Degree Symbol Tool
°

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Shortcodes

Quick reference codes for the ° Degree Symbol.

UnicodeU+00B0
Alt Code0176 / 248
HTML Code°
CSS Code\00B0
HTML Entity°
HEX Code°

About the Degree Symbol

The degree symbol (°) is a small raised circle used to represent degrees of arc, temperature, and alcohol content. In geometry it marks angles: a right angle is 90° and a full rotation is 360°. In temperature it precedes the scale: 100°C (boiling point of water) or 32°F (freezing point). The symbol dates to the 1500s and its Unicode code point is U+00B0. It is distinct from the masculine ordinal indicator (º, U+00BA) and the ring above diacritic (˚, U+02DA), which look similar but have different meanings. Related symbols include the dedicated degree Celsius (℃, U+2103) and degree Fahrenheit (℉, U+2109) characters. The degree symbol is inserted with Alt+0176 on Windows, Option+Shift+8 on Mac, or the HTML entity ° in web pages.

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The degree symbol ° is one of the most commonly used symbols in mathematics, temperature measurements, geometry, science, weather reports, engineering, and academic writing. It is used to represent degrees in angles, temperatures, coordinates, and rotations. Many people search for the degree symbol text, keyboard shortcuts, Word methods, Mac typing, Excel usage, and phone keyboard options.

This complete guide explains everything about the degree symbol, including its meaning, typing methods, mathematical uses, Word shortcuts, and common applications.

What Is the Degree Symbol?

The degree symbol is represented by:

°

It is mainly used to indicate angles and temperature measurements.

Common Examples

ExpressionMeaning
45°Forty-five degrees
90°Right angle
30°CThirty degrees Celsius

The degree sign is widely used in:

  • Mathematics
  • Geometry
  • Physics
  • Weather reports
  • Engineering
  • Navigation

Degree Symbol Meaning

The degree symbol represents a measurement of angle or temperature.

Common Meanings

ContextMeaning
MathematicsAngle measurement
WeatherTemperature
GeographyCoordinates
EngineeringRotational angle

The symbol helps show exact measurement values clearly.

Degree Symbol Text Usage

Degree symbols are heavily used in text formatting and scientific writing.

Common Text Examples

ExampleMeaning
180°Straight angle
360°Full rotation
25°CTemperature reading

These notations appear in textbooks, reports, and digital content.

Degree Symbol Copy Usage

The degree symbol is commonly copied into documents and social media text.

Popular Usage Areas

PlatformUsage
Word DocumentsAcademic writing
Excel SheetsData measurements
Weather ReportsTemperature display
Engineering ReportsTechnical angles

Copy-paste is often the easiest method for quick insertion.

Degree Symbol on Keyboard

Most keyboards do not have a dedicated degree key, but there are easy shortcuts.

Windows Keyboard Shortcut

SymbolShortcut
°Alt + 0176

Steps

  1. Turn on Num Lock
  2. Hold Alt
  3. Type 0176
  4. Release Alt

The degree symbol appears instantly.

Degree Symbol on Keyboard Phone

Phones also support degree symbols through symbol keyboards.

Android Method

StepAction
1Open keyboard
2Tap symbols section
3Hold 0 or search symbols
4Select °

iPhone Method

StepAction
1Open keyboard
2Hold the 0 key
3Choose °

This method works in most messaging and document apps.

Degree Symbol on Mac

Mac users can insert the degree sign quickly using keyboard shortcuts.

Mac Shortcut

ShortcutResult
Shift + Option + 8°

This works in:

  • Word
  • Pages
  • Notes
  • Safari
  • Excel

Mac typing is one of the fastest ways to insert degree symbols.

Degree Symbol in Word

Microsoft Word supports several methods for inserting degree symbols.

Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut

Use:

Alt + 0176

Method 2: Insert Symbol

Steps

  1. Open Word
  2. Click “Insert”
  3. Select “Symbol”
  4. Choose °
  5. Insert it

Method 3: Unicode Shortcut

SymbolUnicode
°00B0

Steps

  1. Type:

00B0

  1. Press Alt + X

The Unicode converts into the degree symbol.

Degree Symbol in Excel

Excel commonly uses degree symbols in scientific and engineering spreadsheets.

Common Uses

Usage AreaPurpose
Temperature DataCelsius and Fahrenheit
Geometry CalculationsAngles
Engineering SheetsRotational values

Example Data

MeasurementValue
Angle45°
Temperature28°C

Excel Insertion Methods

You can use:

  • Alt + 0176
  • Insert Symbol
  • Copy-paste methods

45 Degree Symbol Usage

The 45-degree angle is one of the most important angles in mathematics.

Geometry Example

45^\circ

Common Real-Life Examples

ObjectApproximate Angle
Roof Slope45°
Diagonal Line45°
Triangle AnglesCommon geometry

The 45-degree angle is heavily used in trigonometry and design.

Degree Symbol in Maths

The degree sign is essential in geometry and trigonometry.

Common Mathematical Uses

Formula TypeExample
Triangle Angles60°
Right Angles90°
Full Rotation360°

Example Formula

90^\circ

This represents a right angle.

Theta Symbol and Degree Usage

Theta symbols are commonly combined with degree measurements in trigonometry.

Example

\theta = 45^\circ

Common Trigonometric Uses

SymbolMeaning
θAngle variable
°Angle measurement

These symbols are essential in advanced mathematics.

Degree Symbol Name

The official name is the degree sign or degree symbol.

SymbolOfficial Name
°Degree sign

It is one of the most recognized mathematical symbols worldwide.

Degree Symbol Unicode and HTML Code

Unicode helps display the degree symbol correctly across devices.

TypeCode
UnicodeU+00B0
HTML Entity°
HTML Numeric°

HTML Example

°

This is commonly used in websites and weather applications.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

MistakeCorrect Method
Using lowercase o instead of °Use actual degree symbol
Confusing degree and zeroCheck formatting carefully
Incorrect keyboard shortcutUse Alt + 0176
Missing degree sign in temperaturesInclude ° properly

Correct formatting improves readability and accuracy.

FAQs About Degree Symbols

What is the degree symbol?

The degree symbol ° represents angles and temperature measurements.

How do I type the degree symbol on Windows?

Use:

Alt + 0176

How do I type the degree symbol on Mac?

Use:

Shift + Option + 8

How do I type the degree symbol on a phone?

Hold the 0 key on most phone keyboards.

What is the Unicode for the degree symbol?

The Unicode is:

U+00B0

What is the HTML code for the degree sign?

Use:

°

Conclusion

The degree symbol ° is one of the most essential symbols used in mathematics, geometry, science, engineering, weather reporting, and technical communication. Whether you need degree symbols for Word, Mac shortcuts, phone keyboards, Excel spreadsheets, or mathematical formulas, understanding the correct usage helps improve clarity and accuracy.

From measuring angles and temperatures to solving trigonometric equations and displaying scientific data, the degree symbol continues to play a critical role in modern mathematics and communication.

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