How to type the degree symbol in Google Docs
To type the degree symbol in Google Docs, use your computer’s own shortcut: Alt + 0176 on a Windows keypad or Option + Shift + 8 on a Mac. Without either, choose Insert → Special characters and search for “degree”.
Quick answer
Windows: Alt + 0176. Mac: Option + Shift + 8. Any device: Insert → Special characters → “degree”.
Step by step
Click Insert → Special characters
The character panel opens on the right of the document.
Search “degree”
Type degree in the search box. The first result is ° (Degree Sign).
Insert it
Click ° to place it at the cursor, then type C or F after it for temperatures.
Your keyboard shortcut works in Docs
Docs runs in the browser, so the operating system’s shortcuts pass straight through. On Windows, Num Lock on, hold Alt and type 0176. On a Mac, Option + Shift + 8. On a Chromebook, press Ctrl + Shift + U, type b0 and press Space; our degree symbol on Chromebook page walks through it.
A substitution for °
For a symbol you type daily, a substitution is fastest. Open Tools → Preferences → Substitutions, add a new row with (deg) on the left and ° on the right, and save. Typing (deg) followed by a space then produces °. Choose a trigger that never appears in normal text, so it does not fire by accident.
On a phone or tablet
The Docs app has no Special characters panel, but the phone keyboard does the job. On iPhone, tap 123, then touch and hold 0 and slide to °. In Gboard on Android, tap ?123 and then =\< to find ° on the second symbols page.
Formatting temperatures
SI style puts a space before °C (21 °C); many publications write 21°C. Whichever you pick, keep it consistent, and avoid the look-alike º (the masculine ordinal indicator), which the Special characters search may also show. Our degree symbol page lists the look-alikes and every code, and degree symbol in Word covers the desktop word processor.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut for degree in Google Docs?
Docs has none of its own. Use Alt + 0176 on Windows, Option + Shift + 8 on Mac, or create a substitution in Tools → Preferences.
How do I type ° in Google Docs on a Chromebook?
Press Ctrl + Shift + U, type b0, then press Space or Enter.
Can I add °C automatically in Google Sheets?
Yes. Use Format → Number → Custom number format and enter 0.0"°C".