Degree Symbol ° — Temperature & Angle Characters to Copy & Paste
The degree symbol ° (U+00B0) is one of the most commonly needed Unicode characters in everyday writing. It appears in temperature measurements (98.6°F, 37°C), geographic coordinates (40°N, 74°W), angles in geometry (90° right angle), and alcohol content (40° vodka). Despite its frequent use, many people don't know how to type it without copy-pasting.
Temperature Symbols
The ° Degree Sign (U+00B0) is the base symbol used with temperature scales. ℃ Degree Celsius (U+2103) is a single Unicode character combining ° and C — used in scientific and international contexts. ℉ Degree Fahrenheit (U+2109) combines ° and F — used primarily in the United States. While ℃ and ℉ exist as single characters, writing "°C" and "°F" with separate characters is equally correct and more widely supported.
Temperature conversion reference: 0°C = 32°F (freezing), 100°C = 212°F (boiling), 37°C = 98.6°F (body temperature), -40°C = -40°F (the point where both scales meet). Room temperature is typically 20-22°C (68-72°F).
Angle Degrees in Geometry
In geometry, degrees measure angles. A full circle is 360°. A right angle is 90°. A straight angle is 180°. An acute angle is less than 90°. An obtuse angle is between 90° and 180°. The degree symbol is essential in geometry homework, engineering drawings, and navigation (compass bearings are measured in degrees).
How to Type the Degree Symbol
On Windows: Press Alt+0176 (numeric keypad) for °. On Mac: Press Option+Shift+8 for °. On iPhone: Long-press the 0 key on the number keyboard to reveal °. On Android: Switch to the symbols keyboard and find ° in the special characters section. In HTML: Use ° or °. In Word: Insert → Symbol, or type 00B0 then Alt+X.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I type the degree symbol on iPhone?
On iPhone, go to the number keyboard (tap 123), then long-press the 0 (zero) key. A popup will appear with the ° degree symbol. Alternatively, you can copy ° from this page and paste it wherever you need it.
What is the difference between ° and ℃?
° (U+00B0) is the standalone degree sign, used alone or with a scale letter (°C, °F). ℃ (U+2103) is a single Unicode character that combines the degree sign and the letter C into one glyph. Both are correct for Celsius; ° + C is more commonly used in practice.
Related Symbol Collections
See also: Math Symbols for mathematical notation, Currency Symbols for financial notation, Copyright Symbols for legal marks, and Weather Symbols for ☀☁ weather icons.