Degree symbol
Symbol: °
Meaning: degrees (measurement of angles or measurement of temperature)
If the symbol is not available, always type out degree or degrees, whichever is appropriate.
As used in measurement of angles, it is acceptable to use the degree symbol (if available) or to expand and use the word degrees. Be consistent throughout the document and use one or the other.
Check client/employer specifics as to preference.
The patient can flex the knee 30°.
OR
The patient can flex the knee 30 degrees.
The study was conducted over a 180° arc.
OR
The study was conducted over a 180 degree arc.
It is acceptable to use the degree symbol when typing measurements of temperature, if it is available. If follows immediately after the temperature number without a space and should be followed by the temperature scale abbreviation (F or C), also without a space.
The patient's temperature was 99.2°F.
The specimen was brought to a temperature of 30°C.
If a degree symbol is not available, type out the word "degrees," as well as the scale name. Do not abbreviate Celsius (C) or Fahrenheit (F) if the degree symbol is not available.
The patient's temperature was 99.2°F
OR
The patient's temperature was 99.2 degrees Fahrenheit
NOT
The patient's temperature was 992. degrees F.
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