Word Guide
How to Insert the Square Root Symbol in Word
Copy the square root symbol instantly
Method 1: Alt+X Unicode Shortcut (Fastest)
- Click where you want √ in your document
- Type 221A (these four characters)
- Immediately press Alt+X
- Word converts 221A to √ in place
This is the fastest method and requires no mouse. It works in Word for Windows only — not on Mac or in Word Online.
Note: 221A must be the last thing typed before Alt+X with no space after it. If you already pressed Space, delete it first.
Method 2: Insert → Symbol
- Click Insert in the ribbon
- Click Symbol → More Symbols…
- Set Font to (normal text) and Subset to Mathematical Operators
- Find √ and click Insert
Slower than Alt+X, but works on all platforms including Word for Mac and Word Online. You can also set a custom keyboard shortcut from this dialog.
Method 3: Equation Editor
- Click Insert → Equation (or press Alt+=)
- Type sqrt followed by braces:
sqrt{x} - Press Space to render the formatted equation
Best for academic documents where √ needs to extend over an expression with a proper vinculum (overline). The equation is formatted as a display object rather than inline text.
Method 4: Copy and Paste
Copy √ from the sidebar and paste with Ctrl+V. The character is plain Unicode (U+221A) and pastes as editable text matching your document’s current font.
Setting a Custom Shortcut in Word
- Go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols
- Select √ and click Shortcut Key…
- Press your desired key combination (e.g., Ctrl+Shift+Q)
- Click Assign then Close
Your shortcut now inserts √ instantly in any Word document on that machine.
Which Method Is Best?
| Situation | Best method |
|---|---|
| Windows, typing fast | 221A + Alt+X |
| Mac or Word Online | Insert → Symbol or copy-paste |
| Academic / math document | Equation Editor (sqrt) |
| Use frequently | Set a custom shortcut |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 221A + Alt+X work in Excel?
No. Alt+X is a Word-only feature. In Excel, use Insert → Symbol to find √, or copy-paste it from this page — it pastes as a normal character in any cell.
Does this work in Word for Mac?
Alt+X does not work on Mac. On Mac, use Option+V to type √ in any app including Word, or use Insert → Advanced Symbol in Word for Mac.
Can I insert √ in Word Online?
Yes — copy-paste works in Word Online. The Alt+X and Equation Editor methods require the desktop app.
Will √ display correctly in all fonts?
Yes — all common Word fonts (Calibri, Times New Roman, Arial, Cambria) include √. If a decorative font omits it, Word falls back to a system font automatically.
What is the difference between √ as text vs. the Equation Editor version?
The plain text √ is a Unicode character that flows inline with your text. The Equation Editor version is a rendered math object with a full vinculum (horizontal bar) that extends over the radicand — better for formal equations, but not editable as plain text.