How to Type Degree Symbol on Mac
Master typing the degree symbol on macOS with keyboard shortcuts, Unicode input, and the Character Viewer. Clear steps and practical tips from Shortcuts Lib.
Learn how to type the degree symbol on macOS using reliable methods. This guide covers the standard keyboard shortcut, Unicode Hex Input, and the Character Viewer, plus tips for quick replacements to speed up typing. Shortcuts Lib has tested these approaches across common apps to ensure consistent results. Whether you work in documents, code, or design, these options deliver predictable characters and keep your workflow smooth.
Why typing the degree symbol matters on Mac
The degree symbol (°) is a common unit indicator in science, engineering, and everyday measurements. On macOS, getting it right matters for professional documents, equations, and UI labels. Inconsistent characters can break data presentation or cause confusion in reports. According to Shortcuts Lib, mastering reliable input methods reduces delays when switching between apps like Pages, Numbers, or LaTeX editors. In short, a quick, dependable shortcut keeps your workflow efficient and precise across platforms.
Quick overview of methods to type degree symbol on macOS
There are multiple reliable paths to the degree symbol on Mac. The simplest is the standard keyboard shortcut (Shift + Option + 8). If you frequently substitute units or work in Unicode-heavy environments, Unicode Hex Input provides a robust alternative for typing characters by code point (00B0). The Character Viewer (Control + Command + Space) offers an intuitive, GUI-based approach that works in nearly every app. Finally, you can set up text replacements to insert ° with a few keystrokes. These methods cover most user needs and environments.
Method 1: Keyboard shortcut — Shift+Option+8
The easiest way to insert the degree symbol in most macOS apps is the built-in keyboard shortcut: Shift + Option + 8. This works in most word processors, IDEs, browsers, and design tools without enabling any extra input sources. If you rely on international keyboards, this shortcut might vary slightly depending on your layout, but on standard US and many layouts, it’s reliable. Practice the combo a few times to build muscle memory. Shortcuts Lib recommends combining this with you regular typing flow for best results.
Method 2: Unicode Hex Input
Unicode Hex Input is a powerful method for typing any Unicode character by code point. First, add Unicode Hex Input as an input source in System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources. Then switch to Unicode Hex Input when you need the degree symbol and type Option + 00B0. This approach is particularly useful when you’re coding or using apps that tolerate precise code points. Remember to switch back to your primary keyboard layout after typing the symbol.
Method 3: Character Viewer (Emoji & Symbols)
Control + Command + Space opens the Emoji & Symbols viewer. Search for “degree” or browse the “Math Symbols” section, then double-click the symbol to insert it. This method is universal across macOS apps and is great for occasional use or when you’re unsure of the exact code. It’s also helpful for discovering related symbols you might need later, like superscripts or subscripts for scientific notation.
Method 4: Text replacement and automation for speed
Set up a text replacement so typing a short string (for example, deg) automatically expands to ° in most apps. Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Text and add a replacement. If you frequently type degrees in reports or code, you can use Shortcuts to automate insertion across apps or create a dedicated shortcut that pastes ° in one keystroke. This method is especially useful for multilingual teams that use the degree symbol regularly.
Practical tips for accuracy and consistency across apps
Different apps may render the degree symbol slightly differently depending on fonts. If your document looks inconsistent, try using the Unicode option with a font that has a complete mathematical symbol set. For cross-platform documents, prefer the same insertion method to avoid copy/paste issues. Always verify the symbol in the final document view (print or export) to ensure correct rendering.
Troubleshooting: what to check if it doesn’t work
If Shift + Option + 8 fails, check your keyboard layout and ensure you’re using a standard Mac keyboard. If Unicode Hex Input isn’t available, verify you added the input source correctly and that you’ve switched to it. When using the Character Viewer, ensure you’re searching for the correct term and that your app accepts special characters. If you rely on paste, confirm your clipboard isn’t clearing unexpectedly and that you’re pasting as plain text when necessary.
Accessibility and international considerations
On non-US keyboards, the degree symbol input may shift to different key combos. Use the Character Viewer or the Unicode Hex Input method to avoid layout-based mistakes. If you rely on screen readers, ensure the degree symbol is properly announced in documents and code comments. With practice, you’ll be able to switch between methods depending on context and speed requirements.
Tools & Materials
- Mac computer or MacBook with macOS(Any modern macOS version will work)
- Keyboard/keyboard layout awareness(Understanding your layout helps reduce errors)
- Unicode Hex Input (optional)(Add as input source if you plan to type by code)
- Emoji & Symbols viewer (built-in)(Accessible via Control-Command-Space)
- Text replacement setup (optional)(For quick, repetitive insertion of °)
Steps
Estimated time: 20-30 minutes
- 1
Enable Unicode Hex Input (if using method 2)
Open System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources and add Unicode Hex Input. This prepares your system to interpret hex codes for characters like 00B0.
Tip: Switch to Unicode Hex Input only when you need a specific code point. - 2
Use Shift+Option+8 for quick typing
In any text field, press Shift + Option + 8 to insert ° immediately. This works in most applications without changing layouts.
Tip: If it doesn’t insert, ensure you’re using a compatible keyboard layout. - 3
Type degree with Unicode code
Switch to Unicode Hex Input and press Option + 00B0 to insert the degree symbol. This is precise and works in code editors as well.
Tip: Remember to switch back to your default input source to continue typing normally. - 4
Insert via Character Viewer
Open the viewer with Control-Command-Space, search for degree, and double-click the symbol to insert.
Tip: Use the search to quickly find related mathematical symbols for future use. - 5
Set up a text replacement
Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Text and add a replacement like deg -> °. Now typing deg expands to the degree symbol automatically.
Tip: Choose a replacement string that’s unlikely to appear naturally in your text. - 6
Create a keyboard shortcut for paste
In Automator or a Shortcuts workflow, create a paste action that inserts ° in one keystroke for frequent use.
Tip: Test in multiple apps to ensure compatibility. - 7
Verify rendering after export
Export or print a document to confirm the degree symbol renders correctly with your chosen font.
Tip: If it looks off, switch fonts or use a Unicode-based insertion method. - 8
Practice across apps
Try all methods in Pages, Keynote, VS Code, and a browser to ensure consistency.
Tip: Keep a small cheat sheet for quick reference.
Questions & Answers
What is the degree symbol and where is it used?
The degree symbol (°) denotes degrees in measurements like temperature or angles. It is a standard typographic character across most macOS applications.
The degree symbol is a small circle used with temperature or angles in many macOS apps.
If Shift+Option+8 doesn’t work, what should I do?
Check your keyboard layout, ensure you’re on macOS and not a non-standard layout. Try the Emoji & Symbols viewer as a fallback.
If the shortcut fails, switch to the Emoji & Symbols viewer to insert the symbol.
Can I paste the degree symbol into code or equations?
Yes. Use Unicode Hex Input for precise insertion (Option+00B0) or paste via the Character Viewer, then ensure the font supports the symbol.
You can paste the degree symbol into code or math equations using Unicode input or the viewer.
Is Unicode Hex Input available on all Macs?
Unicode Hex Input is available when you add it as an input source in System Settings. Some older macOS versions may require updates.
Unicode Hex Input exists when enabled in Settings; older macOS may need updates.
What’s the best method for documents shared across platforms?
Use the degree symbol via Unicode input or the Character Viewer to ensure consistent rendering across systems.
For cross-platform documents, Unicode input or the viewer helps keep symbols consistent.
How can I automate inserting the degree symbol in my workflow?
Create a text replacement or a Shortcuts workflow that inserts ° with a single command, then test across apps.
Automate with text replacement or a Shortcuts workflow for quick insertion.
Watch Video
Main Points
- Master at least two input methods for degree symbol input.
- Use the Character Viewer for universal access across apps.
- Enable Unicode Hex Input if you work with code or hexadecimal workflows.
- Create a text replacement to speed up repetitive typing.
- Always verify symbol rendering after exporting documents.
