How to Insert Degree Symbol in Excel? (6 Easy Methods)
When working with data involving temperatures, angles, or geographic coordinates in Microsoft Excel, you often need to use the degree symbol (°). This small but important character is not immediately visible on your keyboard, which can make entering it confusing.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through several easy methods to insert the degree symbol in Excel, ensuring your data is accurate and professionally presented.
Method 1: Using the Keyboard Shortcut (The Fastest Way)
The quickest method to insert a degree symbol is by using a simple keyboard shortcut. This method is efficient for entering the symbol repeatedly.
- Click on the Excel cell where you want to insert the symbol.
- Place your cursor in the formula bar or double-click the cell to enter edit mode.
- Hold down the
ALTkey on your keyboard. - While holding
ALT, type 0176 using the numeric keypad (ensure Num Lock is on). - Release the
ALTkey, and the degree symbol (°) will appear.
Important Note: This ALT code method requires a keyboard with a separate numeric keypad. It will not work using the number keys above the letter keys.
Method 2: Using the Excel Ribbon Insert Tool
If you prefer using the Excel menu, the Insert Symbol tool is a reliable option.
- Select the cell where you need the symbol.
- Navigate to the Insert tab on the Excel ribbon.
- Click on Symbol in the far-right “Symbols” group.
- The Symbol dialog box will open. Ensure the Symbols tab is selected.
- Set the Subset dropdown menu to “Latin-1 Supplement.”
- Scroll to find the degree symbol (°), select it, and click Insert.
This visual interface is helpful if you need to insert other special characters as well.
Method 3: Applying a Custom Number Format
For cells that will consistently display temperature or angle values, applying a custom number format is the most professional approach. This method stores the number as a value but displays it with the symbol, allowing you to perform calculations without issues.
Here is how to create a custom format for temperatures:
- Select the cells containing your numeric values.
- Right-click and choose Format Cells, or press
Ctrl + 1. - In the Format Cells window, select the Number tab.
- Choose Custom from the category list.
- In the “Type” field, enter one of the following codes:
0.0°C– to display one decimal (e.g., 21.5°C)0°F– to display no decimals (e.g., 72°F)
- Click OK.
The numbers in the selected cells will now display with the degree symbol and your chosen unit. The underlying cell value remains a plain number, perfect for Excel formulas.
| Custom Format Code | Example Display | Underlying Cell Value |
|---|---|---|
0.0°F | 98.6°F | 98.6 |
0° | 45° | 45 |
Method 4: Copy and Paste the Degree Symbol
For a one-time use, you can simply copy and paste the symbol from any source.
- Copy the degree symbol from here: °
- Select your target cell in the Excel worksheet.
- Paste it (
Ctrl + V) into the formula bar or directly into the cell.
You can also copy the symbol from a web page, a Word document, or another cell within your workbook.
Method 5: Using the CHAR Function in a Formula
Excel’s CHAR function returns the character for a specific code number. The degree symbol is character 176. This is useful for dynamic formatting within formulas.
For instance, to combine a number from cell A1 with the degree symbol, you would use:=A1 & CHAR(176)
If A1 contains the number 90, the formula result will be 90°. You can extend this for more complex data formatting:=A1 & CHAR(176) & "N" would result in 90°N.
This method integrates the symbol creation directly into your Excel calculations.
Method 6: Adjusting the Font for Compatibility (Arial, Calibri)
Most standard font styles like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, and Segoe UI include the degree symbol. If you use a method and see an empty box or a different character, check your cell’s font.
Changing the cell format to a common font will usually resolve the display issue. Consistency in font selection across your workbook ensures symbols appear correctly for all users.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- ALT Code Not Working: Confirm you are using the numeric keypad, not the top row numbers. Check that Num Lock is enabled.
- Symbol Looks Wrong: The chosen font may not support the symbol. Switch to Arial or Calibri.
- Can’t Use Numbers in Formulas: If a cell with “90°” returns an error in a formula, the symbol is likely stored as text. Use the custom format method instead to keep the number pure.
FAQs
What is the fastest way to type the degree symbol in Excel?
The fastest method is using the keyboard shortcut (ALT code). Click the cell, hold down the ALT key, type 0176 on the numeric keypad, and release ALT. This instantly inserts the degree symbol (°).
Why doesn’t the ALT + 0176 shortcut work on my laptop?
This usually happens because laptops often lack a separate numeric keypad. You must use the number keys that are sometimes activated by holding a Function (Fn) key. Alternatively, turn on the “Num Lock” function and use the embedded number keys (usually on the M, J, K, L, U, I, O keys). If it’s too difficult, use the Insert Symbol tool or the Copy and Paste method instead.
How can I add a degree symbol so I can still do math with the numbers?
To keep numbers usable in Excel formulas and calculations, use the Custom Number Format method. This stores the cell value as a plain number but displays it with the symbol. For example, applying the custom format 0.0°F to the number 98.6 will display “98.6°F” while the cell’s actual value remains 98.6 for use in any mathematical operations.
Can I use a formula to automatically add the degree symbol to values?
Yes. You can use the CHAR function in an Excel formula. For example, if cell A1 contains the number 45, the formula =A1 & CHAR(176) will produce the result “45°”. This is excellent for dynamic formatting where the source number might change.
I see a square box instead of the degree symbol. How do I fix this?
A square box typically indicates a font compatibility issue. The selected font style does not include the degree symbol character. To fix it, change the cell’s font to a common font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman through the font dropdown on the Home tab.
Which method should I use if I need to add the symbol to many cells at once?
For formatting many cells, especially for data like temperatures, use the Custom Number Format. Select all the target cells, open Format Cells (Ctrl+1), go to Custom, and type your format (e.g., 0°C). For adding a static symbol to existing text in many cells, use the Find and Replace tool: find nothing, replace with the degree symbol (°) you’ve copied, or use a formula with CHAR(176) in a new column.
Vaishvi Desai is the founder of Excelsamurai and a passionate Excel enthusiast with years of experience in data analysis and spreadsheet management. With a mission to help others harness the power of Excel, Vaishvi shares her expertise through concise, easy-to-follow tutorials on shortcuts, formulas, Pivot Tables, and VBA.