How to type the square root symbol (√) on Android
To type the square root symbol on Android with Gboard, tap ?123, then =\<. The √ key is on that second symbols page, alongside π, ÷ and ×. You do not need to copy anything, and it works in every app that uses the keyboard.
Quick answer
In Gboard: ?123 → =\< → √.
Step by step
Tap ?123
Switch to the numbers and symbols page.
Tap =\<
Open the second symbols page with the key on the left side.
Tap √
The square root sign is inserted.
Where it sits
On Gboard’s second symbols page, √ sits in the top row with other signs used in maths and money: ~ | • √ π ÷ × ¶ ∆. Having π and ÷ next to it makes this page the quickest place for maths on an Android phone. The division symbol guide uses the same route.
If you use another keyboard
Samsung Keyboard and SwiftKey also have maths signs on their symbol pages, but they move between versions. Open the symbols key and swipe through the pages. If √ is not there, copy it from this page and save it as a text shortcut (Samsung) or a dictionary entry, so a code such as sqrt/ suggests it.
Calculator apps and Google Sheets
In Google Sheets, the function =SQRT(16) returns 4, while √ in a cell is just text. Use √ in labels such as “√ of area” and the function for the maths. The Android calculator’s √ button also calculates rather than typing a character.
Cube roots and powers
Gboard has no ∛ or ∜, but long-pressing 2 or 3 on the ?123 page offers ² and ³ for squares and cubes (see squared on Android). For ∛, copy it from the cube root page. Every code for √, including the HTML entity √, is on the square root symbol page.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the square root sign on Gboard?
Tap ?123, then =\<. √ is on that second symbols page.
How do I type √ on a Samsung phone?
Look through the symbol pages of Samsung Keyboard (the !#1 key). If √ is missing in your version, copy it and save it as a text shortcut.
How do I calculate a square root in Google Sheets?
Use =SQRT(number), for example =SQRT(16) returns 4. The √ character itself does not calculate.