How to Type the Square Root Symbol on Any Keyboard

Learn how to type the square root symbol on keyboard using Windows, Mac, Chromebook, Alt codes, Unicode, and copy paste methods fast.

The square root symbol (√) is one of the most commonly used mathematical symbols in school, engineering, science, finance, and everyday calculations. Whether you’re using a Windows PC, Mac, Chromebook, smartphone, or applications like Microsoft Word and Google Docs, there are several easy ways to type or insert this symbol.

This guide explains every reliable method, including keyboard shortcuts, copy and paste, Alt codes, Unicode, HTML codes, and troubleshooting tips.

What Is the Square Root Symbol?

The square root symbol (√), also called the radical sign, represents the mathematical operation of finding a number that, when multiplied by itself, equals another number.

For example:

• √9 = 3
• √16 = 4
• √64 = 8

Quick Answer

If you simply need the symbol, copy it here:

√

Common Uses

• Mathematics
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Engineering
• Scientific calculations
• Microsoft Office documents
• Coding and web development

Quick Ways to Type the Square Root Symbol

Device	Method
Windows	Alt Code, Character Map, Word Equation
Mac	Keyboard Shortcut, Character Viewer
Chromebook	Emoji & Symbols or Copy & Paste
Android	Symbols keyboard or Copy & Paste
iPhone/iPad	Symbols keyboard or Copy & Paste
Any Device	Copy and Paste (√)

If you’re in a hurry, the fastest option is to copy and paste the square root symbol: √.

How to Type the Square Root Symbol on Windows

Alt Code Method

If your keyboard has a numeric keypad:

1. Turn on Num Lock.
2. Hold the Alt key.
3. Type 251 on the numeric keypad.
4. Release the Alt key.

Result:

√

Character Map

1. Search for Character Map in Windows.
2. Open the application.
3. Search for the square root symbol.
4. Select it.
5. Click Copy.
6. Paste it wherever you need.

Touch Keyboard

Windows includes a touch keyboard with many symbols.

1. Open the touch keyboard.
2. Tap the symbols section.
3. Locate the √ symbol.

Emoji Panel

Press:

Windows + . (period)

Browse the symbols section and insert √ if available in your Windows version.

Microsoft Word Shortcut

In Microsoft Word:

• Type 221A
• Press Alt + X

Word converts 221A into:

√

You can also use the Equation Editor by typing \sqrt inside an equation.

How to Type the Square Root Symbol on Mac

Keyboard Shortcut

Many Mac keyboards don’t have a direct shortcut for √, so the easiest option is the Character Viewer.

Emoji & Symbols

1. Press Control + Command + Space.
2. Open the Symbols Viewer.
3. Search for Square Root.
4. Double-click the symbol.

Character Viewer

The Character Viewer contains thousands of Unicode symbols, including √.

Microsoft Word for Mac

In Word:

• Open Insert > Advanced Symbol
• Search for Square Root
• Click Insert

How to Insert the Square Root Symbol in Popular Apps

Microsoft Word

• Insert → Symbol
• Equation Editor
• Alt + X (221A)

Google Docs

• Insert → Special Characters
• Search for Square Root
• Click to insert

Excel

Use:

• Symbol menu
• Copy & Paste
• Alt Code

PowerPoint

Insert the symbol using:

• Symbol menu
• Character Map
• Copy and Paste

OneNote

Paste the symbol or insert it from the Symbol menu.

Outlook

Compose your email and insert the square root symbol using the Symbol option or by copying and pasting it.

How to Type the Square Root Symbol Online and in Code

HTML

√

or

√

CSS

Use the Unicode value:

content: “\221A”;

Unicode

Property	Value
Unicode	U+221A
Decimal	8730
Hex	221A

LaTeX

\sqrt{x}

Markdown

Markdown doesn’t have a built-in square root syntax, but you can simply use:

√

or include LaTeX if the platform supports mathematical notation.

Square Root Symbol Copy and Paste

Need the symbol instantly?

Ready to Copy

√

Reference Table

Item	Value
Symbol	√
Unicode	U+221A
Decimal	8730
HTML Entity	√
HTML Numeric	√
Alt Code	Alt + 251
UTF-8	E2 88 9A

Bookmark this section whenever you need to copy the symbol quickly.

Why the Square Root Shortcut May Not Work

If the symbol doesn’t appear, check these common issues:

• Num Lock is turned off.
• Your laptop doesn’t have a dedicated numeric keypad.
• You’re using the wrong Alt code.
• The selected font doesn’t support the symbol.
• Your browser or application has limited Unicode support.
• Your keyboard uses a different regional layout.

If one method fails, try Character Map, the Symbol menu, or simply copy and paste the symbol.

Conclusion

Typing the square root symbol (√) is easy once you know the right method for your device. Windows users can rely on Alt codes, Character Map, or Microsoft Word shortcuts, while Mac users can access the symbol through the Character Viewer. Google Docs, Excel, PowerPoint, and other applications also include built-in tools for inserting mathematical symbols.

If you only need the symbol quickly, simply copy and paste: √. For developers and advanced users, Unicode, HTML, CSS, and LaTeX provide reliable ways to display the square root symbol across websites, documents, and applications.

FAQs

How do I type √ without a number pad?

Use Character Map, the Symbol menu, or simply copy and paste the symbol.

What is the Alt code?

The Windows Alt code is Alt + 251 on a numeric keypad.

Can I copy and paste the square root symbol?

Yes. Copy this symbol: √.

How do I insert √ in Google Docs?

Go to Insert → Special Characters, search for “Square Root,” and click the symbol.

Does it work on Chromebook?

Yes. You can use the symbols picker if available or copy and paste the symbol.

How do I type √ on my phone?

Open your device’s symbols keyboard or copy and paste √ into your document or message.

What’s the Unicode for √?

The Unicode value is U+221A.

Related Math Symbols

Symbol	Name	Common Use
√	Square Root	Find the square root
∛	Cube Root	Find the cube root
±	Plus Minus	Indicate two possible values
×	Multiplication	Multiply numbers
÷	Division	Divide numbers
∞	Infinity	Represent an unlimited value
π	Pi	Mathematical constant
≠	Not Equal	Compare unequal values
≤	Less Than or Equal To	Mathematical comparison
≥	Greater Than or Equal To	Mathematical comparison

You may also find guides on cube root symbols, infinity symbols, pi symbols, and plus-minus symbols useful if you frequently work with mathematical notation.