Insert the Degree Symbol in Microsoft Word Without Alt Key Tips
Question details
The user needs to insert a degree symbol in Word without the Alt key activating ribbon key tips.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Typing a degree symbol in a Word document using a keyboard shortcut.
- Observed behavior
- Pressing Alt displays ribbon key tips, which can interfere with the Alt+0176 shortcut.
Open the Word document and place the cursor where you want the degree symbol. Check your keyboard layout, since the keys used to type @ can vary.
Use Word's Ctrl+@, Space shortcut for the degree symbol
Use this key sequence to insert the symbol without pressing Alt on a US keyboard.
Click in the Word document where you want to insert the degree symbol.
On a US keyboard, press and release Ctrl+Shift+2, then press Space. Word should insert the degree symbol (°).
If the sequence does not work, go to Insert > Symbol > More Symbols, select the degree symbol, and choose Shortcut Key. To change it, enter a new key combination and select Assign.
Convert the Unicode code to a degree symbol in Word
Use this method if the Ctrl+@ sequence is unavailable or conflicts with another shortcut.
Insert a Degree Symbol in WPS Writer
Use WPS Writer's Symbol menu to add a degree symbol to a document without relying on Microsoft Word's keyboard shortcuts.
- 1. Open your document: Open WPS Writer and choose Open to select your document.
- 2. Place the cursor: Click the location in the document where you want the degree symbol.
- 3. Open the symbol menu: Select Insert > Symbol and open More Symbols if the degree symbol is not shown.
- 4. Insert the symbol: Select the degree symbol (°) and click Insert.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ctrl+@, Space mean in Word?
Hold Ctrl and press the key combination that produces @, release the keys, and then press Space. On a US keyboard, that is typically Ctrl+Shift+2, followed by Space.
Can I assign a different shortcut to the degree symbol?
Yes. In Word, go to Insert > Symbol > More Symbols, select the degree symbol, and choose Shortcut Key. Enter your preferred shortcut and select Assign.
How can I insert the degree symbol without memorizing a shortcut?
In Word, choose Insert > Symbol > More Symbols, select the degree symbol, and click Insert.
What should I do if Ctrl+Shift+2 does not insert the symbol?
Check the assigned shortcut under Insert > Symbol > More Symbols > Shortcut Key. Alternatively, type 00B0 in the document and immediately press Alt+X.
