Square Root Symbol (√): How to Type It on Any Keyboard (Windows, Mac, Word, Excel, Google Docs + Phone)

The square root symbol looks like this: √.

It’s used in maths to show a square root, like:

• √9 = 3
• √16 = 4

In this guide, you’ll learn every reliable way to type the square root symbol on Windows, Mac, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, and mobile — plus the Unicode and HTML codes.

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Quick copy (fastest way)

Paste:

• Windows: Ctrl + V
• Mac: Command + V
• Phone: tap and hold → Paste

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What does the square root symbol mean? (Beginner explanation)

The square root symbol √ asks a simple question:

“What number, multiplied by itself, gives this number?”

Examples:

• √25 means: “What number times itself equals 25?” → 5
• √49 → 7
• √2 is not a whole number, so it becomes a decimal: 1.414…

You’ll also sometimes see a small number like ³√8 — that’s a cube root (root of 3). But in this post, we’re focusing on the square root symbol √.

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Square root symbol vs check mark (√ vs ✓) — don’t mix them up

A common beginner mistake is copying the wrong symbol because they look similar:

• √ = square root symbol (math)
• ✓ = check mark (tick)

They are not the same, and they don’t mean the same thing.

Quick copy:

• Square root: √
• Check mark: ✓

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Method 1: Type √ on Windows (the easiest methods)

Windows has a few ways to type √. Some work better than others depending on whether you have a full keyboard or a laptop.

Option A: Windows symbol panel (quick and beginner-friendly)

This is easy because you can pick symbols from a menu.

1. Click where you want the symbol.
2. Press Windows key + . (Win + period)
3. Go to the Symbols section (if needed).
4. Find √ and click it.

If you don’t see √ there, use Character Map (Method 6) or copy/paste.

Option B: Alt code (works on many Windows PCs)

Alt codes let you hold Alt and type a number on the numeric keypad to insert a symbol.

Commonly used for √:

• Alt + 251 (on the numeric keypad)

Steps:

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

Important: This depends on the app and your keyboard. If it doesn’t work, use Word Alt+X (Method 3) or Insert Symbol (Method 4).

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Method 2: Type √ on Mac (Character Viewer method)

On Mac, the most reliable way to insert symbols like √ is Character Viewer. It lets you search and insert symbols by name.

1. Click where you want to insert √.
2. Press Control + Command + Space
3. Search