symbols list. Tap it to insert it.
• Long Pressing the Zero Key: Some Android keyboards also offer the degree symbol as an option when you long-press the "0" (zero) key, similar to iOS. Try this if you don't see the symbol on the symbols keyboard.

The exact steps might vary slightly depending on the Android device manufacturer and the keyboard app you're using (e.g., Gboard, Samsung Keyboard), but the principle remains the same: access the symbols keyboard.

Question 5: Can I create a custom keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol if I use it frequently?

Yes, both Windows and macOS offer options to create custom keyboard shortcuts for frequently used symbols, including the degree symbol. This can save you time if you use it often.

• Windows: Using AutoCorrect (in Microsoft Word or similar programs):
  1. Open Microsoft Word (or another program with AutoCorrect features).
  2. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options.
  3. In the "Replace" field, type a combination of characters you don't normally use (e.g., "[[deg]]").
  4. In the "With" field, type or paste the degree symbol (°) (using one of the methods described above).
  5. Click "Add" and then "OK".
  6. Now, whenever you type "[[deg]]" (or your chosen combination) in Word, it will automatically be replaced with the degree symbol (°).
• macOS: Using Text Replacement:
  1. Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text.
  2. Click the "+" button to add a new text replacement.
  3. In the "Replace" column, type a combination of characters you don't normally use (e.g., ";degree").
  4. In the "With" column, type or paste the degree symbol (°) (using Option + 0).
  5. Close the System Preferences window.
  6. Now, whenever you type ";degree" (or your chosen combination) in any application, it will automatically be replaced with the degree symbol (°).

Custom shortcuts can significantly improve your typing efficiency, especially if you work with temperature readings or angles regularly.

Question 6: Will the degree symbol display correctly across different devices and platforms?

In most cases, the degree symbol will display correctly across different devices and platforms. The degree symbol is part of the standard Unicode character set, which is widely supported. However, there are a few potential scenarios where display issues might occur:

• Older Operating Systems or Software: Very old operating systems or software versions might not have full Unicode support, potentially leading to display problems. This is rare but possible.
• Font Issues: If the font being used doesn't include the degree symbol, a placeholder character (like a box) might be displayed instead. Using a common font like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri generally avoids this issue.
• Encoding Problems: In rare cases, encoding issues can corrupt the character during transmission or storage. Ensuring that documents and emails are saved with UTF-8 encoding helps prevent this.

To minimize the risk of display issues, use widely supported fonts and ensure your software and operating systems are up to date. If you encounter problems, try changing the font or verifying the document's encoding.

Question 7: Besides temperature, what other common uses are there for the degree symbol?

While the degree symbol is most commonly associated with temperature (e.g., 25°C or 77°F), it also has other important uses:

• Angles: The degree symbol is used to represent angles in geometry and trigonometry (e.g., a 90° angle).
• Latitude and Longitude: Geographic coordinates are expressed in degrees, minutes, and seconds (e.g., 34°03'N 118°15'W).
• Alcohol Content: In some countries, the degree symbol is used to indicate the alcohol content of beverages (e.g., a wine with 12° alcohol).
• Proof (Alcohol): Although less common, the degree symbol can sometimes be found to describe the alcoholic proof of spirits.

Understanding these various applications of the degree symbol makes it a valuable character to know how to type quickly and easily.