How to Make a Degree Symbol in Google Docs

Google Docs is a popular word processing software that allows you to create documents online. You may need to insert a degree symbol (°) when writing about temperatures, angles, or other measurements. Here are several methods to insert a degree symbol into Google Docs on both Windows and Mac computers.

Use Keyboard Shortcuts

Windows

The easiest way to insert a degree symbol on Windows is by using a keyboard shortcut:

• Hold down the Alt key and type 0176 on your numeric keypad.

For example:

Alt + 0176

As soon as you release the Alt key, a degree symbol ° will appear where your cursor is located.

Mac

To insert a degree symbol on a Mac:

• Press Shift + Option + 8

So it would look like this:

Shift + Option + 8

Insert from the Special Characters Menu

You can also add a degree symbol by using the Special Characters menu:

1. Click on Insert > Special Characters from the top menu
2. In the search box, type degree
3. Select the degree symbol ° to insert it

Copy and Paste the Symbol

Another option is to copy and paste a degree symbol from another document:

1. Open any document that contains the degree symbol, such as a web page or another Google Doc
2. Highlight the symbol and copy it
3. Paste the symbol into your document by putting your cursor where you want it to go and selecting paste

Use the Character Map (Windows Only)

On Windows, you can also use the Character Map program to copy and paste degree symbols:

1. Open the Character Map program on your computer
2. Search for “degree”
3. Select the degree symbol, click Copy, and paste into your Google Doc

Set Up a Text Replacement (Mac Only)

Mac users can set up text replacements to insert symbols more easily:

1. Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text
2. Click + to create a new replacement
3. Type deg in the Replace box
4. Type ° in the With box
5. Click Add
6. Now just type deg to replace it with a ° symbol

Use the iOS/Android Keyboard

On mobile devices:

1. Tap the “123” key to open the symbols keyboard
2. Find and tap the degree symbol to insert it

Insert Degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit

To add degree symbols for Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F):

1. Follow any method above to insert the ° symbol
2. Type C or F immediately after the symbol

So °C or °F will appear automatically.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Make sure Num Lock is enabled when using Alt codes on Windows
• Some keyboards lack a numeric keypad, so Alt codes may not work
• On MacBooks, use Fn + Shift + Option + 8 if Option + 8 doesn’t work
• Double check that you’ve typed keyboard shortcuts correctly

Conclusion

Whether you’re on Windows, Mac, or mobile, inserting a degree symbol into Google Docs is simple once you know the right method for your device. The easiest options are usually keyboard shortcuts, special character menus, or copy/paste.

Now you know multiple ways to add temperature measurements, math expressions, angles, or other degree symbols to your Google Documents.