How to Type Square Root on PC or Mac?
Knowing how to type the square root symbol (√) on your computer can be a valuable skill, especially if you frequently deal with mathematical or scientific texts. Both PC and Mac systems offer a variety of ways to insert the square root symbol, each tailored to different user preferences and software environments.
Different Methods at a Glance
| Platform | Method | Steps |
|---|---|---|
| PC | Keyboard Shortcut | Alt + 251 |
| PC | Character Map | Start Menu > Character Map > Square Root Symbol |
| Mac | Keyboard Shortcut | Option + V |
| Both | Unicode | U+221A |
| Both | Word Processor | Insert > Symbol > Square Root |
Typing Square Root on PC
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
One of the most straightforward methods to type the square root symbol on a PC is by using a keyboard shortcut. Follow the steps below:
- Place the cursor where you want to insert the symbol.
- Press and hold the Alt key.
- While holding the Alt key, type 251 on the numeric keypad.
- Release the Alt key, and the square root symbol (√) should appear.
Using Character Map
If you prefer a graphical interface, the Windows Character Map is a useful tool for finding and inserting special characters:
- Open the Start menu and search for Character Map.
- Launch the Character Map application.
- Select the square root symbol (√) from the list or type “square root” in the search bar.
- Click the Select button, then click Copy.
- Paste the symbol into your document by pressing Ctrl + V.
Typing Square Root on Mac
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Mac users can also quickly insert the square root symbol using a simple keyboard shortcut:
- Place the cursor where you want to insert the symbol.
- Press Option (also labeled as Alt) and V simultaneously.
Using Character Viewer
The Character Viewer on macOS provides an extensive list of symbols, including the square root:
- Open the Character Viewer by pressing Control + Command + Space.
- Type “square root” in the search bar.
- Double-click the square root symbol (√) to insert it into your document.
Using Unicode
Unicode provides a universal way of encoding characters that ensures they can be displayed across different systems and software:
- The Unicode for the square root symbol is
U+221A. - In most word processors, you can insert Unicode symbols by typing the code then pressing a specific key (e.g., Alt + X in Microsoft Word).
Inserting Square Root in Word Processors
Most word processing software, including Microsoft Word and Google Docs, have built-in options for inserting special characters:
- In Microsoft Word, go to Insert > Symbol, then select the square root from the list of symbols.
- In Google Docs, navigate to Insert > Special characters and search for “square root”.
Conclusion
Typing the square root symbol on your PC or Mac is a simple task once you know the right methods. Whether you prefer keyboard shortcuts, special character menus, or Unicode, there’s an option that will suit your workflow. By using these techniques, you can easily incorporate the square root symbol into your mathematical and scientific documents.