On a Mac, the degree symbol appears in weather reports, scientific data, and recipe temperatures. You can insert this character quickly using keyboard shortcuts or system menus.
This guide shows multiple reliable methods, from native keyboard combinations to built-in tools, so you never have copy-paste from a browser again.
| Method | Keyboard Shortcut | Menu Path | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option Key Shortcut | Option + Shift + 8 | — | Typing in any active text field |
| Emoji & Symbols Viewer | Control + Command + Space | Edit > Emoji & Symbols | Browsing and precise selection |
| Character Viewer (HTML) | Option + K then type 0176 | Input menu > Show Emoji & Symbols | When you need the numeric code |
| Text Replacement | Type "deg" if set up | System Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacement | Frequent use with custom shortcuts |
Use Option Shift 8 for Degree Symbol
The fastest native Mac shortcut places the symbol directly where your cursor is blinking.
Steps to Insert Using Keyboard
Ensure the numeric keypad is active and press the keys in sequence without holding the final key.
Press and hold the Option key, then press Shift and 8, and finally release all keys together.
Open Emoji & Symbols Viewer
This visual tool helps when you need to browse for special characters beyond the degree symbol.
Access the Viewer
Place your cursor where the symbol should appear and use the global shortcut to open the panel.
Press Control + Command + Space to bring up Emoji & Symbols, then locate ° in the punctuation section.
Insert Degree Symbol Using Input Menu
The input menu offers quick access to special characters and numeric input methods.
Show Character Variants
Select the input icon in the menu bar to reveal additional character options.
Enter HTML Code
Choose Input > Show Emoji & Symbols, then press Option + K and type 0176 to insert the symbol directly.
Set Up Text Replacement for Degree Symbol
Automate insertion by defining a custom phrase that converts as you type.
Create Shortcut in System Settings
Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacement, add a new replacement with Phrase "°" and Input "deg".
Trigger Replacement Automatically
Whenever you type "deg" and press a delimiter, macOS replaces it with the degree symbol instantly.
Customize Your Degree Symbol Workflow
Mac users can streamline repeated tasks with minimal ongoing effort once the right method is set.
- Assign Option Shift 8 as your default quick-insert for degree symbol in any document
- Configure text replacement for "deg" to avoid manual lookup in frequent entries
- Bookmark the Emoji & Symbols viewer for rare characters beyond the degree symbol
- Test shortcuts in target apps to confirm compatibility with rich text fields
FAQ
Reader questions
Why does Option Shift 8 produce a small degree when I need a large one?
On Mac, Option + Shift + 8 inserts the standard degree symbol, which appears smaller in line with text; this is normal formatting behavior and does not affect correctness.
Can I insert the degree symbol in numbers-only fields like spreadsheets or forms?
Yes, use Control + Command + Space to open the Emoji & Symbols viewer, find °, and paste it even in numeric environments that accept Unicode characters.
Will using text replacement for degree symbol conflict with other typed words like "digest" or "region"? No, as long as you choose a unique shortcut like "deg" followed by a space or return, it will only trigger when you explicitly type that sequence. Is the degree symbol the same as an apostrophe or single quote on keyboard layouts?
No, the single quote key produces an apostrophe for contractions, while the degree symbol must be inserted via Option Shift 8 or the viewer to indicate temperature or angles.