There are two kinds of square root in Word: a plain √ character for normal text, and a radical inside an equation that stretches over the whole expression. Pick the method that matches what you are writing.
Inserting a square root with an equation
Use this when the root covers a number or expression, such as √(x + 1), and should look like real maths.
- Click where the root should go and press Alt + = on Windows, or go to Insert > Equation.
- On the Equation tab, select Radical in the Structures group.
- Pick Square Root.
- Click the dotted placeholder under the radical and type the value.
Result: a radical sign that grows to cover everything under it.
You can type it instead of clicking. In the equation box, type \sqrt(x+1) and press Space twice. The first space turns \sqrt into √ and the second builds the radical.
Tip: For other roots, type
\sqrt(3&x)for a cube root or\sqrt(5&x)for a fifth root. Microsoft documents this syntax in its linear format equations guide.
For fractions, integrals and longer formulas, see how to write math equations in Word.
Typing the square root symbol with a keyboard shortcut
Use this when you need the √ character in a sentence and don’t want an equation box.
On Windows:
- Type
221Awhere the symbol should go. - Press Alt + X.
Word swaps the code for √. If the code follows a letter or number, put a space before it, or select just the code first, so Word doesn’t read the extra characters as part of it.
On a keyboard with a numeric keypad, you can also hold Alt and type 251 on the keypad. That code comes from the older DOS character set, so 221A + Alt + X is the more reliable choice.
On a Mac: press Option + V (US keyboard layout).
Result: a single √ character in your text.
Inserting the square root symbol from the Symbol menu
Use this when you don’t want to memorise a code, or you’re also looking for related symbols.
- Go to Insert > Symbol > More Symbols.
- Set Font to (normal text) and Subset to Mathematical Operators.
- Select √. To jump straight to it, type
221Ain Character code with from set to Unicode (hex). - Select Insert, then Close.
Result: √ is added at the cursor and appears under Insert > Symbol next time, in the recently used list.
On a Mac, go to Insert > Advanced Symbol and use the Symbols tab.
Comparing the methods
| Method | Best for | Works on |
|---|---|---|
Equation (Radical or \sqrt) | Roots over an expression; maths documents | Windows, Mac |
221A + Alt + X | A quick √ in normal text | Word for Windows |
| Option + V | A quick √ in normal text | Mac |
| Symbol menu | Finding √ without a code | Windows, Mac, web |
The special symbols in Word guide has the same three routes for π, ±, ∑, ° and other characters in one table.
Troubleshooting
- Alt + X turned the wrong text into a symbol: Word read extra characters as part of the code. Undo, select only
221A, and press Alt + X again. - Alt + 251 gives a different character: your keyboard has no numeric keypad, Num Lock is off, or your system uses another code page. Use
221A+ Alt + X. \sqrtstays as text: you typed it outside an equation box. Press Alt + = first.- Nothing happens in Word for the web: Alt + X is a desktop Word shortcut. Use Insert > Symbol, or open the file in the desktop app.
Find more symbol and equation help in the Microsoft Word guides.