How to Insert the Degree Symbol in Word Easily and Quickly

Sometimes, we need to use specific symbols in our Microsoft Word document that aren’t readily available on our keyboards. One such symbol is the degree symbol. Learning how to insert the degree symbol in Word can be useful for writing about temperature, angles, or anything else. This article will explore various methods to include the degree symbol in Word, making your documents more accurate and professional.

Why You Might Need the Degree Symbol in Word

Before diving into the methods, let’s first understand why you might need the degree symbol. The degree symbol (°) is a small circle denoting temperature and angular degrees. For example:

1. Temperature: “The temperature outside is 25°C.”
2. Angles: “The right angle measures 90°.”

Using the degree symbol adds clarity and precision to your documents, making them more professional and easily understood by the reader.

Inserting the Degree Symbol through Keyboard Shortcuts

One of the quickest ways to insert the degree symbol in Word is keyboard shortcuts. This method is efficient and can frequently save time using the degree symbol.

Using Alt Codes

Alt codes are a popular way to insert various symbols into text. Here’s how to insert the degree symbol:

1. Put the cursor where you want the degree symbol to appear.
2. Hold down the Alt key on your keyboard.
3. As you keep the Alt key pressed, tap “0176″ on the numeric keypad.
4. Let go of the Alt key; see the degree symbol (°).

Make sure to use the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard. This method will not work with the numbers at the top of a standard keyboard.

Using Unicode

Another keyboard method involves using Unicode. Each character and symbol is assigned a unique code. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Position your cursor exactly where you need the degree symbol to show up.
2. Type “00B0” without quotes.
3. Press “Alt” and “X” together.

The “00B0“ will convert into the degree symbol.

Inserting the Degree Symbol Using the Symbol Menu in Word

If you’re not comfortable with keyboard shortcuts, don’t worry. Microsoft Word provides a Symbol menu that allows you to insert any symbol into your document.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Place the cursor exactly where you need the degree symbol to go.
2. Go to the “Insert“ tab at the top of the Word window.
3. Click “Symbol“ on the far right of the toolbar.
4. In the dropdown menu, click “More Symbols.”
5. A new window will open. Scroll down from the “Symbol“ tab until you find the degree symbol (°). It’s usually towards the end of the list.
6. Select the degree symbol and then hit “Insert.“

If you click “Insert,” the degree symbol is right where your cursor sits. You can then close the Symbol window.

Using AutoCorrect for the Degree Symbol

If you use the degree symbol frequently, you might want to automate the process by setting up an AutoCorrect entry. This way, Word automatically replaces it with the degree symbol whenever you type a specific combination of letters.

Setting Up AutoCorrect

1. Put your cursor exactly where you’d like the degree symbol to appear.
2. Head to the “File“ tab and click “Options“ at the bottom of the menu.
3. A new window will open. Click “Proofing“ on the left side.
4. Click the “AutoCorrect Options“ button.
5. Another window will open. Under the “AutoCorrect“ tab, enter a unique combination of letters in the “Replace“ field (e.g., “dgr”).
6. In the “With“ field, insert the degree symbol using any methods listed above (e.g., Alt code or Symbol menu).
7. Click “Add“ and then “OK“ to save the changes.

When you type your chosen combination (e.g., “dgr”), Word automatically replaces it with the degree symbol.

Using the Character Map Application

Windows users have another handy tool called the Character Map, which can help you insert the degree symbol.

Steps to Use Character Map

1. Press “Start“ and type “Character Map“ in the search box.
2. Open the Character Map application.
3. In the Character Map window, scroll through the symbols until you find the degree symbol.
4. Click on the degree symbol and then click the “Select“ button.
5. Click “Copy.”
6. Go back to your Word document and press “Ctrl + V“ to paste the degree symbol.

Character Map is especially useful if you insert multiple symbols that aren’t easily accessible through keyboard shortcuts.

Using the Degree Symbol on Mac

Using a Mac slightly changes things, but it’s still pretty easy.

Keyboard Shortcut

1. Move the cursor to where you want the degree symbol to appear.
2. Press “Shift + Option + 8.”

Using the Character Viewer

1. Place the cursor where you want the degree symbol.
2. Press “Control + Command + Space“ to open the Character Viewer.
3. In the search bar, type “degree symbol.”
4. Click twice on the degree symbol to add it to your document.

Copy and Paste Method

An easy way to insert the degree symbol is to copy it from another place and paste it into your Word document.

Steps to Copy and Paste

1. Search for the degree symbol online.
2. Copy the symbol (°) from a reliable source.
3. Go to your Word document and place the cursor where you want the degree symbol.
4. Press “Ctrl + V“ to paste the degree symbol.

This method is useful if you occasionally need the degree symbol and prefer not to memorize keyboard shortcuts or set up AutoCorrect options.

Customizing Toolbars and Shortcuts for Quick Access

Customizing your Word toolbar can save time for those frequently using the degree symbol.

Adding the Degree Symbol to the Quick Access Toolbar

1. Open Word and go to the “Insert“ tab.
2. Click “Symbol,“ then “More Symbols.”
3. Select the degree symbol and click “Insert.”
4. With the Symbol window still open, click “Add to Quick Access Toolbar“ (a small icon with a dropdown arrow below it at the top-left corner of the screen).

The degree symbol will always be accessible from your Quick Access Toolbar.

Commonly Asked Questions Related to the Degree Symbol In Word

Q. How do I insert a degree symbol in Microsoft Word?
A. To add a degree symbol, just go to the “Insert” tab, click “Symbol,” and then pick “More Symbols.” The degree symbol is usually in the special characters section. You can also type “00B0“ in the “Character code“ box and click “Insert.”

Q. Is there a shortcut to type the degree symbol in Word?
A. Yes! Press “Alt” and type “0176” using the numeric keypad. Hold down the “Alt“ key to use this shortcut and type “0176“ on the numeric keypad.

Q. Can I customize the shortcut for the degree symbol in Word?
A. Yes! You can change the shortcut easily. Open the “Insert” tab, click “Symbol,” then “More Symbols.” Next, hit “Shortcut Key” and pick a new key combo for the degree symbol.

Q. What if my keyboard doesn’t have a numeric keypad?
A. If your keyboard doesn’t have a numeric keypad, copy the degree symbol from another source (like a website) and paste it into your Word document.

Q. Are there different degree symbols for Celsius and Fahrenheit in Word?
A. No, the degree symbol is the same for Celsius and Fahrenheit. However, after the degree symbol, you would write “°C“ for Celsius and “°F“ for Fahrenheit.

Q. Can I change the font of the degree symbol in Word?
A. Yes! You can change the font of the degree symbol just like any other text. Simply highlight it and select a different font from the font menu.

Q. Is there a way to automatically add the degree symbol for numbers in Word?
A. Yes. You can set up a “Find and Replace“ function or use a macro to automatically insert the degree symbol whenever you type specific triggers, like “deg.“

Q. Will the degree symbol look the same in different fonts?
A. Sometimes, the appearance of the degree symbol can change depending on the font you choose. It’s best to check how it looks with your font.

Q. Can I add the degree symbol in headers and footers in Word?
A. Absolutely! You can insert the degree symbol in headers and footers like in the document’s main body.

Q. What should I do if the degree symbol doesn’t appear correctly in my document?
A. If the degree symbol isn’t appearing correctly, ensure you’re using a compatible font, and check that your version of Word is updated. Try copying and pasting the symbol once more.

Conclusion

Inserting the degree symbol in Word documents doesn’t have to be a challenging task. Whether you prefer keyboard shortcuts, the Symbol menu, AutoCorrect options, or other methods, there’s a solution for everyone. By following the steps mentioned in this article, you can easily and quickly include the degree symbol in your documents, enhancing the professionalism and accuracy of your work.

Experiment with these methods and find the one that works best for you. You’ll effortlessly insert the degree symbol in Word with a little practice!