How to type the degree symbol on Linux

Using the Compose key

A Compose key lets you type symbols as memorable sequences. In GNOME, turn it on in Settings → Keyboard → Special Character Entry → Compose Key (many people choose Right Alt or Menu). Then press Compose, release it, and type o twice for °. Other handy sequences: o c for ©, + - for ± and - - - for the em dash. The full system is explained in our Compose key guide.

KDE Plasma and other desktops

Ctrl + Shift + U is provided by the input method framework, not the desktop. KDE apps get it when IBus or fcitx5 is running as the input method; without one, the shortcut does nothing in Qt apps. The Compose key, by contrast, is part of the keyboard layout, so it works everywhere once set in System Settings → Keyboard → Advanced (the “Position of Compose key” option).

LibreOffice

LibreOffice has its own Unicode toggle that works regardless of desktop: type b0 (or U+00B0) and press Alt + X, just as in Microsoft Word. Insert → Special Character also offers a searchable grid.

GNOME Characters

If you do not remember codes, open the Characters app, search for “degree” and click Copy Character. It also shows the code point, which you can then use with Ctrl + Shift + U next time.

The same Unicode method is covered for other symbols in how to type Unicode on Linux. For every code of °, see the degree symbol reference, or the Chromebook version of these steps, degree symbol on a Chromebook.