How to Type the Cubed Symbol (³) on Keyboard (Windows, Mac, Word, Excel & Google Docs)
The cubed symbol is ³ (also called Superscript Three). People use it for things like m³, cm³, and “to the power of 3”.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to type ³ on:
- Windows (Alt code)
- Mac (Character Viewer + optional Unicode method)
- Microsoft Word / Excel / PowerPoint
- Google Docs
- Copy & paste (fastest)
- Bonus: HTML / Unicode codes (useful for websites)
Quick Answer (Fastest Methods)
- Copy & paste: ³
- Windows Alt code: Hold Alt and type 0179 on the numeric keypad
- Word shortcut: Type 00B3 then press Alt + X
- Mac: Press Control + Command + Space, search “superscript three”, insert ³
Cubed Symbol (³) Quick Reference
Symbol: ³
Name: Superscript Three (Cubed symbol)
Unicode: U+00B3
Windows Alt code: Alt + 0179
HTML (web): ³ or ³
Click to Copy ³
Method 1: Type ³ on Windows (Alt Code)
This is the quickest “keyboard” method on Windows.
- Click where you want to type ³.
- Turn Num Lock ON.
- Hold down the Alt key.
- Type 0179 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right).
- Release Alt → ³ appears.
If you’re on a laptop with no numpad: the Alt code may not work unless your laptop has an “embedded numpad” (often activated with Fn + NumLock). If it still doesn’t work, use the copy/paste method or Word/Excel methods below.
Method 2: Type ³ in Microsoft Word (Fastest Word Methods)
Option A (very fast): 00B3 then Alt+X
- Type 00B3
- Press Alt + X
Word converts it into ³.
Option B: Superscript formatting (useful for any number)
If you’re typing something like x³ (where the 3 is superscript):
- Type x3
- Highlight the 3
- Press Ctrl + Shift + = (Windows) or Command + Shift + = (Mac)
This creates a superscript 3 visually. (It’s formatting, not the special character — but it looks the same in most documents.)
Method 3: Type ³ in Excel (Windows & Mac)
Excel usually works best with superscript formatting.
Option A: Superscript formatting
- Type m3 (or any text + 3)
- Double-click the cell (or press F2) to edit it
- Highlight the 3
- Right-click → Format Cells
- Go to Font → check Superscript
- Click OK
Option B: Insert the symbol
- Go to Insert → Symbol
- Find ³ and insert it
Method 4: Type ³ on Mac (Best Working Method)
The simplest method on Mac is using the built-in Character Viewer.
- Press Control + Command + Space
- Search for superscript three
- Double-click ³ to insert it
Optional (advanced): Unicode Hex Input (for power users)
If you enable Unicode Hex Input in macOS keyboard settings, you can type:
- Hold Option and type 00B3 → ³
Most users don’t have this enabled by default, so don’t present this as the main method.
Method 5: Type ³ in Google Docs
Option A: Insert special character
- Go to Insert → Special characters
- Search for superscript three
- Click ³ to insert
Option B: Superscript formatting (good for x³)
- Type
x3 - Highlight the
3 - Go to Format → Text → Superscript
(Or use the shortcut: Ctrl + . on Windows/Chromebook, Command + . on Mac)
Method 6: Copy and Paste ³ (Works Everywhere)
You can copy this symbol and paste it into any app:
³
- Copy: Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac)
- Paste: Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac)
This works in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, email, social media, and browsers.
Bonus: HTML / Unicode Codes for ³ (For Websites)
If you’re typing the cubed symbol on a website or in HTML, you can use:
³→ ³³→ ³- Unicode: U+00B3
FAQs (Common Problems)
“Alt + 0179 isn’t working”
Try these:
- Make sure you’re using the numeric keypad, not the top number row.
- Turn Num Lock ON.
- Use the full code 0179 (include the leading zero).
- If you don’t have a numpad, use copy/paste or Word Alt+X.
“Is ³ the same as typing 3 as superscript?”
They look the same, but they’re not always identical behind the scenes:
- ³ is a real character (Superscript Three).
- Superscript formatting makes a normal “3” appear raised.
For most people, either is fine — use whichever is easiest for your app.