Degree Symbol (°)

°

What is the Degree Symbol?

Symbol Information

  • Unicode: U+00B0
  • HTML Entity: °
  • ASCII Code: Alt + 0176
  • Unicode Name: DEGREE SIGN
  • Category: Symbol, Mathematical
  • Block: Latin-1 Supplement

Alternative Names

  • • Degrees sign
  • • Temperature symbol
  • • Angular degree
  • • Arc degree
  • • Degree of arc
  • • Phase degree

Historical Background

The degree symbol (°) originated from ancient astronomical notation, where a small circle was used to represent units of angular measurement. This notation dates back to ancient Babylonian mathematics and was later adopted by Greek astronomers. The symbol became standardized during the Renaissance period and has since been used universally in mathematics, science, and various technical fields.

Technical Specifications

The degree symbol is typically rendered as a small superscript circle. In typography, it should be set slightly above the baseline and is usually smaller than the accompanying numbers. When used with temperature scales, it should precede the scale letter (e.g., °C, °F) without a space between.

Modern Usage

Today, the degree symbol is an essential character in scientific notation, geographic coordinates, temperature measurements, and angular representations. It's supported by all major character encoding standards and is available across different computing platforms and devices.

How to Type a Degree Symbol

Quick Copy

°

Windows

  • Using Numpad:
    Hold Alt + type 0176
  • Alternative Method:
    Alt + 248
  • Using Alt Gr:
    Hold Alt Gr + Shift + 0
  • Character Map:
    Search for "degree" in Windows Character Map

Mac

  • Primary Method:
    Option (⌥) + Shift + 8
  • Alternative:
    Option (⌥) + K
  • Character Viewer:
    Edit → Emoji & Symbols → Search "degree"

Mobile Devices

  • iOS:
    Long press 0 (zero) key
  • Android:
    Long press 0 or access symbols keyboard (123)
  • Universal Method:
    Copy and paste from a website or document

Common Software

  • Microsoft Word:
    Insert → Symbol → More Symbols → Search "degree"
  • Google Docs:
    Insert → Special characters → Search "degree"
  • HTML:
    Use ° or °

Programming

  • Unicode:
    \u00B0 or \u2103 (for ℃)
  • ASCII:
    Alt + 248 (Windows)
  • HTML Entity:
    ° or °

Field Applications

Mathematics

In mathematics, the degree symbol is primarily used for:

  • • Angular measurement (360° in a circle)
  • • Trigonometric calculations
  • • Geometric proofs and constructions
  • • Polynomial degree notation

Common Examples:

  • Triangle angles: 60°, 60°, 60°
  • Right angle: 90°
  • Full rotation: 360°

Compass Navigation

In navigation, degrees are essential for:

  • • Bearing measurements
  • • Course plotting
  • • Wind direction
  • • Maritime navigation

Cardinal Points:

  • North: 0° or 360°
  • East: 90°
  • South: 180°
  • West: 270°

Geography

In geography, degrees are used for:

  • • Latitude coordinates
  • • Longitude coordinates
  • • Map projections
  • • Global positioning

Coordinate Examples:

  • Equator: 0°
  • North Pole: 90°N
  • Prime Meridian: 0°
  • Date Line: 180°

Common Uses of the Degree Symbol

Temperature

  • • Celsius: 25°C
  • • Fahrenheit: 77°F
  • • Kelvin: No degree symbol needed (298 K)

Angles & Geometry

  • • Right angle: 90°
  • • Full circle: 360°
  • • Triangle angles: 60°

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't the degree symbol on my keyboard?

The degree symbol is considered a special character and isn't typically included on standard keyboard layouts. However, you can easily type it using keyboard shortcuts or by copying and pasting it.

Is the degree symbol the same for Celsius and Fahrenheit?

Yes, the same degree symbol (°) is used for both Celsius and Fahrenheit temperatures. The only difference is the letter that follows it (C or F).

Can I use the degree symbol in HTML?

Yes, you can use the degree symbol in HTML either directly as ° or by using the HTML entity °