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How to Easily Insert the Square Root Symbol in Excel (Windows, macOS, Ubuntu Guide)

Finding yourself puzzled about how to insert the square root symbol (√) in Excel? You’re not alone! 🎯 Whether you’re quickly calculating statistics, creating technical reports, or formatting an educational worksheet, adding the √ symbol in Excel can seem tricky at first. Fortunately, it’s quite simple once you know the tricks for Windows, Mac, and Ubuntu.

Let’s jump right in and solve this for you! 🧠

Inserting the Square Root Symbol in Excel: Quick Start

The squareroot symbol (√) in Excel can be inserted using several straightforward methods. Depending on your system (Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu), you can either use keyboard shortcuts, special functions, or manual insert options like the Symbol menu. 🖱️

Keyboard Shortcuts for the Square Root Symbol

Windows

  • Press and hold Alt, then type 251 on the numeric keypad.
    → (Shortcut: Alt + 251)

Mac

  • Press Option + V to insert √.

Ubuntu/Linux

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + U, release, then type 221A, and press Enter.
    → Unicode: √

Using Excel Functions to Show Square Roots

You can also calculate and display square roots without inserting the √ symbol manually.

Use the SQRT function:

=SQRT(A1)

Where A1 is the cell containing the number you want to find the square root of.

✨ Tip: If you want the √ symbol shown before the number, combine it with text like this:

="√"&SQRT(A1)

How to Insert the Square Root Symbol from the Excel Ribbon

If you prefer a visual approach:

  1. Go to Insert on the top Ribbon.
  2. Click Symbol (far right).
  3. Choose Font → “(normal text)”.
  4. Scroll through the symbols to find √ or type 221A in the Character code box.
  5. Click Insert and then Close.

Fast and foolproof! 🏆

Adding Square Root in Excel with Unicode (Universal Trick)

If you’re someone who loves a technical shortcut, Unicode is your best friend.

Here’s how:

  • Type 221A
  • Then immediately press Alt + X
  • Boom! Your √ appears.

Works mostly on Windows and Office versions supporting Unicode input.

Using AutoCorrect to Insert Square Root Automatically

Want to automate it even more?

You can customize AutoCorrect to replace a keyword like \sqrt with √ automatically.

Steps:

  • Go to File → Options → Proofing → AutoCorrect Options.
  • Add a new entry:
    • Replace: \sqrt
    • With: √

Now, anytime you type \sqrt, Excel will smartly replace it with √. Magic! 🎩✨

Shortcut Table: Square Root Symbol Across Systems

PlatformShortcut
WindowsAlt + 251
MacOption + V
Ubuntu/LinuxCtrl + Shift + U → 221A Enter
Unicode (Windows)Type 221A + Alt + X

Common Issues When Inserting Square Root in Excel

  • Numeric Keypad Missing: On laptops without a numeric keypad, activate Num Lock or use an on-screen keyboard.
  • Wrong Unicode Result: Make sure you’re in a cell or a text box when using Unicode.
  • Symbol Missing: Ensure the font you are using supports mathematical symbols. Fonts like Arial Unicode MS, Calibri, and Segoe UI Symbol work best.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manually type the square root symbol without shortcuts?
You can insert it manually by going to Insert > Symbols and choosing the square root symbol from the list.

What if my keyboard doesn’t have a NumPad for Alt shortcuts?
Use the On-Screen Keyboard (Windows: Win + Ctrl + O) or change your method to Unicode input.

Can I create a shortcut in Excel to automatically insert √?
Yes! Use AutoCorrect to set a quick text replacement for instant insertion.

Is there a formula that shows √ automatically with a number?
Yes. You can concatenate text with a function:
="√"&SQRT(A1)

Can I copy and paste the √ symbol in Excel?
Absolutely. Just copy √ from any text editor and paste it into Excel.

Does the square root symbol work on all versions of Excel?
Yes, but some older versions may require inserting the symbol via Insert > Symbols manually.

Conclusion

Adding the squareroot symbol in Excel is super simple once you know the right tricks! 🎉 Whether you’re using a keyboard shortcut, the Unicode method, or manually inserting it through Excel’s symbol options, you now have multiple methods up your sleeve.

Next time someone asks you how to insert √ in Excel, you’ll be the wizard who knows it all! 🧙‍♂️

Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.

https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/

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