Mac Guide
How to Type the Square Root Symbol on Mac
Copy the square root symbol instantly
The Shortcut: Option + V
- Place your cursor where you want √
- Hold Option (“Alt” on some non-US keyboards)
- Press V
- Release both keys
√ appears instantly in Word, Pages, Google Docs, Slack, iMessage, Notes — any app that accepts text.
Does This Work on Every Mac?
Yes. Option+V is built into macOS at the system level. Works on every Mac — MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac — regardless of hardware.
Non-US keyboards: Open System Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources and switch to US layout if Option+V does not produce √.
Method 2: Character Viewer
- Press Ctrl + Cmd + Space
- Search for square root
- Double-click √ to insert
Method 3: Copy and Paste
Highlight √ and copy with Cmd+C — paste anywhere with Cmd+V. Works in any app.
Comparison by Platform
| Platform | Method | Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Mac | System shortcut | Option + V |
| Windows | Alt code | Alt + 251 |
| Chromebook | Unicode | Ctrl+Shift+U → 221A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Option+V work in every Mac app?
Yes. Handled at the macOS input layer — works in any app that accepts text.
My keyboard is not US layout. What do I do?
Option+V is mapped to the US English layout. Use Character Viewer (Ctrl+Cmd+Space) as a reliable fallback on any layout.
How do I type the cube root ∛ on Mac?
No keyboard shortcut exists. Use Character Viewer and search for “cube root.”
Is √ the same as a checkmark?
No. Square root (√ U+221A) and checkmark (✓ U+2713) are different Unicode characters.