In algebra, “to square” is to multiply a number by itself. For example, the square of 5 is 25 because 5 multiplied by 5 equals 25. The square is one of the most common mathematical operations, but how do you write the squared symbol on your computer or mobile phone? Like many mathematical symbols, it’s hard to find in most keyboards.
In this article, we will teach you how to type the squared symbol on your computer or smartphone, be it on a word processor like Microsoft Word or in your emails and online conversations. You will be amazed at how easy it is to type the squared sign or symbol.
How to Type the Squared Symbol Using Keyboard Shortcut
The easiest way to type the squared symbol is by holding the Alt key while typing 0178 on the number pad. Make sure that Num Lock is turned on for this keyboard shortcut to work. Typing the keyboard shortcut using the number keys above the letters (outside the number pad) will not work – you must use the number pad on the right side of the keyboard.
So the keyboard shortcut for the squared symbol is Alt + 0178. The result is like this: ².
How to Type the Squared Symbol on Microsoft Word and Google Docs
Many of us use Microsoft Word and other word processing software to draft our documents and correspondences. These word processors have support for special characters like the superscript symbol (x²).
To type the squared symbol on Microsoft Word, click the superscript button (x²) in the Font group under the Home tab, and then type the number 2. You can also type 2 first and then select or highlight it before clicking the x² button.
Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + + (hold the Ctrl and Shift keys and then press the + key) to get the same result as clicking x². Take note that this keyboard shortcut only works on Word. Using it on the Chrome browser will zoom the window instead, so be careful with this.
For Google Docs, press Ctrl + . (dot or period) and then type the number 2.
How to Insert the Squared Symbol on Your Smartphone
Inserting the squared symbol on your Android smartphone is relatively easy and straightforward. To insert the squared sign, just long-press the number 2 and it will insert the superscript ².
Unfortunately, the iPhone keyboard doesn’t have the option to insert the squared symbol. You can use the dictation feature on your iPhone instead. Tap the dictation microphone on the iPhone keyboard and then say the words “superscript two.” Select “Done” when you get the correct symbol.
Inserting the Squared Sign Using the Character Map
The Character Map application is a great tool for copying and inserting numerous characters and symbols. You can use this Windows tool if your keyboard doesn’t have a number pad or if you just want a quick and convenient way to insert the squared symbol.
To start, click the Windows icon on the bottom left corner of the screen, go to Windows Accessories, and then click Character Map. Choose the superscript 2 button, click Select and then Copy. You can now paste the symbol into any application.
If everything fails, you can simply copy the squared symbol from this page and paste it anywhere you want. Highlight this symbol: ² and then press Ctrl and C simultaneously to copy it. Go back to your document or application, and then paste the symbol by pressing Ctrl and V at the same time. You can also right-click using your mouse and select Copy and Paste.
That’s it! It’s super easy to type the squared sign for use in mathematical equations. Remember, you can always copy and paste this symbol if you’re having difficulties.
