How to Type Degree Symbol in Windows, Mac, Android and iOS?

In the realm of digital communication, the degree symbol plays a pivotal role. Whether you’re an academic, a weather enthusiast, or just someone striving for precision in your content, you’ll often find yourself in need of this symbol. But, the burning question is, how do you type the degree symbol using keyboard shortcuts and other utilities on both Windows and Mac computers? We’ve got you covered with comprehensive solutions that cater to your every need.

Understanding the Degree Symbol’s Versatility

The degree symbol, often denoted as °, serves two primary purposes. It is used to indicate temperature, such as 25 degrees Celsius (25°C) or 40 degrees Fahrenheit (40°F), and it is also employed in mathematical contexts to measure angles, like 45 degrees (45°). Unfortunately, standard keyboard layouts do not have dedicated keys for the degree symbol. However, there are a multitude of keyboard shortcuts and methods available to simplify this task, making your content more precise and professional.

A Multitude of Degree Symbols

In the world of Unicode, you’ll find five distinct degree symbols at your disposal:

1. Degree Sign: The standard degree symbol, as we know it.
2. Kelvin: Used to indicate temperatures in Kelvin.
3. Degree Celsius (Centigrade): Denoted as ℃.
4. Degree Fahrenheit: Represented as ℉.
5. Musical Symbol Degree Slash: A specialized symbol often used in music notation.

Quick and Easy: Superscript Method

The simplest and most universal method to type the degree symbol is to use superscript. You can achieve this by typing the letter “o” and then making it a superscript. For example, 25oC. On both Windows and Mac, you can easily create a superscript by selecting the letter “o” and pressing “Control + Shift + +” keys. This method can be applied to all word processing applications on smartphones as well.

Leveraging Math AutoCorrect

If you’re working with Microsoft Office applications, here’s a handy solution. These programs offer a vast list of Math AutoCorrect options to convert text into symbols. You can simply type the desired word and press the spacebar to automatically transform it into one of the degree symbols. For instance:

• Typing “\degree” will change to the standard degree symbol (°).
• Typing “\degc” will create a degree Celsius symbol (℃).
• Typing “\degf” will make a degree Fahrenheit symbol (℉).

Do note that, by default, Math AutoCorrect is enabled in Windows-based Office 365 applications. If it’s not working for you, follow these steps:

1. Open Word or Excel and navigate to “File > Options” in the menu.
2. Proceed to the “Proofing” section and click on “AutoCorrect Options…”
3. Under the “Math AutoCorrect” tab, enable the checkboxes for “Use Math AutoCorrect rules outside of math regions” and “Replace text as you type” options.

Shortcut Heaven: Alt Codes

Alt codes are immensely popular for inserting symbols in Windows-based computers that feature an additional number pad on the keyboard. However, you can also utilize the Alt (Option) key on Mac, combined with the Unicode Hex Input method, for similar results. Here are the key combinations:

• Alt + 0176 in Windows and Option + 00B0 in Mac for the standard degree symbol (°).
• Alt + 8451 in Windows and Option + 2103 in Mac for the degree Celsius symbol (℃).
• Alt + 8457 in Windows and Option + 2109 in Mac for the degree Fahrenheit symbol (℉).
• On Mac, you can also use “Option + Shift + 8” to insert the degree sign.

How to Type Degree Symbol iPhone & iPad (iOS)

If you’re using an iPhone or any iOS device, here’s how to type the degree symbol:

1. Press and hold the “0” (zero) key. This will display the degree symbol as an option.
2. Slide your finger to select the degree symbol.

How to Type Degree Symbol Android Phone

Typing the degree symbol on Android is a breeze. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the numbers and symbols on your keyboard.
2. Find the degree symbol (°).

Windows Word Magic: Alt + X Method

For Windows users with laptops that lack a separate number pad, here’s an alternative method:

1. Type “00B0.”
2. Press Alt + X keys to make the degree symbol appear (°).
3. Similarly, typing “2103” and pressing Alt + X keys will yield the degree Celsius symbol (℃).
4. Typing “2109” and pressing Alt + X keys will produce the degree Fahrenheit symbol (℉).

Microsoft Word Exclusive: Keyboard Shortcut

If you’re working in Microsoft Word and haven’t changed any settings, you can utilize a keyboard shortcut to type the degree symbol. Press “Control + Shift + 2” keys and then, without pausing, press a comma to create the degree symbol.

Mac Users’ Delight: Character Viewer

For Mac users, typing the degree symbol is a breeze with the Character Viewer:

1. Press “Command + Control + Space” to open the Character Viewer app.
2. Type “degree” in the search bar to filter all degree-related symbols.
3. Double-click on the degree, Celsius, or Fahrenheit symbol to insert it into your document.

Kelvin and Musical Degree Slash Symbols

While Kelvin and musical degree slash symbols may not be as commonly used as standard degree symbols, here are the shortcuts for those who require them:

• To indicate Kelvin, simply type the capital letter “K.” Alternatively, use Alt + 8490 in Windows and Option + 212A in Mac.
• For the musical degree slash symbol (), use Alt + 119209 in Windows. Please note that this symbol may not display properly in documents but can be seen in a browser display.

HTML Escape Entities

When working with HTML, you may encounter difficulties when copying and pasting special characters. To ensure these symbols display correctly in browsers, use the following escape strings in your code:

• For the degree symbol, use °, °, or &#x00B0.
• For degree Celsius, use ℃ or &#x2103.
• Similarly, for the degree Fahrenheit symbol, use ℉ or &#x2109.

Now that you’re armed with these shortcuts and methods, you can effortlessly include degree symbols in your documents, web content, and other digital communications. Precision and professionalism are just a few keypresses away.

Also read:  How to Type Enye (Ññ)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the degree symbol used for?
   • The degree symbol is used to indicate temperature and to measure angles in mathematics.
2. Are there different types of degree symbols?
   • Yes, there are five distinct degree symbols, including the standard degree sign, Kelvin, degree Celsius, degree Fahrenheit, and a musical degree slash symbol.
3. How can I type the degree symbol as a superscript?
   • To create a superscript degree symbol, type the letter “o” and make it superscript using the “Control + Shift + +” keys.
4. What is Math AutoCorrect, and how can I use it to insert degree symbols?
   • Math AutoCorrect is a feature in Microsoft Office applications that can automatically convert text into symbols. Simply type a specific word, and it will change to the corresponding degree symbol. For example, typing “\degree” will change to the standard degree symbol.
5. How can I type degree symbols using Alt codes?
   • You can use Alt codes in Windows or the Alt (Option) key in Mac to type degree symbols. For example, Alt + 0176 in Windows.