How to Add a Degree Symbol to PowerPoint Slides

Can't find the degree sign? Here's how to get it

By
Wendy Russell
Wendy Russell
Writer
  • Brock University
Former Lifewire writer Wendy Russell is an experienced teacher specializing in live communications, graphics design, and PowerPoint software.
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Updated on February 19, 2021

What to Know

  • To insert from the ribbon, go to Insert > Symbols > Symbol > enter (normal text) in Font > in From, select ASCII (decimal).
  • Now scroll until you see the degree sign, select degree sign > Insert > Close.
  • To insert using the keyboard, press and hold Alt while entering from the keypad 0176 (Alt+0176).

This article explains two ways to add a degree symbol to PowerPoint slides. Instructions apply to PowerPoint 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and 2007.

Insert the Degree Symbol Using the PowerPoint Ribbon

Insert a degree symbol in PowerPoint screenshot
  1. Select the text box on the slide you want to put the degree symbol in.
  2. In the Insert tab, select Symbol. In some versions of PowerPoint, this option appears on the far right side of the menu.
  3. In the box that opens, make sure (normal text) is chosen in the "Font:" menu and that Superscripts and Subscripts is selected in the other menu.
  4. At the bottom of that window, next to "from" select, ASCII (decimal).
  5. Scroll until you find the degree sign.
  6. Choose the Insert button at the bottom.
  7. Click Close to exit the Symbol dialog box and return to the PowerPoint document.

PowerPoint probably won't offer any confirmation that you completed Step 6. After pressing Insert, if you want to make sure the degree sign really was inserted, just move the dialog box out of the way or close it to check.

Insert a Degree Symbol Using a Shortcut Key Combination

Shortcut keys are more efficient, especially in the case of inserting symbols like this one where you'd have to otherwise scroll through a list of dozens of other symbols to find the right one.

In fact, this method works no matter where you are, including in an email, web browser, etc.

Use a Standard Keyboard to Insert a Degree Symbol

  1. Select exactly where you want the degree sign to go.
  2. Use the degree symbol shortcut key to insert the sign: Alt+0176.
    In other words, hold down the Alt key and then use the keypad to type 0176. After typing the numbers, you can let go of the Alt key to see the degree symbol [ ° ] appear.
    If this step doesn't work, make sure the keypad on your keyboard does not have Num Lock activated (i.e. turn Num Lock off). If it's on, the keypad will not accept number inputs. You cannot insert the degree symbol using the top row of numbers.

Without a Number Keyboard

Every laptop keyboard includes an Fn (function) key. It's used to access additional features that are not normally available due to the lesser number of keys on a standard laptop keyboard.

If you don't have a keypad on your keyboard, but you do have function keys, try this:

  1. Hold down the Alt and Fn keys together.
  2. Locate the keys that correspond to the function keys (the ones that are the same color as the Fn keys).
  3. Like above, press the keys that show 0176 and then release the Alt and Fn keys to insert the degree symbol.
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