Typing the degree symbol on a Chromebook is straightforward once you know the right keys and settings. This guide covers several reliable methods so you can insert ° whether you are writing temperature, angles, or academic content.
With the correct keyboard layout and a few menu clicks, you can use the degree symbol consistently in docs, forms, and notes. The following sections walk through practical approaches and include a quick reference table for common scenarios.
Keyboard Shortcut Overview
Quick Reference Table
| Method | Key Combination or Action | Works in Most Apps | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keyboard Shortcut (US) | Ctrl + Shift + u, then 00b0, Space | Yes | Standard documents and forms |
| Keyboard Shortcut (International) | Varies by layout, often AltGr + o | Limited layouts | Localized keyboards |
| On-Screen Keyboard | Enable, tap degree key | Yes | Touchscreen use when keys are missing |
| Insert Special Character | Insert > Special characters > Search degree | Yes | Any app with the insert menu |
Using the Unicode Shortcut Method
The most common way to make the degree symbol on Chromebook is the Unicode input shortcut. This works in Google Docs, Slides, and many web text fields.
Hold Ctrl and Shift, press u, release, type 00b0, then press Space. Your cursor will change to indicate Unicode input, and the degree symbol will appear instantly once completed.
Using the On-Screen Keyboard
Enabling the On-Screen Keyboard
If your Chromebook does not have a dedicated degree key or lacks a numeric keypad, the on-screen keyboard is a dependable alternative. First, enable the virtual keyboard in system settings under Advanced, then manage input devices.
Once enabled, click the on-screen keyboard icon in the system tray and tap the degree key, usually shown as ° or labeled deg. This method works consistently across Chrome OS apps.
Insert Menu and Special Characters
Accessing Special Characters
Google’s Insert special characters tool provides a visual search for symbols including the degree symbol. Open a doc or slide, choose Insert, then Special characters, and type degree in the search box.
Click the degree symbol from the results, and it will be placed at the cursor position. This approach is helpful when keyboard layouts differ or shortcuts behave unexpectedly.
Recommended Approach
- Use Ctrl Shift u 00b0 Space for quick Unicode input in most apps.
- Enable the on-screen keyboard for touchscreen scenarios.
- Use Insert > Special characters for visual confirmation.
- Consider an external keyboard with dedicated symbols for heavy text work.
- Check input language settings if shortcuts behave differently.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why does typing Ctrl Shift u 00b0 not produce the degree symbol on my Chromebook?
Make sure you press the keys in the correct order and include the space at the end. If it still fails, check that your input method is not set to a restricted layout that overrides Unicode input.
Can I use an external keyboard to type the degree symbol more easily?
Yes, an external USB or Bluetooth keyboard with a numeric keypad often includes a dedicated degree key, making it faster than using on-screen methods.
Will the degree symbol appear correctly in Google Forms and Sheets?
Yes, once inserted using any of the methods above, the degree symbol displays properly in forms, sheets, and slides, though some very old devices may render it as a placeholder.
Is there a way to automate inserting the degree symbol with a Chrome extension?
Certain text expansion extensions can map a short abbreviation to the degree symbol, which is useful if you frequently type temperatures or angles in your workflow.