Square root symbol copy and paste — every format
Whatever you're pasting into — a browser, LaTeX document, spreadsheet, or CSS file — grab the exact square root symbol text format it expects.
Text & code
Symbol
√
Unicode code point
U+221A
HTML entity (named)
√
HTML entity (numeric)
√
CSS content
content: "\221A";
LaTeX
\sqrt{x}
LaTeX (cube root)
\sqrt[3]{x}
Keyboard shortcuts
Windows alt code
Alt + 251
Windows Unicode input
221A, Alt + X
Mac shortcut
Option + V
Spreadsheets
Excel / Google Sheets formula
=SQRT(A1)
Need a whole equation, not just the symbol?
The equation writer builds a copyable square root expression — like √(9) — instead of a bare symbol.
Open the equation writerWriting software instead of a document?
See Unicode escapes, LaTeX, and Math.sqrt() / SQRT() across JavaScript, Python, Excel, and more.
Open square root in codeFrequently asked questions
What is the Unicode code point for the square root symbol?
The square root symbol is Unicode character U+221A. You can reference it in code as \u221A (JavaScript/Java), \u221a (Python), or √ (HTML numeric entity) — all four resolve to the same √ character.
How do I add the square root symbol in HTML?
Use the named entity √ or the numeric entity √ directly in your markup, or paste the √ character itself — HTML files are UTF-8 by default in virtually every modern setup, so the raw character renders fine too.
What's the LaTeX command for a square root?
\sqrt{x} renders a proper radical with a bar over x in any LaTeX or MathJax environment. For an nth root, add an optional argument: \sqrt[3]{x} for a cube root.
How do I calculate a square root in Excel or Google Sheets?
Pasting √ into a cell only displays the character — it won't compute anything. To actually calculate a square root, use the formula =SQRT(A1), replacing A1 with the cell or number you want rooted.
What's the Windows alt code for the square root symbol?
Alt + 251, typed on the numeric keypad with Num Lock on. If you don't have a numeric keypad, type 221A in Word or Outlook and press Alt + X immediately after — it converts the Unicode code point into √.