10 Solutions to Write Square Root on Keyboard

Mathematics often requires us to express numbers and operations in specific ways, and among these is the square root, which represents a number that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. While typing out mathematical expressions, you may find yourself needing to write the square root symbol (√). However, as this symbol is not directly available on a standard keyboard, you might wonder how to include it in your documents. In this guide, we will explore simple methods to help you type the square root symbol on your keyboard, ensuring that your mathematical documents are not only accurate but also professionally presented.

Using the Keyboard Numpad and Alt Code

Introduction

The use of Alt codes to type special characters is one of the many hidden gems that personal computers offer. Alt codes allow you to input characters that aren’t readily available on a standard keyboard by typing a sequence of numbers while holding down the ‘Alt’ key. These codes come in very handy when you need to type mathematical symbols, such as the square root symbol, which does not have its own dedicated key on the keyboard. In particular, the square root symbol (√) can be typed using the Alt code method quite easily if you have a numeric keypad on your keyboard. This is a common feature on full-sized keyboards, but it might not be available on compact or laptop keyboards without using the function key to access a secondary keypad overlay.

Steps

1. Turn on Num Lock: To begin, you must ensure that Num Lock is turned on. This is typically indicated by a light on the keyboard and allows you to use the numeric keypad for entering numbers.
2. Place the Cursor: Click within the text area where you want to insert the square root (√) symbol, such as a Word document, a text field on a website, or any other program that allows text input.
3. Hold Down the Alt Key: Press and hold the ‘Alt’ key (located on the left and right side of the space bar) on your keyboard.
4. Type the Alt Code: With the ‘Alt’ key still held down, type the numbers ‘251’ on the numeric keypad. It is important that you use the numeric keypad and not the numbers at the top of the keyboard.
5. Release the Alt Key: After typing the number sequence, release the ‘Alt’ key. Upon release, the square root (√) symbol should appear in the text area where your cursor is placed.

Summary

Using the keyboard numpad and Alt code to type the square root symbol is a straightforward and quick method that can be used in almost any text field on a Windows computer. It’s very beneficial as it doesn’t rely on internet connectivity or the need to remember complex sequences of characters. The major upside is its universal application across different software programs. However, this method has limitations, particularly for users who are on devices that lack a numeric keypad, such as many laptops. In these cases, users would need to find an alternative method or use an external keyboard with a numeric keypad. Additionally, Mac users do not have this function and would require different instructions, such as using the Mac shortcut or Character Viewer. Overall, though, for those with the right keyboard, this method is both efficient and reliable.

Copy and Paste from the Web

Introduction

In this modern digital era, almost everyone knows how to copy text from one place and paste it into another, whether it’s between different programs or within the same program. This solution leverages that familiar process to insert the square root symbol (√). The idea is simple: you find the square root symbol on a webpage, copy it to your clipboard, and then paste it wherever you need it in your document. This method is versatile because it works across different software and platforms—whether you’re using a word processor, an email client, a spreadsheet, or even a text box on a webpage.

Steps

1. Find the Square Root Symbol Online:

• Navigate to your preferred search engine (like Google).
• Type “square root symbol” into the search bar and hit enter.
• Choose a reliable source from the search results where you can see the square root symbol clearly displayed.

1. Copy the Symbol:

• Move your cursor to the square root symbol on the webpage.
• Left-click at the start of the symbol to place your cursor there.
• While holding the left mouse button, drag your cursor over the symbol to highlight it.
• Right-click on the highlighted symbol and select “Copy” from the context menu that appears. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + C on your keyboard (or Command + C on a Mac) to copy the symbol.

1. Paste the Symbol into Your Document:

• Navigate to the document where you want to insert the square root symbol.
• Click on the spot in the document where the symbol should appear.
• Right-click in that location and choose “Paste” from the context menu, or press Ctrl + V on your keyboard (or Command + V on a Mac) to paste the symbol.

Summary

The copy and paste method is exceptionally user-friendly, particularly suitable for those with limited technical skills or those who prefer not to remember keyboard shortcuts or alt codes. It’s compatible with essentially any type of document or text field, and as an added bonus, this method doesn’t depend on the type of device or operating system.

However, it does require internet access, at least initially, and may not be the fastest option if you need to use the symbol frequently. In cases where the square root symbol is a recurring part of your text, it might be more efficient to use a keyboard shortcut or insert the symbol directly from the software you’re using. Nevertheless, for many casual users or those dealing with the symbol on an ad hoc basis, copying and pasting from the web offers an easy and effective solution.

Using a Keyboard Shortcut in Word

Introduction

For individuals frequently working with mathematical equations in Microsoft Word, knowing shortcuts to insert symbols can save a significant amount of time and improve workflow efficiency. One commonly used mathematical symbol is the square root sign, and Microsoft Word provides a built-in equation editor that makes inserting this symbol quick and easy. This functionality is particularly useful for educators, students, or professionals who deal with mathematical notation in their documents. It eliminates the need for external tools or memorizing obscure alt codes while providing a more intuitive and accessible method of inserting mathematical symbols.

Steps

To insert the square root symbol using a keyboard shortcut in Microsoft Word, follow these detailed steps:

1. Open Your Microsoft Word Document: Start by launching Microsoft Word and opening the document where you need to insert the square root symbol.
2. Place the Cursor: Click to place your cursor at the location in the document where you want the square root symbol to appear.
3. Activate the Equation Field: Press ‘Alt’ + ‘=’ on your keyboard simultaneously. This keyboard shortcut brings up the equation field, a special area where you can type mathematical expressions.
4. Enter the Square Root Command: Type the backslash followed by the word ‘sqrt’. Your input should look like this: \sqrt.
5. Create the Square Root Symbol: After typing \sqrt, press the ‘Spacebar’ or ‘Enter’. The equation field will automatically convert your input into a square root symbol (√). If you need to denote a specific number or expression under the square root, just continue typing, and it will be placed under the symbol.
6. Finish Your Equation: Once you have inserted your square root symbol and added any numbers or variables inside it, you can press the ‘Spacebar’ after the last character to ensure it formats correctly within the equation field. When you’re finished, click anywhere outside the equation box to return to the standard text input in your document.

Summary

Using the keyboard shortcut in Microsoft Word to insert the square root symbol is an excellent solution for anyone working with mathematical notations. The shortcut is easy to remember and eliminates the need to navigate through menus or dialogs, which streamlines the writing process. This method is also particularly beneficial because it ensures that the symbol is correctly formatted within the context of mathematical equations, preserving the professional appearance of the document.

One potential downside is that this method is specific to Microsoft Word and may not be available in other word processors or text editing software. Users would have to familiarize themselves with alternative methods if they switch to a different platform. Additionally, this shortcut does not work in Word Online, the browser-based version of Microsoft Word, as the full capabilities of the desktop application’s equation editor are not present there. Nevertheless, for Word users on desktop, this is a reliable and efficient method to include mathematical symbols in their documents.

Insert Symbol Feature in Word

Introduction:
The “Insert Symbol” feature in Microsoft Word is a user-friendly tool that allows users to add various special characters and symbols to their documents that are not readily available on a standard keyboard. This feature is extremely helpful when you need to insert mathematical symbols, such as the square root sign (√), which might not be otherwise accessible. It offers a visual interface to select and insert a multitude of characters from different fonts and symbol sets which is particularly useful for those who are not familiar with keyboard shortcuts or Alt codes.

Steps:

1. Open Microsoft Word: Start by launching Microsoft Word on your computer. You can do this by clicking on the Word icon on your desktop, Start menu, or taskbar.
2. Place the Cursor: Click in the Word document where you would like the square root symbol (√) to appear. Ensure your cursor is blinking at the desired location before proceeding.
3. Access the Insert Menu: Look towards the top of the Word window and locate the ribbon—a series of toolbars that house various Word features. Click on the “Insert” tab in the ribbon to view the different insertion options available.
4. Open the Symbol Dialog Box: In the “Insert” tab, go to the “Symbols” group on the right-hand side of the toolbar. Click on the “Symbol” button, which might show a few commonly used symbols or an Ω icon. In the drop-down menu that appears, select “More Symbols…” This will open the Symbol dialog box.
5. Find the Square Root Symbol: In the Symbol dialog box, you’ll see a grid of characters. By default, it might show symbols from your current font. From the “Font” dropdown, you can select “(normal text)” for more universally recognizable characters. Scroll through the symbol set to find the square root symbol, which is generally located towards the bottom of the list.
6. Insert the Square Root Symbol: Once you’ve located the square root symbol (√), click on it to select it. After selection, click the “Insert” button at the bottom of the Symbol dialog box. The square root symbol will be inserted into your Word document at the location of your cursor.
7. Close the Symbol Dialog Box: After inserting the square root symbol, you can close the Symbol dialog box by clicking the “Close” button.

Summary:
Using the “Insert Symbol” feature in Word provides a straightforward way of adding the square root symbol to your document without memorizing complex keyboard shortcuts or codes. This method is beneficial for users who prefer a more visual approach to adding characters and for those who are not comfortable with technical instructions.

One of the benefits of this solution is that you can see and choose from a large variety of symbols in one place. Additionally, this feature provides a quick access point for recently used symbols, making repeated insertions faster. However, the downside is that it requires several clicks and may interrupt the flow of typing if you need to insert symbols frequently. It is also specific to Microsoft Word and may not be available in other word processing software. Despite these potential downsides, for many users, the “Insert Symbol” feature remains a user-friendly and essential tool for document creation.

Using Character Map in Windows

Introduction

The Character Map is a utility provided by the Windows operating system that offers users a graphical interface for viewing and selecting characters from various installed fonts that might not be directly available on the keyboard. This tool is particularly useful for accessing special characters, like the square root symbol, which do not have a designated key on the keyboard. It is an effective solution for users who need to insert the square root symbol occasionally and are working on Windows computers. This guide will walk through the process of using the Character Map to insert a square root symbol into your documents.

Steps

1. Accessing the Character Map:

• Click on the Start Menu or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
• Start typing “Character Map” in the search box. As you type, Windows will begin to filter through applications to locate the Character Map application.
• Select Character Map from the search results to open it. If you’re using an older version of Windows, you may need to find it through ‘All Programs’ > ‘Accessories’ > ‘System Tools’ > ‘Character Map’.

1. Using the Character Map:

• Once you open the Character Map, you’ll see a grid of characters. These are all the characters available in the selected font. By default, it might be set to ‘Arial’ or another common font.
• To find the square root symbol, ensure that ‘Advanced view’ is checked at the bottom of the Character Map window to access more options and more symbols.
• In the ‘Search for’ box at the bottom, type “square root” and click on the “Search” button. The Character Map will filter to display only the square root symbol.
• Click on the square root symbol to select it. It should now be highlighted.

1. Selecting and Copying the Square Root Symbol:

• With the square root symbol selected, click on the ‘Select’ button to add it to the ‘Characters to copy’ text field.
• Once it appears in the ‘Characters to copy’ text field, click the ‘Copy’ button to copy the symbol to your clipboard.

1. Pasting the Square Root Symbol in Your Document:

• Navigate to the document where you want to insert the square root symbol.
• Position your text cursor in the exact spot where you’d like the square root symbol to appear.
• Right-click and choose ‘Paste’ or press ‘Ctrl’ + ‘V’ on your keyboard to paste the square root symbol that’s now stored on your clipboard.

Summary

Using the Character Map is a straightforward way to insert the square root symbol into your document without memorizing complex keyboard shortcuts or Alt codes. One of the main benefits of this method is that it provides a visual interface, making it easier for users who are less familiar with keyboard shortcuts or alt-codes to find and use a wide array of symbols.

However, this process can be more time-consuming compared to using a keyboard shortcut, especially if you need to insert special characters frequently. Also, the need to switch between applications may disrupt your workflow. Another potential downside is that this utility only works on Windows operating systems, so it is not a solution for users on Mac, Linux, or other systems.

Nevertheless, for Windows users who do not need to insert special characters regularly, the Character Map provides an effective solution that does not require the memorization of codes or shortcuts, making it an accessible tool for occasional use.

Using the Keyboard Viewer on Mac

Introduction

When it comes to expressing mathematical concepts in your documents or communications on a Mac computer, symbols like the square root can pose a bit of a challenge, as they aren’t apparent on the keyboard. Fortunately, macOS has a built-in feature called the Keyboard Viewer that allows you to view a virtual representation of your keyboard on the screen. This feature can also display various special characters and symbols, including the square root symbol. The Keyboard Viewer is especially useful for users who prefer a visual approach to typing special characters and those who might not be familiar with keyboard shortcuts or ASCII codes.

Steps

1. Enable the Keyboard Viewer:

• Click on the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen and select ‘System Preferences’.
• Go to ‘Keyboard’ preference pane.
• Make sure the ‘Keyboard’ tab is selected.
• Enable the option that says ‘Show keyboard and emoji viewers in menu bar’. This will add a new icon to your menu bar, which looks like a small keyboard.

1. Access the Keyboard Viewer:

• Click on the Keyboard Viewer icon in the menu bar. It might also show up as a flag corresponding to your current language setting (e.g., an American flag for US English).
• From the drop-down menu, select ‘Show Keyboard Viewer’. This will launch a new window that shows your keyboard.

1. Locate the Square Root Symbol:

• Once the Keyboard Viewer is open, hold down the ‘Option’ key on your keyboard. You’ll notice that the keys change to show different symbols and characters.
• The square root symbol (√) is typically located on the ‘V’ key when holding down the ‘Option’ key. Simply click the ‘V’ key on the onscreen keyboard viewer with your mouse cursor to type the square root symbol.

1. Using the Symbol in Other Applications:

• With the Keyboard Viewer open, you can switch to the application where you need to insert the square root symbol.
• Ensure the cursor is positioned where you want to type the symbol.
• Click on the square root symbol (√) in the Keyboard Viewer, and it will appear in the application.

1. Closing the Keyboard Viewer:

• Once you have entered the square root symbol, you can close the Keyboard Viewer by clicking on the small ‘X’ in the top-left corner of the window or by clicking on the Keyboard Viewer icon in the menu bar and selecting ‘Hide Keyboard Viewer’.

Summary

Using the Keyboard Viewer on a Mac is an intuitive way to insert the square root symbol (√) into your documents. Its main benefits include visual assistance, which can be very helpful for users who are not familiar with keyboard shortcuts or for those with alternate keyboard layouts. Moreover, it helps you familiarize yourself with the location of complex symbols on your keyboard.

However, a potential downside to this method could be that it may be slower compared to utilizing a keyboard shortcut. Moreover, it does require having access to your mouse or trackpad to select the symbol, which can interrupt your typing flow. Regardless, for users looking for a straightforward and visually-guided method to type special characters, the Keyboard Viewer on Mac is an excellent tool.

Using Mac Shortcut

Introduction

In the world of computers and typing, there are countless symbols and characters that we might need to use, but they aren’t readily available on our standard keyboards. One such symbol is the square root (√), which is commonly used in mathematics and sometimes in other disciplines or general writing. Fortunately, if you’re a Mac user, there’s a quick and easy keyboard shortcut that enables you to type the square root symbol without having to search through menus or resort to copying and pasting from the web. Mac OS is known for its user-friendly shortcuts, and they’ve included one specifically for the square root symbol. This can save you time while you’re working on mathematical equations, homework, or any other document where you need to insert a square root sign.

Steps

1. Position the Cursor: Before using the shortcut, make sure to place your blinking text cursor in the location where you want the square root symbol to appear in your document or field.
2. Use the Shortcut: Once the cursor is in the right place, press and hold the ‘Option’ key on your Mac keyboard. This key is sometimes represented by the ‘alt’ label and is located between the ‘Control’ and ‘Command’ keys.
3. Type the Symbol: While holding the ‘Option’ key, press the letter ‘V’ key. The square root symbol (√) should immediately appear where your cursor is located.
4. Continue Typing: After the symbol appears, release both keys and continue typing your document as usual.
5. Repeat as Needed: If you need to insert the square root symbol again, simply repeat steps 1-4 wherever needed in your document.

Summary

The use of the keyboard shortcut ‘Option’ + ‘V’ on a Mac is a neat solution for quickly typing the square root symbol. This method is a time-saver, especially for those who frequently work with mathematical content. It eliminates the need to navigate through multiple menus or recall complicated alt codes.

One of the benefits of this solution is its simplicity and efficiency, making it easy for anyone, regardless of technical knowledge, to use. Another advantage is that it doesn’t require an internet connection, additional software, or copying from other sources.

However, a potential downside is that this shortcut is specific to Mac OS, so it’s not applicable to Windows or Linux users. Additionally, someone using a Mac keyboard without the ‘Option’ key, such as on certain non-Mac keyboards or laptops, would not be able to use this specific shortcut.

Overall, mastering this shortcut can greatly improve your workflow and efficiency when working with documents that require the use of mathematical symbols.

Using LaTeX in a Markdown Editor

Introduction

LaTeX is a powerful typesetting system used for creating well-formatted documents. It is immensely popular in academia, particularly among mathematicians, physicists, and computer scientists, due to its ability to handle complex mathematical expressions with high typographical quality. Markdown is a lightweight markup language with plain-text-formatting syntax that can be converted to many output formats. Some Markdown editors support LaTeX for mathematical typesetting, which allows users to insert various mathematical symbols and equations, including the square root symbol, into their documents. This solution is particularly beneficial when working on technical or scientific documentation where mathematical expressions are frequently used.

Steps

1. Select a Markdown Editor That Supports LaTeX: Firstly, ensure that you are using a Markdown editor that supports LaTeX syntax integration. Some well-known editors include Typora, StackEdit, and Jupyter notebooks among others.
2. Open Your Document: Open the document you are working on within your chosen Markdown editor.
3. Enter the LaTeX Mode: To begin writing LaTeX, you will often need to wrap your LaTeX syntax in a specific set of delimiters. For inline LaTeX, this is usually done with single dollar signs ($...$), and for display mode (centered, on its own line), you use double dollar signs ($$...$$).
4. Type the Square Root Command: Inside the appropriate delimiters, type the LaTeX command for the square root: \sqrt{}. If you need to specify the radicand (the number inside the square root), place it within the curly braces: \sqrt{9}. If you leave the curly braces empty and just type \sqrt{}, it will appear as a standalone square root symbol.
5. Compile or Convert Your Document: Once you have inserted the LaTeX syntax, compile or convert your document according to your markdown editor’s features. This process will render the LaTeX syntax as graphical mathematical symbols.
6. Check the Result: After compiling, you should see the square root symbol where you placed your LaTeX command. If it does not appear correctly, double-check your syntax for any typos.

Summary

Utilizing LaTeX within a Markdown editor for inserting a square root symbol can be extremely efficient and precise. It provides a straightforward path to include mathematical notation in a simple, text-based format that can be readily transferred between different programs or converted to HTML, PDF, or other formats. The principal benefit of this solution is that it catifies the issue of mathematically rich documents in a sleek, professional manner.

However, the potential downside is that LaTeX, while incredibly versatile, does have a learning curve, and users without prior experience may need to familiarize themselves with its syntax. Additionally, not all markdown editors support LaTeX, so this solution is limited to those that do. Nonetheless, for those regularly involved in technical writing, investing the time to learn LaTeX through a Markdown editor is a valuable skill that improves both the quality and efficiency of their work.

Using Unicode Character Input

Introduction

The Unicode Standard provides a unique number for every character, no matter the platform, program, or language. The square root symbol has a Unicode value of U+221A. By leveraging this value, you can insert the square root symbol in various applications and operating systems that support Unicode character input. This method is particularly useful if you are working in an environment where the other typical shortcuts and symbol insertion methods are not available or if you are aiming for a more universal approach that does not rely on specific software capabilities.

Steps

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to input the square root symbol using its Unicode value:

1. Enable Unicode Input:

• On Windows, Unicode input is typically enabled by default. If you’re on a Mac, you may need to enable Unicode Hex Input by going to “System Preferences” > “Keyboard” > “Input Sources,” then adding it with the “+” button.

1. Prepare to Enter the Unicode Character:

• On Windows, you’ll need to make sure that Num Lock is turned on. Find the Num Lock key on the top right of your numeric keypad and press it to activate it.

1. Begin Unicode Input:

• On Windows: Hold down the ‘Alt’ key.
• On Mac: Hold down the ‘Option’ key and press the ‘Command’ key if necessary to switch to Unicode Hex Input.

1. Input the Unicode Value:

• On Windows: While holding the ‘Alt’ key, type ‘+’ on the numeric keypad, followed by ‘221A’. Release the ‘Alt’ key after typing the full code.
• On Mac: With the ‘Option’ key held down, type ‘221A’ directly using the standard keyboard keys (ensure you are using the hexadecimal values).

1. Finalize the Input:

• After typing the Unicode, simply release all keys, and the square root symbol (√) should appear in the text field where your cursor is located.

1. Troubleshooting:

• If the symbol doesn’t appear, ensure that you are in a text field that supports Unicode characters. Not all software handles Unicode input in the same way, and in some cases, it won’t work at all.
• Make sure you are not accidentally hitting other keys or releasing the modifier keys too early.

Summary

Using Unicode Character Input for the square root symbol provides a software-agnostic approach and can often be used across different operating systems and applications. It’s an extremely helpful method when other simpler methods are not available or when dealing with less common characters.

The primary benefits are its universality and that it doesn’t require any special software or features beyond basic OS support. However, the downsides might include having to remember the Unicode value, and the approach might seem less intuitive or direct compared to using keyboard shortcuts or insert symbol features within specific applications. Additionally, this method may not work in all applications or environments that have limited Unicode support, and it could take more time than simple keystrokes or menu-driven options.

Using Virtual Keyboards or Online Tools

Introduction

Not all keyboards make it easy to type special characters like the square root symbol (√). This is where virtual keyboards and online tools come in handy, especially when you’re using a device that doesn’t have a numeric keypad or you’re unsure about the alt codes. A virtual keyboard is an on-screen keyboard that allows users to click on-screen buttons to type characters. Online tools, on the other hand, could range from simple character maps to specialized services for mathematical symbols. With these tools, anyone can insert special characters into documents or web forms without memorizing complex key sequences.

Steps

1. Search for a Virtual Keyboard or Online Tool:
   Open your web browser and search for “virtual keyboard with special characters” or “online tool for special characters.” Review the options and choose one that you find user-friendly and that contains the square root symbol.
2. Access the Virtual Keyboard or Online Tool:
   Click on the link to the tool from your search results to open it.
3. Find the Square Root Symbol:
   Look on the virtual keyboard for the square root symbol. It may be under a category labeled “Mathematics” or “Special Characters.” If the tool is not a keyboard but a character map or list, you might need to scroll through the options, or there might be a search function where you can type “square root” to find the symbol.
4. Select and Copy the Square Root Symbol:
   Click on the square root symbol to select it. There may be an option to copy the symbol directly from the tool. If so, click the “Copy” button. If not, the symbol might appear in a text box after selection, where you can manually highlight it with your mouse, and then right-click and select “Copy.”
5. Paste the Symbol Where Needed:
   Navigate to the document or field where you want to insert the symbol. Click on the place where the symbol should go, right-click, and select “Paste,” or press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + V (Cmd + V on a Mac).
6. Adjust Formatting if Necessary:
   Once you’ve pasted the symbol, you might need to change its font or size to match the rest of your text. Highlight the symbol and adjust the formatting using the toolbar in your document editor or the format menu.

Summary

Using virtual keyboards or online tools is an excellent way to insert special characters like the square root symbol when you don’t have a keyboard that supports it directly or don’t know the specific codes. This method is user-friendly even for those with minimal technical knowledge. It’s also useful on devices like tablets or smartphones that might not have readily accessible alt codes. The downside is that you need an internet connection to access online tools, and it could be a slower process than typing a shortcut directly. However, the convenience and simplicity it offers, especially for occasional use, tend to outweigh these potential downsides.

Conclusion

In summary, writing a square root symbol (√) on your keyboard can be easily accomplished through several methods, such as using keyboard shortcuts, character maps, alt codes, or copy-pasting. While direct input might not be available on all keyboards, alternative methods like accessing special characters in word processing programs or utilizing the built-in virtual keyboards on your operating system provide viable solutions. Remember that the approach you choose may vary based on the type of device and software you’re using, but with this guide, finding and using the square root symbol should be a straightforward and hassle-free process.

FAQs

Q: Can I type the square root symbol directly using my keyboard?
A: Typically, keyboards do not have a dedicated square root key, but you can use combinations of keys such as Alt codes or shortcuts in specific software (like Microsoft Word) to type the symbol.

Q: What is the Alt code to type the square root symbol?
A: The Alt code for the square root symbol is ALT+251. You need to enable your Num Lock, hold down the Alt key, and then type 251 on the numeric keypad.

Q: How do I insert a square root symbol in a document if I don’t have a numeric keypad?
A: If you don’t have a numeric keypad, you can insert the square root symbol by using the insert symbol feature or equation editor in word processors like Microsoft Word, or use a character map application in your operating system to copy and paste the symbol.

Q: Can I type the square root symbol on a smartphone or tablet?
A: Yes, on a smartphone or tablet, you can usually type the square root symbol by switching to the numbers and symbols view on the virtual keyboard and searching for the symbol or using math keyboard apps that include the square root symbol.