How to type the square root symbol (√) on a Mac
To type the square root symbol on a Mac, press Option + V. The V key looks a little like a radical sign, which makes the shortcut easy to remember. It works in every app on the US and British layouts, from Notes to Numbers.
Quick answer
Press Option + V to get √.
Step by step
Click where √ belongs
Place the text cursor.
Hold Option
Press and hold the ⌥ key.
Press V
Tap V once. √ appears.
Other maths on the Option layer
The Option layer of the US keyboard is full of maths: Option + P gives π, Option + 5 gives ∞, Option + B gives ∫, Option + W gives ∑ and Option + D gives ∂. Together with √ they cover most school and university notation. See the full Option key shortcuts list.
A root with a bar in Pages and Keynote
The typed character is a single glyph, so it cannot stretch over a long expression. For that, Pages, Keynote and Numbers accept equations: choose Insert → Equation and type \sqrt{x+1} in LaTeX. Microsoft Word for Mac has its own equation editor under Insert → Equation.
If Option + V does nothing
Some apps reserve Option shortcuts for their own commands, and other keyboard layouts put different characters on the Option layer. Try it in TextEdit to confirm, switch to the U.S. input source if needed, or use the Character Viewer (Control + Command + Space, search “square root”).
What √ means
√x is the non-negative number that gives x when multiplied by itself: √9 = 3. With a small index, as in ∛8 = 2, it becomes a cube root. The square root symbol page covers its codes and look-alikes, including the check mark it is often confused with, and the Windows guide gives the alt code.
Frequently asked questions
What is the square root shortcut on a Mac?
Option + V. It types √ in all apps on the US and UK layouts.
How do I type a cube root on a Mac?
There is no Option shortcut for ∛. Use the Character Viewer and search “cube root”, or copy it from SymbolHub.
How do I write a square root over a whole expression?
Use Insert → Equation in Pages, Keynote or Word and enter \sqrt{…}. A typed √ cannot stretch over several characters.