Square root symbol
Tap the box to copy √. Below: what it means and every way to type it.
U+221A
Square root symbol and related symbols
4 symbols, each with its codes and shortcuts.
| Symbol | Name | Code | HTML | Windows | Mac | LaTeX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square root | U+221A | √ | Alt + 251 | Option + V | \sqrt{x} | |
| Cube root | U+221B | ∛ | \sqrt[3]{x} | |||
| Fourth root | U+221C | ∜ | ||||
| Superscript two | U+00B2 | ² | Alt + 253 |
Meaning of √
The radical sign √ asks for the number that multiplies by itself to give the value underneath: √9 = 3. The cube root ∛ and fourth root ∜ have their own characters.
Common uses: math homework, formulas in chats and spreadsheets, and physics notes.
- Unicode name
- Square Root
- Code point
- U+221A
- Windows
- Alt + 251
- Mac
- Option + V
Keyboard shortcuts for √
Copy and paste
Use the box at the top of the page for √, or the table for its relatives.
Windows
Hold Alt and type 251 on the number pad, then let go of Alt. In Word, type 221A and press Alt + X. In other apps, the emoji panel (Windows key + .) has a symbols tab you can search.
Mac
Press Option + V. The Character Viewer (Control + Command + Space) finds any symbol by name.
iPhone and Android
Copy it from this page, or set up a text replacement in your keyboard settings so a short code like ;sym turns into the symbol.
HTML
Use √ or √.
LaTeX
Use \sqrt{x} in math mode.
Questions people ask
How do I type √ on a keyboard?
On Windows, hold Alt and type 251 on the number pad. On a Mac, press Option + V.
How do I copy and paste √?
Tap the large √ at the top of this page. It is copied to your clipboard and you can paste it anywhere.
What does √ mean?
The radical sign √ asks for the number that multiplies by itself to give the value underneath: √9 = 3. The cube root ∛ and fourth root ∜ have their own characters.
Where is √ used?
Math homework, formulas in chats and spreadsheets, and physics notes.
More symbols
Updated November 13, 2026