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.
- Click inside the equation box.
- Type
\sqrtand press the space bar. - 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:
- Windows/ChromeOS: Type
221A, then press Alt + X to convert it into √. - Mac: There’s no native shortcut, but you can copy √ once from Special Characters and reuse it, or set up a custom text replacement in System Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacements (e.g., replace “sqrt” with √).
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 (Alt+X) | Repeated use, Windows/ChromeOS users | Fastest |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I type a square root in Google Docs?
Go to Insert > Equation, then either click the square root icon under Math Operations, or type \sqrt and press the space bar. You can also type 221A and press Alt + X anywhere in the document.
How do I add a square root symbol without using the equation editor?
Go to Insert > Special characters and search “square root” to insert the √ symbol as plain text.
Can I make a cube root or nth root in Google Docs?
Yes. In the Equation editor, the same Math operations dropdown that has the square root also includes a cube root option and a customizable nth root, where you can set the index yourself.
Why doesn’t Alt + X work for me?
The Alt + X shortcut only works on Windows and ChromeOS. On Mac, use the Special Characters menu instead, or set up a text replacement shortcut in your Mac’s keyboard settings.
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.
Final Thoughts
For quick, one-off symbols, Special Characters or the Alt + X shortcut will save you time. For actual math work — homework, formulas, or anything with numbers nested under the radical — the Equation toolbar (or the \sqrt LaTeX shortcut inside it) is the more reliable way to insert a square root in Google Docs, since it keeps formatting correct and lets you build more complex expressions later.
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.