This wikiHow teaches you how to type the square root symbol (√) into typing applications, including Microsoft Word on Windows and macOS computers.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Using Microsoft Word
Step 1. Open a Microsoft Word document
You can open it by double-clicking the document file on your computer.
This method can be used both on Windows and on macOS
Step 2. Click the cursor on the area where you want to add a symbol
Step 3. Click the Insert menu
This menu is at the top of the Word window.
Step 4. Click Symbol
Step 5. Click More Symbols…
Step 6. Click the “subset” drop-down menu
Step 7. Click Mathematical Operators
A list of symbols will be displayed.
Step 8. Click the square root symbol
The symbol will be inserted into the document afterwards.
Method 2 of 4: Using Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
Step 1. Look for the numeric keypad on your keyboard
First of all, if there is a separate section on the right side of the keyboard containing 10 numeric keys, you can proceed directly with this step. However, if you're using a laptop, or an external keyboard that doesn't have a separate numeric keypad, you may still be able to find "soft" numeric keys:
- Pay attention to the right side of your keyboard, especially the keys: 7, 8, 9, U, I, O, J, K, L, M. Do you see the small numbers printed on the keys? If so, then you have a "soft" numeric keyboard that can be activated with the Number Lock key.
- Some newer laptop models don't have a numeric keypad at all. If your laptop is like that, you should try using another method.
Step 2. Enable Number Lock Num (if there is a soft numeric keypad on your laptop)
Whether there's a 10-digit numeric keypad or a soft numeric keypad, you should be able to find the keys Num Lock, NumLk, or the like at the top right of the keyboard. Sometimes, this button is placed in another section. However, start looking from the top right of the keyboard. Press the button once found to activate Number Lock.
- If the Num Lock key on your keyboard also has other functions such as Screen Lock, you may have to hold down the key Fn while pressing the Number Lock key to activate it.
- To make sure this key works, press the U key-if you see the number 4 instead of the letter U, this key works! If not, press Num Lock once again.
Step 3. Open the document for which you want to give the square root symbol
You can use this method in any Windows application that allows you to type, including web browsers.
Step 4. Click on the place where you want to give the square root symbol
Step 5. Press and hold Alt. key then type a number
Step 2
Step 5., and so on
Step 1.
If you are using a "soft" numeric keypad, type K, (for number 2), I (for number 5), and then J (for number 1). Lift your finger from the button Alt after typing the number 1-the square root symbol should appear.
Do not use the keys in the number row at the top of the keyboard, the square root symbol will not appear! You must use a numeric keypad, whether it's a physical or a "soft" numeric keypad
Step 6. Press the Num key to disable it
After successfully generating the square root symbol, you can turn off Number Lock. This is very important, especially if you are using a soft numeric keypad. Otherwise, you will continue typing numbers.
Method 3 of 4: Using Windows Character Map
Step 1. Open the document for which you want to give the square root symbol
You can use this method in any Windows application that allows you to type, including web browsers. This is a great alternative to keyboard shortcuts if you can't do that.
Step 2. Open the character map
An easy way to do this is to type a character in the Windows search bar (next to the Start menu), then click Character Map on the result.
Step 3. Check the box next to "Advanced view
This box is in the lower-left corner of the character map.
Step 4. Type square root into the "Search for" bar
This bar is at the bottom of the window.
Step 5. Press Enter or click Search.
Now, you can see the square root symbol in the top left corner of the app.
Step 6. Double click on the square root symbol
After that, this symbol will go into the "Characters to copy" box.
Step 7. Click Copy
The square root symbol is now copied to the computer clipboard.
Step 8. Click where you want to insert the symbol in the document
Set the cursor in the right place.
Step 9. Press Ctrl+V to paste the copied symbol
You can also paste the symbol by right-clicking near the cursor and selecting an option Paste. After that, the square root symbol will appear in your document.
Method 4 of 4: Using Mac Keyboard Shortcuts
Step 1. Open the document to which you want to add the square root symbol
You can use this method in any Mac application that allows typing, including web browsers.
Step 2. Click the area where you want to add the square root symbol
Step 3. Press Option+v
The square root symbol will be added afterwards.
