The degree shortcut in Excel is Alt + 0176: hold Alt, key in 0176 using the numeric keypad, then let go of Alt and ° appears in the cell. It works for headings such as Temperature (°C) and labels in charts.
For numbers you want to calculate with, avoid typing the sign in every cell. Instead, apply a custom number format through Ctrl + 1 so 37 displays as 37°C while staying a number. Both methods are shown below.
Quick facts
Type the sign
Alt + 0176Formula
=CHAR(176)Join to a value
=A2&CHAR(176)Number format
Ctrl + 1, CustomLaptop
Win + ., SymbolsMac
Option + Shift + 8
Degree shortcut in Excel: the options
| Method | How | Value stays a number? |
|---|---|---|
| Type in the cell | Alt + 0176 | No, becomes text |
| CHAR formula | =A2&CHAR(176) | No, result is text |
| Custom number format | Ctrl + 1, Custom, 0"°C" | Yes |
| Symbol panel | Win + ., Symbols | No, text |
Add °C to numbers with a custom format
- Select the cells with temperatures.
- Press Ctrl + 1; in Format Cells, pick the Custom category.
- In the Type box, enter 0"°C" (type the degree sign with Alt + 0176), or 0.0"°C" for one decimal.
- Press Enter. Cells show 37°C, but averages and charts still work.
Use 0° for angles without a unit, or 0"°F" for Fahrenheit. The format can be copied to other cells with the format painter. Below zero readings display correctly too, because the minus sign comes from the number itself. If a lab sheet mixes Celsius and Fahrenheit, keep them in separate columns with their own formats, so a reader never has to guess which scale a value uses and conversions with a formula stay simple.
Degree symbol in Excel shortcut on laptops
Alt codes need the number pad. On laptops without one, use the symbol panel (Win + .), copy the sign from another cell, or use =CHAR(176) in a helper cell and copy its value. Once the sign is in one cell, the custom number format method needs it only once, when you type the format. The degree symbol keyboard shortcut page lists methods for Word and other programs.
Diameter, rupee and other signs in Excel
The same approaches work for other signs: Alt + 0216 for the diameter style Ø, and a custom format for currency. For the rupee symbol, choose it under Currency in Format Cells rather than typing it, so totals stay correct. See rupee symbol shortcut and diameter symbol shortcut.
When the degree sign does not work
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Alt + 0176 types nothing | Use the number pad with Num Lock on |
| SUM gives 0 on temperatures | The cells contain typed ° signs and are text; use a custom format |
| Custom format shows ### | The column is too narrow; AutoFit it |
| Mac shortcut types a different sign | Use Option + Shift + 8 for ° |
Frequently asked questions
What is the degree shortcut in Excel?
How do I add °C to numbers in Excel?
Use a custom number format such as 0"°C".
What formula gives a degree sign?
=CHAR(176).
Why does SUM not work on my temperatures?
The typed degree signs made them text. Use a number format instead.
Is there a laptop method without a number pad?
Open the emoji panel with Win + . and pick ° under Symbols.