where is the degree symbol on a laptop keyboard

New Era

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12-10-2024

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Finding the Degree Symbol on Your Laptop Keyboard: A Guide

Have you ever needed to type a degree symbol (°), perhaps for a temperature reading or a scientific formula, but couldn't find it on your laptop keyboard? You're not alone! This seemingly simple symbol can be a bit elusive, but don't worry – it's actually quite straightforward to locate.

The Key to Success: The Alt Key

The degree symbol is usually not a dedicated key on your keyboard. Instead, it's accessed using a combination of the Alt key and a specific number. Here's how to do it:

1. Press and hold the Alt key.
2. Type the number 0176 on the numeric keypad.
3. Release the Alt key.

Important Note: Make sure Num Lock is enabled on your keyboard. This is usually indicated by a light on the Num Lock key itself. If you're using a laptop with a combined number and function key row, you might need to use the Fn key in combination with the number keys to access the numeric keypad.

Why the Alt Key?

This method of typing special characters using the Alt key is called an Alt code. It's a common method for accessing characters that don't have a dedicated key on a standard keyboard.

Example:

Let's say you want to write "25°C" for a temperature reading. Follow these steps:

1. Type "25"
2. Hold down the Alt key.
3. Type 0176 on the numeric keypad.
4. Release the Alt key.
5. Type "C"

The final result should be "25°C".

Troubleshooting Tips:

• If your keyboard doesn't have a numeric keypad: You might need to use a virtual keyboard on your computer. Search for "on-screen keyboard" in your computer's search bar to find it.
• If the Alt code doesn't work: Make sure you are using the correct Alt key (usually the left one). Also, verify that Num Lock is enabled and that you are typing the correct code.

Bonus Tip:

You can find a list of Alt codes for various symbols and characters online. This can be a valuable resource for learning to type other special characters that might not have dedicated keys.

Conclusion

While finding the degree symbol on your laptop keyboard might initially seem tricky, using the Alt code method is a simple and reliable solution. Remember to practice and experiment with different Alt codes to expand your typing skills and access a wider range of characters.