How to Type the Square Root Symbol (√) on Windows, Mac and Phones
Quick answer: on Windows, hold Alt and type 251 on the numeric keypad (no leading zero) to get √. On a Mac press Option+V. In Word, 221A then Alt+X works too. For a root with a bar over the number, use an equation editor.
Quick reference: every method
Every Alt code below is verified against the real Windows code pages — where none exists we say so, rather than list one that won’t work.
| Char | Name | Windows | Mac | HTML | Word (Alt+X) | Unicode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| √ | Square Root | Alt+251 |
Option+V |
√ |
221A + Alt+X |
U+221A |
| ∛ | Cube Root | Copy / paste | Copy / paste | ∛ |
221B + Alt+X |
U+221B |
| ∜ | Fourth Root | Copy / paste | Copy / paste | ∜ |
221C + Alt+X |
U+221C |
Windows
√ is one of the maths signs in the original IBM PC character set (code page 437), so it has a genuine short Alt code: Alt+251. Be careful with the leading zero: Alt+0251 reads a different table and gives û. Without a numeric keypad, use Win+. → Symbols, or see Alt codes not working.
Mac
Press Option+V on the US or ABC layout. The cube root ∛ and fourth root ∜ have no shortcut; find them in the Character Viewer (Control+Command+Space, search "root").
Cube and fourth roots
Unicode also has ∛ (cube root, code 221B) and ∜ (fourth root, 221C). Neither has an Alt code; in Word type the code and press Alt+X, or copy them from the table above. For other roots there is no single character: write ⁵√x using a superscript digit, or use an equation editor.
The bar over the number
The √ character is just the hook. The long horizontal bar (the vinculum) that covers the whole expression is drawn by maths software, not by a character, so it cannot be typed in plain text. Your options:
- Word: press Alt+= to insert an equation, type
\sqrt, then the expression, for example\sqrt(x+1)followed by a space. Word draws the bar. - Google Docs: Insert → Equation, then type
\sqrtand a space. - LaTeX:
\sqrt{x+1}, or\sqrt[3]{x}for a cube root. - Plain text: use brackets, √(x + 1), so it is clear what is under the root.
Excel and Google Sheets
To calculate, use =SQRT(A1), or =A1^(1/3) for a cube root. To show the sign in a label, type Alt+251 or use =UNICHAR(8730).
Phones
Standard iPhone and Android keyboards have no √ key. Calculator apps have one, but it does not type into other apps. Copy √ from this page and save a text replacement such as ;sqrt → √.
HTML
Use √ or √. For a bar in a web page, MathML or a maths library is needed; CSS tricks with a top border work for simple cases.
Related: squared ² and cubed ³, × multiplication, our root symbols collection and the math symbols hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Alt code for the square root symbol?
Alt+251, without a leading zero, typed on the numeric keypad. It comes from the old DOS code page 437. Alt+0251 gives û instead.
How do I type √ on a Mac?
Press Option + V on the US or ABC keyboard layout.
How do I put a bar over the number?
Plain text cannot draw the long bar. Use an equation editor: in Word or Google Docs insert an equation and type \sqrt, then the number. In plain text, write √(x+1) with brackets instead.
How do I calculate a square root in Excel?
Use =SQRT(A1). For a cube root use =A1^(1/3). The √ character itself is only text in a spreadsheet.
Looking for something else? Browse 1,000+ copy-paste symbols, the full Alt Codes finder, or the emoji picker.