How to Type the Square Root Symbol

Quick answer

The square root symbol is √. Copy it here: √.

Use the Unicode character only for a standalone symbol or simple plain text. For an expression such as the square root of x+1, use \sqrt{x+1} in LaTeX, a native equation editor, or <msqrt> in MathML so the radical bar covers the entire radicand.

Square-root formats

The Unicode code point for √ is U+221A.

Type √ on Windows

• Copy and paste: copy √ from this page.
• Word Unicode conversion: type 221A, then press Alt+X in compatible Word text.
• Character Map: search for square root or inspect the Mathematical Operators block.
• Word equation: insert an equation and enter \sqrt{x}.

Use the equation method when the expression contains more than a single following character. Typing √x+1 in plain text can be ambiguous: a reader may not know whether the root applies only to x or to x+1.

Type √ on Mac

Press Control+Command+Space to open Character Viewer, search for square root, and insert √.

For an equation in Pages or Keynote, use the equation feature and enter \sqrt{x+1}. For a standalone symbol in ordinary prose, Character Viewer or copy-paste is appropriate.

Type a square root in Microsoft Word

Insert an equation and type:

\sqrt{x+1}

Press Space when required to convert the command. Word creates a structured radical whose bar expands over the radicand.

For an nth root, use the equation structure supported by Word, for example a command equivalent to:

\sqrt[3]{x}

Verify the result because Word’s accepted linear syntax can differ from a complete LaTeX installation.

Type a square root in Google Docs

Choose Insert → Equation, then select the square-root structure from the equation toolbar. Place the full expression inside the root placeholder.

Pasting √ before text is adequate only when the scope is obvious and no editable equation structure is needed.

Use square roots in LaTeX

Basic square root:

\sqrt{x}

Root of a longer expression:

\sqrt{x^2+y^2}

Cube root:

\sqrt[3]{x}

Nested root:

\sqrt{1+\sqrt{x}}

Always group the complete radicand inside braces. \sqrt x+1 normally applies the root only to the next token, not to the whole sum.

Use square roots in HTML and MathML

A literal character or HTML reference produces only the √ glyph:

√x

This does not create a scalable radical bar over a complex expression. For semantic structure, use MathML:

<math>
  <msqrt>
    <mrow><mi>x</mi><mo>+</mo><mn>1</mn></mrow>
  </msqrt>
</math>

For an indexed root, MathML uses <mroot> with the radicand first and the index second.

Square root versus radical and check mark

Do not confuse:

• square root √ (U+221A);
• check mark ✓;
• radical expressions that include a vinculum over the radicand;
• the mathematical function sqrt() used in programming languages.

The term radical sign refers to the √ shape. A complete radical expression also includes the radicand and sometimes an index.

Troubleshoot and common mistakes

• Writing √x+1 when you mean √(x+1).
• Using a check mark instead of the square-root character.
• Typing a plain √ before a fraction or matrix and expecting the bar to scale.
• Omitting braces in LaTeX around a multi-token radicand.
• Assuming sqrt() source code is mathematical typesetting.

Final recommendation

Copy √ for a standalone plain-text symbol. Use \sqrt{...}, a native equation object, or MathML for a real mathematical expression. Confirm exactly which terms are under the radical before publishing or submitting the work.

Choose the input method for this task

For how to type square root symbol, first decide whether the destination needs one searchable Unicode character or a structured equation. Copy the Unicode character for prose, labels, filenames, and search fields. Use the documented LaTeX command or a native equation object when scripts, fractions, limits, or scalable delimiters are part of the expression.

Verify the exact character

1. Paste the result into the real destination, not only a preview field.
2. Inspect the Unicode code point or equation source so a look-alike cannot pass unnoticed.
3. Reopen the exported document and test selection, search, and copy-and-paste behavior.
4. When the symbol has several field-specific meanings, define the intended meaning beside its first use.

Troubleshoot a failed input

If the shortcut remains literal text, confirm that the cursor is inside the correct equation mode. If a missing-glyph box appears, switch to a font with the required character. If export changes the character, compare the source before and after export and use the Unicode value or structured equation source as the reference.