How to Make Degree Symbol on Computer
The degree symbol, ∘, is a fundamental symbol used in mathematics and science to represent the measure of an angle. In the past, the degree symbol was not just a simple "°" or "°", but a complex character that was difficult to type on early computers.
The Original Degree Symbol
The original degree symbol was invented by Pierre de Fermat in the 17th century. It was later modified to ∘ by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and John Hopkins, the founders of the American United States. The degree symbol was a simple character that was printed on early printers’ roman type fonts.
The Unicode Standard
In the 1980s, the Unicode Standard was adopted, which provided a standardized way of representing the degree symbol on computers. The Unicode Standard defined the degree symbol as U+00B5, which is a Latin letter with a right hook. This definition allowed computers to display the degree symbol correctly.
Typesetting Degree Symbols
To make degree symbols appear on the screen, computer users need to know how to type them correctly. The degree symbol is typically followed by a colon and a space, and then a typographical convention such as the ∘ (oval) or ∘ (dotted) symbol.
- Left degree symbol: ∘
- Right degree symbol: ∘
- Symmetric degree symbol: √∘
- Notation symbol: ²∘
Alt Codes
Computer users can also use Alt codes to type the degree symbol. For example, to type the right degree symbol, they can use the following Alt code:
- Windows: 00B5
- Mac: Option + 5
Hotkeys and Keyboard Shortcuts
To make it easier to type degree symbols on the go, many operating systems and software packages offer hotkeys and keyboard shortcuts. For example, in Windows, the degree symbol can be typed with the following hotkey:
- Ctrl + 256: ∘
- Ctrl + 257: ∘
In macOS, the degree symbol can be typed with the following hotkey:
- Command + Shift + 5: √∘
- Command + Shift + 6: ²∘
Comparison of Degree Symbols
Here is a comparison of the degree symbols in different characters:
| Character | Unicode | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ∘ (degree symbol) | U+00B5 | Right hook |
| ∘ (oval degree symbol) | U+22A0 | Oval shape |
| ∟ (acute degree symbol) | U+2660 | 15° shape |
| ⊘ (inverse acute degree symbol) | U+2680 | 180° shape |
Conclusion
The degree symbol is a fundamental character that is used in mathematics and science to represent the measure of an angle. By understanding how to type the degree symbol correctly, computer users can ensure that it appears on the screen. Alt codes, hotkeys, and keyboard shortcuts can also make it easier to type degree symbols on the go. Whether you are a math student, scientist, or just someone who wants to impress their friends, knowing how to type the degree symbol can be a useful skill.