How to Enter Degree Symbol in PowerPoint: Easy Guide

The degree symbol (°) is commonly used in various contexts such as temperature, angles, and geographic coordinates. If you’re preparing a presentation in PowerPoint and need to insert the degree symbol, there are several simple methods you can use. Whether you’re working on Windows or Mac, this guide provides a comprehensive look at all the ways you can quickly and easily insert the degree symbol into your PowerPoint slides.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts to Insert the Degree Symbol in PowerPoint

One of the fastest ways to insert the degree symbol in PowerPoint is by using a keyboard shortcut. Both Windows and Mac users can rely on these shortcuts.

For Windows Users

On Windows, inserting the degree symbol is very straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Place your cursor where you want the degree symbol to appear in PowerPoint.
2. Press the following keys:

• Alt + 0176: While holding the Alt key, type 0176 on the numeric keypad.

For Mac Users

On a Mac, the keyboard shortcut is equally easy to use:

1. Position your cursor at the spot in your PowerPoint slide where you want the symbol.
2. Press:

• Option + Shift + 8: Hold down the Option and Shift keys, then press the number 8 key.

Using these shortcuts will quickly insert the degree symbol (°) into your presentation.

Inserting the Degree Symbol Using the Symbol Menu

If you’re not comfortable with keyboard shortcuts or if you’re looking for an alternative method, you can insert the degree symbol through PowerPoint’s Symbol Menu.

Steps to Insert the Degree Symbol in PowerPoint (Windows)

1. Open your PowerPoint presentation and navigate to the slide where you need the degree symbol.
2. Click on the Insert tab at the top of the screen.
3. In the toolbar, select Symbol from the Symbols group.
4. A dialog box will appear. From the Font dropdown menu, choose a standard font such as Arial or Calibri.
5. Scroll through the list of symbols until you find the degree symbol (°).
6. Click on the degree symbol and press Insert.
7. Close the dialog box.

The degree symbol will appear at the cursor location.

Steps to Insert the Degree Symbol in PowerPoint (Mac)

1. Open your presentation in PowerPoint on your Mac device.
2. Navigate to the Insert tab on the top toolbar.
3. Select Symbol from the dropdown menu.
4. In the Symbol window, look for the degree symbol or use the search bar to find it quickly.
5. Once you’ve located it, click Insert.

This method is particularly useful when working with a mouse or touchpad, as it doesn’t require memorizing shortcuts.

Using the Character Map in Windows

If you’re a Windows user, another way to insert the degree symbol into PowerPoint is by using the Character Map. The Character Map offers access to a wide variety of special characters and symbols.

Steps to Use the Character Map

1. Open the Start menu and search for Character Map.
2. Click to open the Character Map application.
3. In the Font dropdown menu, choose Arial, Calibri, or another commonly used font.
4. Scroll through the available characters until you find the degree symbol (°).
5. Select the symbol and click Copy.
6. Return to your PowerPoint slide, position the cursor, and paste the degree symbol (Ctrl + V).

This method works well if you’re looking for a comprehensive set of symbols beyond just the degree sign.

Using the Emoji and Symbols Menu on Mac

For Mac users, the Emoji & Symbols menu provides another easy way to insert the degree symbol into your PowerPoint slides.

Steps to Insert the Degree Symbol Using Emoji & Symbols Menu

1. In your PowerPoint slide, place the cursor where you need the degree symbol.
2. Press Control + Command + Space to open the Emoji & Symbols menu.
3. In the search bar, type “degree” to quickly locate the degree symbol (°).
4. Click on the degree symbol, and it will automatically be inserted at the cursor location.

Copying and Pasting the Degree Symbol

One of the simplest methods is to copy the degree symbol from another source and paste it into your PowerPoint slide. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Find a degree symbol on the internet or from another document.
2. Highlight the degree symbol and press Ctrl + C (or Command + C on a Mac) to copy it.
3. Open PowerPoint and place your cursor where you need the degree symbol.
4. Press Ctrl + V (or Command + V) to paste the symbol.

Inserting the Degree Symbol with AutoCorrect

A highly efficient method to quickly insert the degree symbol in PowerPoint is to set up an AutoCorrect entry. This allows PowerPoint to automatically replace a short string of characters with the degree symbol.

Steps to Set Up AutoCorrect in PowerPoint

1. Open PowerPoint and navigate to the File menu.
2. Select Options to open the PowerPoint Options window.
3. Go to Proofing and click on AutoCorrect Options.
4. In the AutoCorrect tab, enter a string of text you rarely use, like “deg“, in the “Replace” field.
5. In the “With” field, enter the degree symbol (you can copy it from another source and paste it here).
6. Click Add, then OK.

Now, whenever you type “deg“, PowerPoint will automatically replace it with the degree symbol.

Using ASCII and Unicode Codes to Insert Degree Symbol in PowerPoint

For advanced users, another method to insert the degree symbol in PowerPoint is by using ASCII or Unicode codes.

ASCII Code for Degree Symbol

For Windows users, the ASCII code for the degree symbol is 0176. As mentioned earlier, simply hold the Alt key and type 0176 using the numeric keypad.

Unicode Code for Degree Symbol

For Mac users, the Unicode code can also be used to insert the degree symbol. Here are the steps:

1. Position the cursor in PowerPoint.
2. Type 00B0 and then press Alt + X.

This will convert the code into the degree symbol.

Using Superscript Formatting to Enter Degree Symbol

In some cases, you may not have direct access to the degree symbol but need to display a superscript to resemble it. You can use the superscript formatting in PowerPoint to simulate the look of the degree symbol.

Steps to Format a Superscript in PowerPoint

1. Type the letter or number that should appear as a degree symbol, such as the letter “o”.
2. Highlight the letter or number.
3. Navigate to the Home tab and find the Font group.
4. Click on the Superscript button, which looks like an “x²”.

This will raise the letter to resemble the degree symbol.

Table of Methods to Insert the Degree Symbol in PowerPoint

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to easily insert the degree symbol in PowerPoint is essential, especially when you’re working on presentations that involve temperature or angles. With methods ranging from keyboard shortcuts to using the Symbol Menu or AutoCorrect, you have plenty of options to ensure you never struggle to add the degree symbol to your slides again. Choose the method that best fits your workflow, whether you’re on Windows or Mac.

FAQs

How do I insert the degree symbol in PowerPoint on Windows?

To insert the degree symbol in PowerPoint on Windows, you can use the keyboard shortcut Alt + 0176 or go to Insert > Symbol and select the degree symbol from the list.

What is the keyboard shortcut for inserting the degree symbol on a Mac?

On a Mac, you can use the keyboard shortcut Option + Shift + 8 to insert the degree symbol in PowerPoint.

Can I use AutoCorrect to insert the degree symbol in PowerPoint?

Yes, you can set up AutoCorrect in PowerPoint to replace a string like ‘deg’ with the degree symbol. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options to set it up.

How do I insert the degree symbol using the Character Map on Windows?

You can open the Character Map from the Start menu, select a font, find the degree symbol, and copy it to paste into your PowerPoint slide.

Can I insert the degree symbol using the Emoji & Symbols menu on Mac?

Yes, you can press Control + Command + Space to open the Emoji & Symbols menu on a Mac, and then search for and insert the degree symbol.

What is the Unicode code for the degree symbol?

The Unicode code for the degree symbol is 00B0. You can type 00B0 and then press Alt + X on Windows to convert it into the degree symbol.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Trish Dixon

Trish Dixon is the founder of PPTBliss and a PowerPoint expert with over a decade of experience in presentation design. Passionate about visual storytelling, Trish shares her expertise through easy-to-follow tutorials on slide design, animations, transitions, and best practices, helping professionals create impactful presentations across industries.

Latest posts by Trish Dixon (see all)

• How To View Two Slides Side by Side in PowerPoint? – December 17, 2024
• How to Apply Gradient to Shapes in PowerPoint: Expert Tips! – December 12, 2024
• How to Group Shapes in PowerPoint: A Step-by-Step Guide – December 9, 2024