Typing the Celsius symbol in Google Docs might seem like a small task, but when you're in the middle of a project, even these tiny details can trip you up. Whether you're drafting a science report or just jotting down notes, having the right symbols at your fingertips is handy. Let's walk through some effective ways to insert the Celsius symbol in your Google Docs, making your writing process a bit smoother.
Using the Special Characters Tool
Google Docs has a built-in tool that makes inserting symbols a breeze. It's called the Special Characters tool, and it's perfect for adding symbols like the Celsius sign. Here's how you can use it:
- Open your Google Docs document.
- Place your cursor where you want the Celsius symbol to appear.
- Click on Insert in the menu bar at the top.
- Select Special characters from the dropdown menu.
- A new window will pop up. In the search bar at the top right, type "Celsius".
- The Celsius symbol should appear. Click on it, and it will be inserted into your document where your cursor is.
And just like that, you've inserted the Celsius symbol! This method is straightforward, especially if you're not familiar with keyboard shortcuts or don't want to memorize another code.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Faster Typing
If you like to keep your hands on the keyboard, using a shortcut might be more your style. While Google Docs doesn't have a direct keyboard shortcut for the Celsius symbol, you can use a combination of shortcuts to get the job done.
Here's a quick trick that combines a degree symbol with the letter "C":
- Type Alt + 0176 to get the degree symbol. Note that this works on Windows computers with a numeric keypad.
- Immediately after, type the letter C to complete the Celsius symbol (°C).
For Mac users, the process is a bit different:
- Press Option + Shift + 8 to get the degree symbol.
- Type the letter C.
These shortcuts are great if you find yourself needing the Celsius symbol frequently. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to insert it without even thinking!

Using Google Docs Add-ons
If you want even more functionality, Google Docs offers a variety of add-ons that can help streamline your tasks. Some of these add-ons offer extended symbol libraries, including the Celsius symbol. Here's a simple way to find and use an add-on:
- Go to the Add-ons menu at the top of your Google Doc.
- Select Get add-ons from the dropdown menu.
- In the search bar, type "Symbols" or something similar to find relevant add-ons.
- Browse through the results and choose one that suits your needs. Click Install to add it to your Google Docs.
- Once installed, you can access it from the Add-ons menu and use it to insert the Celsius symbol as needed.
Add-ons are a fantastic way to customize your Google Docs experience, especially if you often need to insert various symbols. They can save you time and keep your workflow smooth.
Copy and Paste from the Web
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. If you're in a hurry, you can always copy the Celsius symbol from the web and paste it into your document. Here's how:
- Open a new browser tab and search for "Celsius symbol."
- Find a reliable source or use a character map online.
- Highlight the symbol, right-click, and select Copy.
- Go back to your Google Doc, place the cursor where you want the symbol, right-click, and select Paste.
This method is quick and doesn't require any setup. It's perfect for when you need a one-off insertion and don't want to mess with settings or memorizing shortcuts.
Spell: Your AI Document Editor
While Google Docs offers several ways to insert the Celsius symbol, sometimes you need a bit more help, especially when working on complex documents. That's where we come in with Spell. Spell is like Google Docs with AI built right in, helping you draft and edit documents in seconds. Imagine saving time by letting AI handle the heavy lifting, so you can focus on what really matters.
With Spell, you don't have to worry about memorizing shortcuts or searching for symbols. Just describe what you need, and let the AI do the rest. It's like having a personal assistant that gets things done faster and more efficiently.
Creating a Custom Shortcut
If you find yourself using the Celsius symbol often, creating a custom shortcut in Google Docs can be a real time-saver. While Google Docs doesn't allow direct creation of keyboard shortcuts for symbols, you can use Google's "Preferences" feature to make text replacements.
Here's how you can set it up:
- Click on Tools in the menu bar.
- Select Preferences.
- In the "Automatic substitution" section, type a unique text combination in the "Replace" field, like "degC".
- In the "With" field, type the Celsius symbol: °C.
- Click OK to save your changes.
Now, whenever you type "degC" in your document, Google Docs will automatically replace it with the Celsius symbol. This little trick can save you time and keep your workflow efficient, especially if you frequently write about temperature-related topics.
Using Unicode for the Celsius Symbol
Unicode is a universal character encoding standard that's supported by most modern software, including Google Docs. You can use a Unicode combination to insert the Celsius symbol, though it's a bit more technical.
Here's how you can do it:
- Type 2103 in your document.
- Immediately after, press Alt + X on Windows, or Command + X on Mac.
This will convert the number into the Celsius symbol. It's a neat trick if you're comfortable with using Unicode, and it can be a reliable method if you're working across different platforms that support Unicode.


Leveraging Spell for Document Efficiency
Writing documents is more than just typing symbols, it's about creating polished, professional work. Here's where Spell can change the game. Our AI-powered document editor not only helps you with symbols but also assists in drafting, editing, and refining your work.
With Spell, you can generate drafts in seconds, edit them using natural language prompts, and collaborate with your team in real time. It's like having Google Docs with AI built in, making your workflow faster and more efficient.
Imagine going from a blank page to a polished document in a fraction of the time it would usually take. That's the power of Spell, and it's a tool worth considering if you're looking to improve your document creation process.
Final Thoughts
Inserting the Celsius symbol in Google Docs doesn't have to be a daunting task. With a variety of methods at your disposal, from using special characters to creating custom shortcuts, you have the flexibility to choose what works best for you. And if you're looking for a way to streamline your entire writing process, Spell offers an AI-powered solution that can save you time and effort. Whether you're typing a quick note or drafting a detailed report, there's a solution out there to make your task easier.