Squared Symbol
Pick a style — click to use & copy
Shortcodes
Quick reference codes for the ° Degree Symbol.
| Unicode | U+00B0 |
| Alt Code | 0176 / 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.
Customize Your Symbol
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
| Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 45° | Forty-five degrees |
| 90° | Right angle |
| 30°C | Thirty 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
| Context | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Angle measurement |
| Weather | Temperature |
| Geography | Coordinates |
| Engineering | Rotational 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
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 180° | Straight angle |
| 360° | Full rotation |
| 25°C | Temperature 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
| Platform | Usage |
|---|---|
| Word Documents | Academic writing |
| Excel Sheets | Data measurements |
| Weather Reports | Temperature display |
| Engineering Reports | Technical 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
| Symbol | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| ° | Alt + 0176 |
Steps
- Turn on Num Lock
- Hold Alt
- Type 0176
- Release Alt
The degree symbol appears instantly.
Degree Symbol on Keyboard Phone
Phones also support degree symbols through symbol keyboards.
Android Method
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open keyboard |
| 2 | Tap symbols section |
| 3 | Hold 0 or search symbols |
| 4 | Select ° |
iPhone Method
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open keyboard |
| 2 | Hold the 0 key |
| 3 | Choose ° |
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
| Shortcut | Result |
|---|---|
| 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
- Open Word
- Click “Insert”
- Select “Symbol”
- Choose °
- Insert it
Method 3: Unicode Shortcut
| Symbol | Unicode |
|---|---|
| ° | 00B0 |
Steps
- Type:
00B0
- 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 Area | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Temperature Data | Celsius and Fahrenheit |
| Geometry Calculations | Angles |
| Engineering Sheets | Rotational values |
Example Data
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Angle | 45° |
| Temperature | 28°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
| Object | Approximate Angle |
|---|---|
| Roof Slope | 45° |
| Diagonal Line | 45° |
| Triangle Angles | Common 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 Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Triangle Angles | 60° |
| Right Angles | 90° |
| Full Rotation | 360° |
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
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| θ | Angle variable |
| ° | Angle measurement |
These symbols are essential in advanced mathematics.
Degree Symbol Name
The official name is the degree sign or degree symbol.
| Symbol | Official 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.
| Type | Code |
|---|---|
| Unicode | U+00B0 |
| HTML Entity | ° |
| HTML Numeric | ° |
HTML Example
°
This is commonly used in websites and weather applications.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Correct Method |
|---|---|
| Using lowercase o instead of ° | Use actual degree symbol |
| Confusing degree and zero | Check formatting carefully |
| Incorrect keyboard shortcut | Use Alt + 0176 |
| Missing degree sign in temperatures | Include ° 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.