FEBRUARY 12, 2025
Have you ever found yourself needing to insert a degree symbol in Excel spreadsheets but weren’t sure how?
Whether you’re dealing with temperature data or angles, knowing how to add this simple symbol can save you time and frustration.
The good news is there are various methods to insert the degree symbol in Excel, catering to different keyboard layouts and user preferences.
From keyboard shortcuts to Excel’s built-in features, you can choose the method that fits your workflow.
In this post, we’ll cover simple steps and practical tips for adding the degree symbol to your Excel sheet, whether you’re a spreadsheet expert or just starting out.
By mastering these techniques, you’ll enhance your Excel experience and streamline your spreadsheet tasks, making data manipulation and presentation more efficient.
Let’s dive into the easy ways to insert the degree symbol in Microsoft Excel!
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Below we have 7 ways that you can use to insert the degree symbol in Excel.
One of the quickest methods is using a keyboard shortcut.
If you have a numeric keypad, press Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad.
Make sure Num Lock is enabled.
Once you release the Alt key, the degree symbol (°) will appear in the selected cell.
Navigate to the Insert Tab on the ribbon, then click on Symbol.
In the Insert Symbol Dialog Box, choose Latin-1 Supplement from the subset dropdown.
Find and select the degree symbol, then click Insert.
This method is great if you’re also working with other special characters in your Excel sheet.
You may also want to see How to remove the first or last character in Excel.
Excel formulas can help too! Use the CHAR function to insert the degree symbol.
Type =CHAR(176) in the formula bar and press Enter.
This will display the degree symbol in the selected cell.
To add the degree symbol to numerical data without altering the value, use a Custom Number Format.
Select the range of cells, right-click, and choose Format Cells.
Under the Number Tab, select Custom and type 0° or 0\°C for Celsius.
This method is perfect for temperature data.
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Set up an AutoCorrect option to automatically replace a specific text (like “deg”) with the degree symbol.
Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options and add your custom replacement.
This is ideal for frequent users.
For spreadsheet power users, VBA scripts can automate the insertion of the degree symbol.
Open the VBA editor by pressing Alt + F11, insert a module, and use a simple code like ActiveCell.Value = Chr(176).
Press Ctrl + S to save and run the script.
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If you’re using Sourcetable’s AI Copilot, natural language prompts can simplify adding symbols.
Just type a command like “Insert degree symbol in column B,” and let the AI handle it.
This is perfect for the whole team, reducing hours of data cleanup and complex formulas.
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Inserting the degree symbol in Excel doesn’t have to be complicated.
Whether you prefer keyboard shortcuts, Excel formulas, or VBA scripts, there are plenty of easy ways to add this special character to your spreadsheets.
By mastering these different methods, you’ll boost your productivity and become a more powerful spreadsheet user.
From simple steps like using the Insert Symbol Dialog Box to advanced automation with VBA code, you can handle any data analysis or presentation task with ease.
Remember, the important thing is finding the method that fits your workflow—whether you’re preparing PowerPoint presentations, managing work emails, or organizing complex numerical data.
With these practical tips, you’ll turn into a spreadsheet expert, making your Excel experience smoother and more efficient for your whole team.
Now, you’re ready to tackle any spreadsheet tasks with confidence!
You may also want to see: How to apply the same formula to multiple cells in Excel.
Important: This post is for informational and educational purposes only. This post should not be taken as therapy advice, financial advice or used as a substitute for such. You should always speak to your own therapist or financial advisor before implementing this information on your own. Thank you!