How to Make a Degree Symbol on Dell Keyboard (2026 Complete Guide)

Knowing how to make a degree symbol on a Dell keyboard is an essential skill for students, professionals, and anyone who regularly works with temperature readings, geographic coordinates, or mathematical equations. Whether you are drafting a weather report, writing a scientific paper, or simply sending a text message about the temperature, the degree symbol (°) is a character you will inevitably need. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through every method available to type the degree symbol on your Dell laptop or desktop keyboard, including keyboard shortcuts, the Windows Character Map, Alt codes, and more. By the end of this article, you will never struggle to find the degree symbol again.

Last updated: July 19, 2026 | Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

Table of Contents

• What Is the Degree Symbol?
• Method 1: Using the Alt Code (0176)
• Method 2: Using the Windows Character Map
• Method 3: Using the Windows Emoji Panel
• Method 4: Copy and Paste
• Method 5: Using Microsoft Word AutoCorrect
• Method 6: Using the On-Screen Keyboard
• Method 7: Using HTML Entity Code
• Method 8: For Dell Users Running macOS
• Quick Reference Table of Shortcuts
• Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Degree Symbol?

The degree symbol (°) is a small superscript circle used to denote angles in geometry, temperature readings, and geographic coordinates. It originates from the Latin word “gradus,” meaning step or degree. The Unicode representation of the degree symbol is U+00B0, and it is classified as a “modifier letter” in most character encoding systems. On Dell keyboards, there is no dedicated key for the degree symbol, which means users must rely on alternative methods to produce it. This is a common design choice across most keyboard manufacturers, as the degree symbol is considered a specialized character rather than a frequently used one.

In everyday use, you will encounter the degree symbol in contexts such as temperature (72°F or 25°C), geographic coordinates (40.7128° N), and mathematical angles (90°). Understanding the various ways to produce this character will save you time and frustration, especially when you need it quickly for work or school assignments.

Method 1: Using the Alt Code (0176)

The most direct and widely used method for typing the degree symbol on a Dell keyboard is through the Alt code shortcut. This method works on virtually every Windows-based Dell computer and does not require any additional software or tools.

Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Make sure your Dell laptop or desktop has a numeric keypad. Most full-size Dell keyboards include a numeric keypad on the right side. If you are using a compact Dell laptop without a dedicated numeric keypad, you may need to enable the embedded numeric keypad first by pressing the Fn key along with the Num Lock key.
2. Press and hold the Alt key on your keyboard.
3. While holding the Alt key, type 0176 on the numeric keypad using the number keys.
4. Release the Alt key, and the degree symbol (°) will appear at your cursor position.

For Dell laptops without a dedicated numeric keypad, you can use the alternative Alt code: press and hold the Alt key, then type 248 using the function-mapped number keys. To enable the embedded numeric keypad on a Dell laptop, press Fn + Num Lock simultaneously. Once enabled, the keys J, K, L, U, I, O, and surrounding keys will function as a numeric keypad.

This Alt code method is reliable and works across virtually all Windows applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Notepad, web browsers, and email clients. It is the go-to method for most Dell users who need to type the degree symbol quickly.

Method 2: Using the Windows Character Map

The Windows Character Map is a built-in utility that provides access to every character available in your installed fonts. This is an excellent method if you prefer a visual interface or if the Alt code method is not working on your Dell system.

Follow these steps to use the Character Map:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type charmap and press Enter. The Character Map window will open.
3. In the Character Map window, make sure the font is set to a standard font like Arial or Times New Roman.
4. Scroll through the character grid to find the degree symbol (°). It is usually located near other punctuation and symbol characters. Alternatively, you can check the “Advanced view” checkbox and search for “degree” in the search box.
5. Click on the degree symbol to select it.
6. Click the Select button to add the character to the “Characters to copy” field.
7. Click the Copy button to copy the degree symbol to your clipboard.
8. Paste it into your document by pressing Ctrl + V.

The Character Map is particularly useful when you need to find special characters that are not easily accessible through keyboard shortcuts. It also shows you the Unicode name and character code for each symbol, which can be helpful for reference.

Method 3: Using the Windows Emoji Panel

Windows 10 and Windows 11 include a built-in emoji panel that also contains symbols, including the degree symbol. This method is quick and does not require memorizing any codes.

Here is how to access the degree symbol through the emoji panel:

1. Place your cursor in the text field where you want the degree symbol to appear.
2. Press Windows + period (.) or Windows + semicolon (;) to open the emoji panel.
3. At the top of the emoji panel, click on the Symbols tab, which is represented by an Omega (Ω) icon.
4. Navigate to the “General punctuation” or “Number symbols” category.
5. Find and click on the degree symbol (°) to insert it at your cursor position.

The emoji panel method is especially convenient for Dell laptop users who do not have a numeric keypad. Since this method uses only standard keys, you do not need to worry about enabling the embedded numeric keypad or using an external keyboard.

Method 4: Copy and Paste

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best solution. You can simply copy the degree symbol from this article and paste it wherever you need it.

Here is the degree symbol ready for you to copy: °

To copy it, simply highlight the character above with your mouse, right-click and select “Copy,” or press Ctrl + C. Then paste it into your document by pressing Ctrl + V. You can also use this method across different applications. For example, you can copy the degree symbol from a web browser and paste it into Microsoft Word, Notepad, or any other text editor.

For frequent use, you might consider creating a text file or a snippet that contains the degree symbol along with other special characters you commonly use. This way, you always have easy access to the characters you need without having to look them up each time.

Method 5: Using Microsoft Word AutoCorrect

If you frequently use the degree symbol in Microsoft Word, you can set up an AutoCorrect entry to automatically insert the symbol when you type a specific shortcut. This method is ideal for users who work with temperature readings or scientific documents regularly.

Here is how to set it up:

1. Open Microsoft Word on your Dell computer.
2. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options.
3. In the “Replace” field, type a shortcut string such as /deg.
4. In the “With” field, paste the degree symbol (°).
5. Click Add, then click OK to save the entry.

Now, whenever you type /deg in Microsoft Word, it will automatically be replaced with the degree symbol. This saves significant time when writing documents that contain multiple temperature readings or angular measurements. You can create similar AutoCorrect entries for other special characters you use frequently.

Additionally, Microsoft Word has a built-in equation editor that includes the degree symbol. You can access it by pressing Alt + = to open the equation editor, then typing \degree and pressing the spacebar.

Method 6: Using the On-Screen Keyboard

Windows includes a virtual on-screen keyboard that can be used to type special characters. While this method is slower than keyboard shortcuts, it provides a visual way to find and insert the degree symbol.

To use the on-screen keyboard:

1. Press Windows + Ctrl + O to open the On-Screen Keyboard.
2. Click on the Options key on the virtual keyboard.
3. Enable “Turn on numeric key pad” and click OK.
4. The numeric keypad will appear on the right side of the on-screen keyboard.
5. Hold down the Alt key (by clicking on it) and then click the numbers 0, 1, 7, 6 on the numeric keypad.
6. The degree symbol will be inserted at your cursor position.

This method is particularly useful for Dell laptop users who may have a malfunctioning physical keyboard or for accessibility purposes. It can also be helpful when you are demonstrating how to type special characters to someone else, as the visual display makes the process easier to follow.

Method 7: Using HTML Entity Code

If you are working on a website or in an HTML editor, you can use HTML entity codes to display the degree symbol. There are several ways to do this in HTML:

For web developers working on Dell systems, these HTML codes ensure cross-browser compatibility. The named entity ° is the most commonly used and easiest to remember. All modern browsers support these entity codes without any issues.

Method 8: For Dell Users Running macOS

While Dell computers typically run Windows, some users may be running macOS through a Hackintosh setup or dual-boot configuration. If you are using macOS on a Dell system, the degree symbol can be typed using the following methods:

• Option + Shift + 8: This is the standard macOS shortcut for the degree symbol.
• Character Viewer: Press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer, then search for “degree” to find the symbol.
• Emoji & Symbols: Click on the “Edit” menu in any application, then select “Emoji & Symbols” to access the character palette.

These macOS shortcuts work on any Dell computer running macOS, just as they would on an Apple computer. The Character Viewer provides additional options for finding the degree symbol if you prefer a visual interface.

Quick Reference Table of Shortcuts

Here is a comprehensive summary of all the methods discussed in this article for your quick reference:

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

Even though typing the degree symbol is straightforward, there are a few common mistakes that Dell users encounter. Here are the most frequent issues and how to resolve them:

Another common issue is confusing the degree symbol (°) with the masculine ordinal indicator (º). While these two characters look similar, they are different Unicode characters. The degree symbol is U+00B0, while the masculine ordinal indicator is U+00BA. When using the Character Map, make sure you select the correct character.

If you are using a Dell laptop and find that certain keyboard shortcuts are not working, it may be related to your function key settings. Many Dell laptops have a function key lock that changes the behavior of the top row keys. To learn more about managing function keys on your Dell laptop, read our articles on how to enable F keys on Dell laptop and how to change function keys on Dell.

For users who frequently need to right-click to copy and paste the degree symbol on Dell laptops without a working trackpad, our guide on how to right click on Dell laptop provides alternative methods including keyboard shortcuts that can help you navigate more efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a degree symbol key on Dell keyboards?

No, Dell keyboards do not have a dedicated degree symbol key. You must use one of the alternative methods described in this article, such as Alt codes, the Character Map, or copy and paste, to type the degree symbol on your Dell computer.

2. Why does typing Alt + 0176 not work on my Dell laptop?

The most common reason is that you are using the number row keys instead of the numeric keypad. The Alt code method specifically requires the numeric keypad. On Dell laptops without a dedicated numeric keypad, press Fn + Num Lock to enable the embedded numeric keypad first. Also ensure that Num Lock is turned on before attempting the Alt code.

3. Can I type the degree symbol in Google Docs on my Dell laptop?

Yes, the Alt code method works in Google Docs just as it does in any other Windows application. You can also use the Character Map or copy and paste methods. Google Docs does not have a built-in special character menu that is as comprehensive as Microsoft Word, but the Windows-level methods will work regardless of the application you are using.

4. What is the difference between the degree symbol and the superscript zero?

While these two characters look very similar, they are distinct characters in Unicode. The degree symbol (°) is Unicode U+00B0 and is specifically designed to represent degrees of temperature or angles. The superscript zero (⁰) is Unicode U+2070 and is used in mathematical notation. For most everyday purposes, you should use the degree symbol rather than the superscript zero.

5. How do I type the degree symbol on a Dell laptop without a numeric keypad?

On Dell laptops without a dedicated numeric keypad, you have several options. The easiest is to use the emoji panel (Windows + .) and navigate to the Symbols tab. You can also use the Character Map (type charmap in the Run dialog) or copy and paste the degree symbol from this article. If you frequently need the degree symbol, consider using the Microsoft Word AutoCorrect method to create a text shortcut.

6. Does the degree symbol appear differently in different fonts?

The degree symbol generally looks consistent across most standard fonts, but there may be subtle differences in size and positioning. In some fonts, the degree symbol may appear slightly larger or smaller, or may be positioned slightly higher or lower. For professional documents, it is recommended to use a consistent font throughout, which will ensure the degree symbol appears uniform.

7. Can I use the degree symbol in Excel on my Dell computer?

Yes, you can use the degree symbol in Excel. The Alt code method (Alt + 0176) works in Excel just as it does in other Windows applications. You can also use the Character Map to copy and paste the symbol. If you need to include the degree symbol in a formula, you can use the CONCATENATE function or the ampersand operator to combine the degree symbol with a number. For example: =CONCATENATE(A1, “°”) will add a degree symbol to the value in cell A1.

8. Is there a way to make the degree symbol a keyboard shortcut in Windows?

Windows does not natively support creating custom keyboard shortcuts for individual characters. However, you can achieve a similar result using the AutoCorrect feature in Microsoft Word (as described in Method 5) or by using a third-party text expansion tool such as AutoHotkey. These tools allow you to assign custom text shortcuts that expand into the degree symbol or any other character.

9. Why does the degree symbol show as a square or question mark?

If the degree symbol appears as a square, question mark, or other unexpected character, it usually indicates a font compatibility issue. Some older or decorative fonts may not include the degree symbol character. Try switching to a standard font like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri, which all include the degree symbol. If the issue persists, it may indicate a problem with your system’s character encoding settings.

10. Can I use the degree symbol in HTML emails?

Yes, the degree symbol can be included in HTML emails using the HTML entity codes described in Method 7. Use ° or ° in your HTML email code. For plain text emails, you can use the Alt code method if your email client supports it, or simply copy and paste the degree symbol into the email body.

If you found this guide helpful, you may also be interested in our other Dell-related tutorials, including how to enable F keys on Dell laptop, how to change function keys on Dell, and how to right click on Dell laptop for more tips and tricks on getting the most out of your Dell computer.

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