AltKeyCodes

Square Root Alt Code and Symbol

The Alt code for Square Root is 251. Hold Alt, type 251 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. Square Root also has the Unicode codepoint U+221A, so you can type it with Alt+8730 on Windows, search for U+221A in macOS's Character Viewer, use √ in HTML, or \221A in CSS. If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, use the Character Viewer, the HTML entity, or copy the character directly — the Alt key method requires a physical numpad. On a US Mac keyboard, press ⌥V for Square Root; shortcuts can differ on other layouts. HTML also defines the named entity √ for Square Root, but the numeric form √ is safer when compatibility is uncertain.

Codes for this symbol

Copy any value by clicking it.
MethodValue
Legacy Alt code
Alt + decimal
Alt + X hex
macOS Option
HTML named entity
HTML decimal
HTML hex
CSS escape
Python escape
JavaScript escape
UTF-8 bytes
Unicode codepoint
Unicode block
Unicode category

How to type square root on Windows

  1. Turn Num Lock on so the numeric keypad is active.
  2. Hold the left Alt key.
  3. Type 2 5 1 on the numeric keypad.
  4. Release Alt. The Square Root character (√) appears.

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad, see how to type symbols without a numpad.

How to type square root on macOS

On a US keyboard layout, press ⌥V to insert Square Root. This shortcut assumes a US layout; other layouts may remap it.

If the shortcut does not work on your layout, open the Character Viewer with ⌃⌘Space, search for "Square Root" and click the character.

How to use square root in code

  • HTML: or , also
  • CSS: content:"\221A"; ()
  • Python: \u221A or chr(0x221A)
  • JavaScript: \u221A or String.fromCodePoint(0x221A)
  • JSON: "\u221A"
  • LaTeX: $\sqrt{}$ (math mode)
Plus-minus SignAlt+241
Division SignAlt+246
Less-than Or Equal ToAlt+243
Greater-than Or Equal ToAlt+242
Multiplication SignAlt+0215
InfinityAlt+236
Almost Equal ToAlt+247
Greek Capital Letter OmegaAlt+234
Greek Small Letter PiAlt+227
Identical ToAlt+240
Greek Capital Letter SigmaAlt+228
Greek Small Letter AlphaAlt+224
N-ary SummationAlt+8721
Not Equal ToAlt+8800
Greek Capital Letter GammaAlt+226
Greek Capital Letter ThetaAlt+233
Greek Capital Letter PhiAlt+232
Greek Small Letter EpsilonAlt+238

Frequently asked questions

What is the Alt code for Square Root?

The legacy Alt code for Square Root is 251. Hold Alt, type 2 5 1 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.

How do I type √ without a numpad?

Use the Windows Character Viewer (Win+.), the macOS Character Viewer (⌃⌘Space), an HTML entity such as √, or copy the character directly from this page.

Why does Alt+8730 not work?

Alt+8730 only works on a keyboard with a physical numeric keypad. It also requires the application to accept the numeric-keypad input path. Laptops without a numpad need an alternative method.

What is the Unicode for Square Root?

The Unicode codepoint for Square Root is U+221A. You can use this value in HTML as √, in CSS as \221A, and in Word with Alt+X.

How do I type √ on a Mac?

On a US Mac keyboard, press ⌥V. If that does not work on your layout, open ⌃⌘Space and search for U+221A.

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