What Is the Sign for Square Root? √ Symbol Explained
The sign for square root is √, commonly called the square root symbol or radical sign. If you simply need the character, copy it here: √. In mathematics, this symbol tells you to find the principal square root of the number or expression that follows it. The character is officially named SQUARE ROOT in Unicode and has the code point U+221A.
If you searched for the square root sign because you need to copy, paste, type, or understand √, you’re in the right place. This guide explains what the symbol means, what the number underneath it is called, how to type it on Windows and Mac, how to use it in Word and HTML, and how it differs from similar symbols such as ✓ and ✔.
√ Square Root Sign: Copy and Paste
Square root sign: √
You can copy the symbol directly from the box above and paste it into a document, message, website, spreadsheet, or search field. The character is Unicode U+221A, and Unicode lists its formal name as SQUARE ROOT. It is also associated with the mathematical term radical sign.
| Symbol | Name | Unicode |
| √ | Square root / radical sign | U+221A |
| ∛ | Cube root | U+221B |
| ∜ | Fourth root | U+221C |
| ✓ | Check mark | U+2713 |
| ✔ | Heavy check mark | U+2714 |
The symbols ∛ and ∜ are related root symbols, but they represent cube roots and fourth roots rather than square roots. Unicode lists them immediately alongside √ in its mathematical-symbol tables.
How to Type the Square Root Sign on Windows, Mac, and Other Devices
If you don’t want to copy and paste √, there are several ways to enter it. The best method depends on the device and application you’re using. Windows users can use Unicode conversion in Microsoft Word, while Mac users can use the Character Viewer to insert mathematical symbols into text.
| Where | Method |
| Copy and paste | √ |
| Windows in Microsoft Word | Type 221A, then press Alt + X |
| Mac | Open Character Viewer with Control + Command + Space, search for “square root,” then insert √ |
| Mac Calculator | Option + V calculates a square root |
| HTML | √ or √ |
| LaTeX | \sqrt{x} |
| Excel | =SQRT(A1) calculates a square root |
Microsoft officially documents 221A + Alt + X as the Word method for converting the Unicode value into √.
On Mac, Apple’s Character Viewer provides a general way to insert mathematical symbols into text. Press Control-Command-Space, search for the symbol or its Unicode name, and select it. Apple also documents Option-V as the square-root command in its Calculator and Grapher apps; that shortcut is for performing the calculation rather than serving as a universal text-entry method.
Square Root Sign in Microsoft Word
To insert √ in Microsoft Word on Windows, place the cursor where you want the symbol, type 221A, and then press Alt + X. Word converts the hexadecimal Unicode value into the square root character. This is especially useful when you need the symbol repeatedly and don’t want to search through the symbol menu.
You can also insert √ while working with Word’s equation tools. Microsoft documents Unicode conversion and Math AutoCorrect as methods for entering mathematical symbols. For more complex expressions, the equation editor can be more convenient than inserting a plain text character.
Square Root Sign on Mac
On a Mac, the most reliable general-purpose method is the Character Viewer. Press Control-Command-Space, search for “square root” or the Unicode name, and click the √ character to insert it into your text. Apple supports this method for mathematical symbols in apps such as Pages, Numbers, and TextEdit.
If you’re using Apple’s Calculator, Option-V is the shortcut for calculating a square root. For example, entering a number and using the square-root command performs the calculation rather than simply inserting √ into ordinary text.
What Is the Square Root Symbol?
The square root symbol is √, and it indicates a square-root operation. It is commonly called the radical sign because it introduces a radical expression. For example, √25 = 5 because 5 multiplied by itself equals 25.
The part underneath the radical is called the radicand. In √25, √ is the radical sign and 25 is the radicand. The radical symbol represents the principal square root, so √25 = 5, rather than ±5. When solving an equation such as x² = 25, however, both 5 and −5 are solutions.
What the Parts of √ Mean
A square-root expression has a few basic parts worth recognizing:
- √ — the square root or radical sign
- Radicand — the number or expression under the radical
- Radical expression — the complete expression containing the root
- Principal square root — the non-negative square root represented by √
For example, in √(x + 9), the entire expression x + 9 is the radicand. Parentheses are useful when the radicand contains more than a single number because they make the intended grouping clear.
What Does the Square Root Sign Mean?
The square root sign asks a simple mathematical question: Which non-negative number, when multiplied by itself, produces the value under the sign? For example, √64 = 8 because 8 × 8 = 64. In this sense, taking a square root reverses the operation of squaring.
The symbol is used throughout arithmetic, algebra, geometry, science, and engineering. It can appear with ordinary numbers, variables, fractions, measurements, and larger mathematical expressions. Once you recognize √ as the square-root operator, expressions that initially look complicated become much easier to read.
Examples of the Square Root Symbol
Simple examples are the quickest way to understand how √ works.
| Expression | Answer | Why |
| √4 | 2 | 2 × 2 = 4 |
| √9 | 3 | 3 × 3 = 9 |
| √16 | 4 | 4 × 4 = 16 |
| √25 | 5 | 5 × 5 = 25 |
| √36 | 6 | 6 × 6 = 36 |
| √64 | 8 | 8 × 8 = 64 |
| √100 | 10 | 10 × 10 = 100 |
The symbol also works with expressions rather than single numbers. For example, √(16 + 9) = √25 = 5. In algebra, you may see expressions such as √x, √(x + 4), or √(a² + b²).
A familiar real-world example comes from geometry. If a square has an area of 144 square inches, its side length is √144 = 12 inches. The same operation appears in formulas such as the Pythagorean theorem when finding the length of a missing side.
Positive and Negative Square Roots
A common source of confusion is the difference between √25 and the solutions to x² = 25. The expression √25 has the principal square root 5. However, both 5² and (−5)² equal 25, so the equation x² = 25 has two solutions: x = 5 and x = −5.
This is why the notation ±√25 can represent both values when solving an equation. The ± sign means “plus or minus,” while the radical sign alone does not automatically include the negative root. Keeping this distinction clear prevents one of the most common square-root errors.
Square Root Sign vs Check Mark
The square root symbol can look similar to a check mark at a quick glance, but they are different Unicode characters with different meanings.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unicode |
| √ | Square root | U+221A |
| ✓ | Check mark | U+2713 |
| ✔ | Heavy check mark | U+2714 |
Unicode specifically identifies √ as SQUARE ROOT and separately identifies ✓ as CHECK MARK.
So if you’re writing mathematics, use √ for a square root. If you’re marking something as complete or correct, use ✓ or ✔. They may look somewhat alike, but they represent completely different concepts.
Common Square Root Mistakes
Mistake 1: Thinking √ Means Plus or Minus
The expression √36 means 6, not ±6. The negative value appears when solving an equation where both roots are possible.
Mistake 2: Confusing √ With ∛
√ is the square root symbol, while ∛ is the cube root symbol. For example, √16 = 4, whereas ∛8 = 2.
Mistake 3: Ignoring the Radicand
In √(x + 5), the entire x + 5 is under the radical. You should not automatically treat √x and +5 as separate pieces.
Mistake 4: Assuming √(a + b) = √a + √b
In general, this is not true. For example:
√(9 + 16) = √25 = 5
but
√9 + √16 = 3 + 4 = 7
Therefore, you cannot distribute a square root across addition in that way.
Related Root and Math Symbols
The square root sign belongs to a larger family of mathematical symbols.
| Copy | Symbol name | Unicode | Common use |
| √ | Square root | U+221A | √25 |
| ∛ | Cube root | U+221B | ∛8 |
| ∜ | Fourth root | U+221C | ∜16 |
| ² | Superscript two | U+00B2 | x² |
| ± | Plus-minus sign | U+00B1 | ±5 |
| ✓ | Check mark | U+2713 | Correct/complete |
| ≠ | Not equal to | U+2260 | x ≠ y |
| π | Greek small letter pi | U+03C0 | Circle formulas |
Unicode’s mathematical character tables place the square root, cube root, and fourth root together as related mathematical operators.
If you’re building a collection of mathematical symbols, these related characters are useful companion pages because people often search for them together when working on homework, equations, documents, or websites.
How the Square Root Sign Is Used in Math
The square root sign appears in many areas of mathematics. In elementary arithmetic, it helps find the roots of perfect squares. In algebra, it appears in radical expressions and equations. In geometry, it can be used to calculate distances, side lengths, and other measurements.
It also appears in formulas involving the Pythagorean theorem, quadratic equations, statistics, physics, and engineering. For example, the distance formula contains a square root because it is derived from the relationship between the sides of a right triangle.
The important idea is consistent across these subjects: √ identifies a square-root operation. The surrounding formula determines exactly what quantity is being calculated.
FAQs
What is the sign for square root?
The sign for square root is √. It is called the square root symbol or radical sign, and its Unicode code point is U+221A. You can copy it directly here: √.
What is the square root symbol called?
The symbol √ is officially named SQUARE ROOT in Unicode. It is also commonly called the square root sign, square root symbol, or radical sign.
What is the Unicode for the square root sign?
The Unicode code point for the square root symbol √ is U+221A. Unicode places it in the Mathematical Operators block.
How do I copy and paste the square root sign?
Copy this character:
√
Then paste it wherever you need it, including a document, message, website editor, spreadsheet, or search box.
How do I type the square root sign in Word?
In Microsoft Word, type 221A and press Alt + X. Word converts the hexadecimal Unicode value into √. Microsoft documents this Unicode conversion method for mathematical symbols.
How do I type the square root sign on Mac?
For ordinary text, open the Mac Character Viewer with Control-Command-Space, search for “square root,” and select √. Apple documents Character Viewer as a way to insert mathematical symbols into text.
What is the difference between √ and ✓?
√ is the square root symbol, while ✓ is a check mark. They are separate Unicode characters: √ is U+221A, and ✓ is U+2713.
What is the number under the square root sign called?
The number or expression underneath the radical sign is called the radicand. For example, in √49, the symbol √ is the radical sign and 49 is the radicand.
Does √25 equal ±5?
No. √25 = 5 because the radical symbol represents the principal square root. But the equation x² = 25 has two solutions: x = 5 and x = −5.
What is the HTML code for the square root symbol?
You can represent √ in HTML using √ or the numeric character reference √. Both represent the square root character.
How do you write a square root in LaTeX?
In LaTeX, use \sqrt{x} for the square root of x. For example, \sqrt{25} produces a formatted square-root expression.
How do you calculate a square root in Excel?
Excel uses the SQRT function. For example, =SQRT(25) returns 5. If the number is stored in cell A1, use =SQRT(A1).
What is the square root of 64?
The principal square root of 64 is 8, because 8 × 8 = 64. If you’re solving the equation x² = 64, the two solutions are x = 8 and x = −8.
Quick Reference: Square Root Sign
| Need | Answer |
| Square root sign | √ |
| Symbol name | Square root / radical sign |
| Unicode | U+221A |
| Copy | √ |
| Windows Word | 221A + Alt + X |
| Mac text insertion | Control-Command-Space → search “square root” |
| HTML | √ / √ |
| LaTeX | \sqrt{x} |
| Excel | =SQRT(x) |
| Cube root | ∛ |
| Fourth root | ∜ |
| Check mark | ✓ |
| Heavy check mark | ✔ |
Related Square Root Symbols and Guides
If you are working with mathematical symbols, these related guides can help:
- Square Root Sign Copy Paste — copy √ instantly and learn different ways to enter it.
- Sign for Square Root — understand the terminology and common uses of the radical sign.
- Square Root Sign on Keyboard — find keyboard methods for entering √.
- Square Root Sign on iPhone, iPad & Android — learn device-specific symbol methods.
- How to Insert the Square Root Sign in Microsoft Word — use Word’s Unicode and equation tools.
- How to Type the Square Root Sign on a Mac Keyboard — insert √ on macOS.
- How to Show Exactly What’s Under the Square Root Sign — understand grouping and radicands in complex expressions.
These pages should be connected with natural internal links so readers can move from the definition of √ to the exact copy, keyboard, device, and software method they need.
Final Answer
The sign for square root is √. It is commonly called the square root symbol or radical sign, and Unicode identifies it as SQUARE ROOT (U+221A).
If you only need the character, copy it here: √.
If you need to type it, use the method that matches your device or application: 221A + Alt + X in Word, Character Viewer on Mac, or the appropriate HTML, LaTeX, or Excel syntax.
Sources
- Unicode Standard — Mathematical Operators: √ U+221A, ∛ U+221B, ∜ U+221C.
- Microsoft Support — Unicode character codes and equation input in Word.
- Apple Support — Character Viewer and mathematical-symbol insertion on Mac.
Jack Harrison is a contributor at Square Root Signs, sharing creative ideas, useful information, and engaging content to help readers discover something valuable with every visit.
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