The ASCII degree symbol is the ° character, representing degrees of temperature, angle, or other measurements. It's encoded as Alt+0176 on Windows keyboards or Option+Shift+8 on Macs.
Most keyboards lack a dedicated ° key, so operating systems reserve specific key combinations to insert it. These sequences send a numeric code to the computer, which then displays the corresponding symbol. The ASCII degree symbol is part of the standard ASCII character set, a system for encoding text in computers.
The ° symbol is distinct from other degree-like symbols, such as the Celsius (°C), Fahrenheit (°F), and Kelvin (K) units. While ° represents a generic degree, these others combine ° with additional letters to denote specific scales.
| Symbol | Name | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| ° | Degree symbol | General degrees (angles, arc measures) |
| °C | Celsius | Temperature in Celsius |
| °F | Fahrenheit | Temperature in Fahrenheit |
| K | Kelvin | Temperature in Kelvin |
The degree symbol appears in scientific notation, weather reports, and engineering diagrams. For example, "360°" denotes a full circle in geometry, while "98.6°F" indicates human body temperature. Without it, these values would lack clarity.
Many users struggle to type the degree symbol quickly. On Windows, holding the Alt key while typing 0176 on the numeric keypad inserts °. On Macs, pressing Option+Shift+8 produces the same result. Mobile devices often require long-pressing the comma key to access special characters, including °.
Some users confuse the degree symbol with the superscript circled numbers (①, ②, etc.), which serve as reference markers. While both appear small and circular, they function differently. The degree symbol is a standalone character, whereas circled numbers reference footnotes or lists.
I once needed to type a weather report for a project. Without knowing the ASCII degree symbol shortcut, I wasted time searching for the character online. After learning the Alt+0176 trick, I typed the entire report in minutes.
Use ° whenever denoting angular or temperature measurements. For example:
For temperature units, always pair ° with the appropriate letter (C, F, or K).
For those pursuing careers in fields like meteorology or engineering, understanding how to type special symbols efficiently can save time. A degree in these fields often requires precise notation.