How to Do a Square Root in Google Docs (4 Easy Ways)
Need to insert a square root in Google Docs? Whether you’re writing a math worksheet, a lab report, or a formula, Google Docs doesn’t have a dedicated “square root” button on the toolbar — but there are four simple ways to add the square root symbol (√). This guide walks through each method for typing a square root in Google Docs so you can pick whichever is fastest for you.
Quick Answer
The fastest way to add a square root in Google Docs is to use the built-in Equation editor: go to Insert > Equation, then click the square root icon (√) under the “Math operations” menu. This gives you a properly formatted, editable square root that also works for cube roots and nth roots.
How to Insert a Square Root in Google Docs Using the Equation Toolbar (Recommended)
This is the best method if you want a real, functional math equation rather than just a symbol — it lets you put numbers or variables under the radical and keeps everything aligned correctly.
- Open your Google Doc and click where you want the square root to appear.
- Click Insert in the top menu, then select Equation.
- A small equation toolbar will appear below the main menu bar.
- Click the Math operations icon (it looks like a fraction symbol, √⁄).
- Choose the square root symbol from the dropdown.
- Type the number or expression you want inside the radical.
- Click anywhere outside the equation box to finish.
Tip: The same dropdown also has options for cube roots and custom nth roots, so this method scales well if your document needs more than one type of root. If the equation toolbar doesn’t appear automatically, go to View > Show equation toolbar to turn it on.
How to Type a Square Root in Google Docs with a LaTeX Shortcut
If you already have the equation editor open, there’s a faster shortcut than clicking through menus — Google Docs recognizes LaTeX commands inline.
- Go to Insert > Equation to open the equation editor.
- Type
\sqrtinside the box and hit your Spacebar. - Google Docs will instantly convert it into the radical symbol (√), with a cursor ready inside it.
- Type the number or expression that belongs under the root.
This is the quickest way to insert a square root in Google Docs if you’re comfortable typing a short command instead of clicking through a dropdown menu.
How to Add a Square Root Symbol via Special Characters
If you just need the √ symbol itself — for example, inside a sentence rather than a full equation — the Special Characters menu is quicker.
- Click Insert in the top menu.
- Select Special characters.
- In the search box, type “square root.”
- Click the √ symbol that appears to insert it at your cursor.
This method inserts the symbol as plain text, so you’ll need to manually type any numbers after it (e.g., √16) rather than nesting them underneath.
How to Get a Square Root with a Keyboard Shortcut
For a one-step insert without opening any menus, use the built-in Unicode shortcut:
- On Windows (with a Numpad): Hold the Alt key and type 251 on your numeric keypad (Alt + 251), then release the Alt key.
- Mac: Press Option + V. This instantly drops a plain-text square root symbol (√) directly at your cursor anywhere in Google Docs
Which Method Should You Use to Insert a Square Root in Google Docs?
| Method | Best for | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Equation toolbar (menu clicks) | Math homework, formulas, multi-term expressions | Moderate |
| LaTeX shortcut (\sqrt) | Anyone already in the equation editor who wants speed | Fast |
| Special characters | Inserting the symbol mid-sentence, outside an equation | Fast |
| Keyboard shortcut | Repeated, rapid use (Windows & Mac) | Fastest |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I type a square root on a Mac?
The fastest way on a Mac is pressing Option + V. This generates the plain-text √ symbol instantly. If you need a formal math fraction layout, use Insert > Equation and type \sqrt followed by the spacebar.
Can I insert a cube root or nth root in Google Docs?
Yes. Go to Insert > Equation, click the Math operations drop-down menu on the equation toolbar, and select the specific option for nth root. This allows you to add a custom index (like a 3 for a cube root) outside the radical sign.
Why aren’t my numbers going under the square root line?
If your numbers are sitting next to the symbol instead of underneath it, you inserted it as a Special Character rather than an Equation. To fix this, delete the symbol, go to Insert > Equation, choose the root symbol from the toolbar, and type inside the blue box.
How do I edit a square root after inserting it?
If you used the Equation editor, click directly on the equation box to reopen it and edit the number or expression under the radical. If you inserted it as a special character, just edit it like normal text.
While you’re formatting math and symbols in Google Docs, you might also want to know how to write fractions in Google Docs or insert a matrix in Google Docs.