Copy the sqrt symbol (√), find Alt codes, Unicode, HTML codes, shortcuts, meaning, and usage examples in one complete easy guide.
The sqrt symbol (√), also known as the square root symbol or radical sign, is a mathematical symbol used to represent the square root of a number. Whether you need to copy and paste the sqrt symbol, find its Alt code, insert it into Microsoft Word, Google Docs, HTML, CSS, LaTeX, or understand its meaning and applications, this guide covers everything in one place.
The most common sqrt symbol is:
√
Simply copy and paste it wherever needed.
Square Root Symbol Copy and Paste
Standard Square Root Symbol (√)
Copy and paste the standard sqrt symbol below:
√
Square Root Text Variations
Here are related root symbols commonly used in mathematics:
| Symbol | Name |
| √ | Square Root |
| ∛ | Cube Root |
| ∜ | Fourth Root |
| √x | Square Root Expression |
| ⁿ√x | Nth Root |
Copy Square Root Symbol for Mobile and Desktop
The copied symbol works on:
- Windows
- Mac
- Linux
- Android
- iPhone and iPad
- Microsoft Word
- Google Docs
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Websites and social media platforms
What Is the Sqrt Symbol (√)?
Definition and Meaning
The sqrt symbol represents the mathematical operation of finding a number that, when multiplied by itself, equals a given value.
Example:
√25 = 5
because:
5 × 5 = 25
In mathematics, √ represents the principal square root, meaning the positive square root of a number.
History of the Radical Sign
The square root symbol traces its origins to the Latin word radix, meaning “root.” During the 16th century, mathematicians began using a stylized form of the letter “r” to represent roots. Over time, this notation evolved into the modern radical sign (√) used worldwide today.
Alternative Names of the Square Root Symbol
The sqrt symbol may also be called:
- Radical Sign
- Root Symbol
- Square Root Sign
- Radical Operator
- Principal Root Symbol
Square Root Symbol Codes and Shortcuts
The following codes help you insert the sqrt symbol across different platforms.

| Method | Code |
| Unicode | U+221A |
| HTML Entity | √ |
| HTML Number | √ |
| CSS Code | \221A |
| Alt Code | Alt + 251 |
Unicode
The Unicode value for the sqrt symbol is:
U+221A
HTML Code
Use either of the following:
√
or
√
Both display:
√
CSS Code
Use:
\221A
inside CSS content properties.
Alt Code for Windows
To type the sqrt symbol:
- Hold the Alt key.
- Type 251 on the numeric keypad.
- Release the Alt key.
Result:
√
Mac Keyboard Shortcut
Mac users can insert the symbol through:
- Control + Command + Space
- Search “Square Root”
- Select and insert the symbol
Linux Shortcut
Many Linux distributions support Unicode entry:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + U
- Type 221A
- Press Enter
How to Type the Sqrt Symbol on Any Device
Windows
Methods include:
- Alt + 251
- Character Map
- Copy and paste
Mac
Use:
- Character Viewer
- Unicode tools
- Copy and paste
Android
Most Android keyboards do not include the symbol by default.
The easiest solution is:
- Copy and paste √
- Install a mathematics keyboard app
iPhone and iPad
On iOS devices:
- Copy and paste √
- Use text replacement shortcuts
Microsoft Word
Insert the symbol by:
- Going to Insert → Symbol
- Choosing More Symbols
- Selecting √
You can also type:
221A + Alt + X
Google Docs
- Click Insert
- Select Special Characters
- Search “square root”
- Insert the symbol
Excel
You can use:
- Symbol menu
- Character Map
- Copy and paste
PowerPoint
PowerPoint supports:
- Symbol insertion
- Unicode entry
- Copy and paste
Common Uses of the Square Root Symbol in Mathematics

Basic Square Root Calculations
Square roots help solve equations involving squares.
Example:
√64 = 8
Pythagorean Theorem
The theorem uses square roots to calculate the length of a triangle’s side:
a² + b² = c²
Quadratic Formula
The sqrt symbol appears in:
x = (-b ± √(b² − 4ac)) / 2a
Geometry Problems
Square roots are commonly used to calculate:
- Distances
- Diagonals
- Side lengths
- Area-related measurements
Statistics and Standard Deviation
The formula for standard deviation includes square roots to measure data spread and variability. More than symbol.
Physics and Engineering
Applications include:
- Motion equations
- Electrical engineering
- Signal processing
- Structural analysis
- Scientific calculations
Properties and Rules of Square Roots
Product Rule
√(ab) = √a × √b
Quotient Rule
√(a/b) = √a ÷ √b
Simplifying Radicals
Example:
√50
= √25 × √2
= 5√2
Rationalizing Denominators
Radicals in denominators are often removed by multiplying by an appropriate radical expression.
Perfect Squares
| Number | Square Root |
| 4 | 2 |
| 9 | 3 |
| 16 | 4 |
| 25 | 5 |
| 36 | 6 |
| 49 | 7 |
| 64 | 8 |
| 81 | 9 |
| 100 | 10 |
Sqrt Symbol in LaTeX, Markdown and Programming
LaTeX Sqrt Symbol
In LaTeX, use:
\sqrt{x}
Example output:
√x
For cube roots:
\sqrt[3]{x}
Markdown Usage
Most Markdown editors support Unicode symbols directly.
Example:
√25 = 5
You can also use LaTeX syntax in platforms that support MathJax.
Python Sqrt Function
Python uses:
math.sqrt()
Example:
math.sqrt(25)
Output:
5
JavaScript Sqrt Function
JavaScript uses:
Math.sqrt()
Example:
Math.sqrt(25)
Output:
5
Different Types of Root Symbols
Square Root (√)
Represents the second root of a number.
Cube Root (∛)
Represents the third root.
Example:
∛27 = 3
Fourth Root (∜)
Represents the fourth root.
Example:
∜16 = 2
Nth Root Notation
General form:
ⁿ√x
where n represents the root index.
Related Mathematical Symbols
Plus Minus (±)
Represents two possible values.
Infinity (∞)
Represents an unlimited quantity.
Approximately Equal (≈)
Indicates near equality.
Not Equal (≠)
Shows two values are different.
Summation (∑)
Represents the sum of a sequence.
Integral (∫)
Used in calculus for integration.
Pi (π)
Represents the mathematical constant approximately equal to 3.14159.
Conclusion
The sqrt symbol (√) is one of the most important symbols in mathematics and technical fields. It is widely used in algebra, geometry, statistics, physics, engineering, programming, and scientific research. Whether you need to copy and paste the symbol, use its Alt code, insert it into documents, or understand its mathematical meaning, this guide provides a complete reference. Bookmark this page for quick access to the sqrt symbol, Unicode values, keyboard shortcuts, and related mathematical symbols whenever you need them.
FAQs
What does √ mean?
It represents the square root of a number.
How do I type √ on a keyboard?
Use Alt + 251 on Windows or copy and paste the symbol.
What is the Alt code for √?
The Alt code is Alt + 251.
Is √ the same as a radical symbol?
Yes, the square root symbol is a type of radical sign.
How do I insert √ in Word?
Use Insert → Symbol or type 221A followed by Alt + X.
Quick Reference Table for Square Root Symbol
Copy and Paste
| Symbol |
| √ |
Unicode
| Code |
| U+221A |
HTML Entity
| HTML |
| √ |
Alt Code
| Shortcut |
| Alt + 251 |
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Platform | Shortcut |
| Windows | Alt + 251 |
| Mac | Control + Command + Space |
| Linux | Ctrl + Shift + U → 221A |
| Android | Copy and Paste |
| iPhone | Copy and Paste |

I’m the creator of SquareRootSymbolz.com, where I publish easy-to-understand guides on symbols, Unicode characters, Alt codes, keyboard shortcuts, and copy-and-paste text symbols. My goal is to provide accurate, well-researched, and user-friendly content that helps readers quickly find the information they need.
