How to Insert a Degree Symbol in Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Inserting a degree symbol in Google Docs is quite simple. Just access the special characters menu by clicking on “Insert,” then “Special characters,” and type “degree” into the search bar. A list of degree symbols will appear, and you can select the one you need. You can also use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + Shift + U,” type “00B0,” and then press “Enter.”

After inserting the degree symbol into your Google Docs, it will appear correctly formatted, and you can adjust its size or font style just like any other text character.

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of writing a document in Google Docs and wondering how to add a degree symbol? Whether you’re penning a piece about weather, cooking, mathematics, or even degrees of separation, that little circle atop a number can mean a lot. Yet, despite its frequency in various fields, adding the degree symbol isn’t as straightforward as typing a letter or number.

This topic is particularly important for students, educators, and professionals who often need to include temperature units, angles, or denote a level of academic achievement in their documents. It’s relevant to anyone who wants to present information accurately and professionally. In today’s digital age, knowing how to format documents correctly is crucial. So, let’s dive into how to get that tiny, yet mighty, degree symbol into your Google Docs, without breaking a sweat.

Step by Step Tutorial: Inserting a Degree Symbol in Google Docs

Before we go through the steps, know that by the end, you’ll be able to insert the degree symbol seamlessly into your text, making your documents look polished and precise.

Step 1: Open the “Insert” menu

First thing’s first, head to the menu bar at the top of your Google Docs and click on “Insert.”

When you click “Insert,” a drop-down menu will appear that contains a variety of options to enhance your document. For our purpose, we’re looking for “Special characters.”

Step 2: Click on “Special characters”

Once you’re in the “Insert” menu, find and click on “Special characters.”

This will open a new window where you can search for and select from a range of symbols and characters not found on the standard keyboard.

Step 3: Search for “degree”

In the special characters window, there’s a search bar. Click on it and type “degree.”

Typing “degree” will filter out other characters and show you only the symbols related to degrees. You can now easily find the symbol you need.

Step 4: Select the degree symbol

From the search results, click on the degree symbol that you want to insert into your document.

As you click on the degree symbol, it will instantly be inserted into your document where your cursor is placed. You can then move it or style it as needed.

Pros

Benefit	Explanation
Accuracy	Including the correct degree symbol ensures that the information you’re conveying is precise and understood.
Professionalism	Using the correct symbols in your documents reflects a level of professionalism and attention to detail.
Versatility	Once you know how to insert a degree symbol, you can apply this knowledge to a variety of fields and document types.

Accuracy is crucial when dealing with data and measurements. By adding a degree symbol where necessary, you ensure that your readers will not misinterpret the information. For example, a temperature reading of 30° is very different from 30 without the symbol.

Professionalism is key in any written document. A document with the proper use of symbols, like the degree sign, is more likely to be taken seriously and considered credible.

Versatility is a great benefit, as this knowledge isn’t limited to just Google Docs. Learning to insert special characters can be applied to other word processors and digital writing spaces.

Cons

Drawback	Explanation
Extra Steps	To insert a degree symbol, you must go through a few extra clicks, which may slow down your typing flow.
Memorization	Remembering the keyboard shortcut or steps to access special characters may take some time.
Limited Shortcuts	Unlike common symbols, the degree symbol doesn’t have a direct keyboard shortcut, which may limit quick access.

Extra steps can be a bit of an inconvenience, especially if you’re in the flow of writing. However, with practice, this process can become second nature.

Memorization of the steps or keyboard shortcut can be a little tricky at first. But once you’ve got it down, it’ll be as easy as reciting your ABCs.

Limited shortcuts mean that you’re unlikely to stumble upon the degree symbol by accident. You’ll need to deliberately seek it out, which is a slight hindrance compared to more commonly used symbols.

Additional Information

While the steps above will get you that degree symbol in no time, there’s always more to learn! For instance, did you know that you can use the Google Docs mobile app to insert a degree symbol too? It’s a similar process, but with the convenience of your smartphone or tablet.

Another tip is to use the “Star” feature in the special characters window. If you find yourself using the degree symbol often, you can “star” it for easy access in future documents. This way, you won’t need to search for it every time.

Also, consider using keyboard shortcuts for efficiency. For Windows users, “Alt + 0176” will insert a degree symbol. Mac users can use “Option + Shift + 8.” These shortcuts can save you time and keep your workflow smooth.

Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you use these steps, the faster and easier inserting a degree symbol will become. And before you know it, it’ll be a piece of cake, or should we say, a piece of pie (360 degrees, anyone?).

Summary

1. Open the “Insert” menu.
2. Click on “Special characters.”
3. Search for “degree.”
4. Select the degree symbol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a keyboard shortcut to insert a degree symbol in Google Docs?

Yes, you can use “Ctrl + Shift + U,” type “00B0,” and press “Enter” as a shortcut for inserting a degree symbol in Google Docs.

Is there a way to make inserting a degree symbol quicker if I use it often?

Yes, you can star the degree symbol in the special characters menu for quicker access in the future.

Can I insert a degree symbol on Google Docs mobile app?

Absolutely, the process is similar to the desktop version, and you can insert it through the special characters option on the app.

Do the steps change if I’m using a Mac?

The steps remain the same for inserting a degree symbol in Google Docs, but the keyboard shortcut is different. Mac users can press “Option + Shift + 8.”

If I copy text with a degree symbol from another source, will it paste correctly into Google Docs?

Typically, yes. The degree symbol should paste correctly into Google Docs if you copy it from a different source.

Conclusion

Mastering the insertion of a degree symbol in Google Docs can seem like a minor detail, but it’s these little things that sharpen your professional edge and communicate precision in your documents. Whether you’re a student drafting a lab report, a chef noting down recipes, or a meteorologist preparing a forecast, this symbol is indispensable.

Remember that the digital tools at our disposal are meant to make our lives easier, so don’t shy away from using them to their full potential. Dive into those menus, experiment with shortcuts, and before you know it, you’ll be inserting not just the degree symbol, but an array of special characters, with the swiftness and confidence of a pro.

So go ahead, give it a try. Your Google Docs will thank you, degree by degree.