How to type the squared symbol (²) on a Mac
There is no single-key shortcut for the squared symbol on a Mac. The quickest ways to type ² on Mac are the Character Viewer (search “superscript two”), a text replacement that turns a code like “^2” into ², or superscript formatting in Pages and Word.
Quick answer
Press Control + Command + Space, search superscript two and double-click ². Or set a text replacement: ^2 → ².
Step by step
Open the Character Viewer
Press Control + Command + Space.
Search for it
Type “superscript” into the search field.
Insert ²
Double-click superscript two. It is added to Favorites-style Recently Used for next time.
The fastest long-term method
Open System Settings → Keyboard → Text Replacements, click +, and add ^2 with the replacement ². Do the same for ^3 → ³. From then on, typing ^2 followed by a space gives m² or cm² in any app, and the shortcut syncs to your iPhone and iPad.
Superscript formatting
For exponents in documents you can also raise ordinary digits:
- Pages and TextEdit: select the digit and choose Format → Font → Baseline → Superscript.
- Word for Mac: select it and press Command + Shift + =.
Formatting is lost when you paste into plain-text fields such as spreadsheets, forms and messages, where the real ² character is the safer choice.
Why Option + 2 does not work
On the US layout, Option + 2 gives ™ and Option + Shift + 2 gives €. Apple never assigned the superscript digits. Some other layouts, and the Unicode Hex Input source (hold Option and type 00B2), can produce it; the Character Viewer guide and Option key list explain both.
Squared units done right
Write area units without a space inside the unit: m², km², ft². In scientific writing, leave a space between the number and the unit: 25 m². For other powers, copy ⁴ ⁵ ⁶ or ⁿ from the superscript collection. The squared symbol page lists the HTML code ² and the other codes.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a keyboard shortcut for ² on a Mac?
Not on the US layout. Use the Character Viewer, a text replacement such as ^2 → ², or superscript formatting.
How do I type m² on a MacBook?
Type m, then insert ² from the Character Viewer, or type ^2 after setting up a text replacement.
What does Option + 2 type on a Mac?
The trademark sign ™.