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How to Type Square Root on Windows 10 Calculator

Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team

The Windows 10 Calculator app provides several ways to input square root symbols. Whether you're working with mathematical expressions or scientific calculations, knowing how to type square roots quickly can save you time. This guide covers all the methods available in the Windows 10 Calculator.

Keyboard Shortcut Method

The quickest way to type a square root symbol is by using the Alt code method. Here's how to do it:

  1. Open the Windows 10 Calculator app.
  2. Press and hold the Alt key on your keyboard.
  3. While holding Alt, type the numbers 2, 5, 1 on the numeric keypad.
  4. Release the Alt key to display the √ symbol.

Note

This method requires your keyboard to have a numeric keypad. If you're using a laptop without a numeric keypad, you'll need to use the mouse click method described below.

Mouse Click Method

If you prefer using your mouse, you can access the square root symbol through the Calculator's interface:

  1. Open the Windows 10 Calculator app.
  2. Click on the √ (square root) button in the scientific calculator mode.
  3. The symbol will appear in the input field.

This method is straightforward and works on all Windows 10 devices, regardless of keyboard type.

Using Scientific Mode

The Windows 10 Calculator has a scientific mode that provides access to advanced mathematical functions, including square roots:

  1. Open the Calculator app.
  2. Click on the Mode button (usually located at the top of the calculator).
  3. Select Scientific from the dropdown menu.
  4. Click on the √ button to insert the square root symbol.

Scientific mode also provides additional functions like exponents, logarithms, and trigonometric functions that can be useful for more complex calculations.

Worked Examples

Let's look at a couple of examples to see how square roots are used in calculations:

Example 1: Simple Square Root

Calculate √16:

  1. Type √16 using one of the methods above.
  2. Press the equals (=) button.
  3. The result will be 4.

Example 2: Square Root in an Equation

Calculate 3 + √25:

  1. Type 3 + √25.
  2. Press the equals (=) button.
  3. The result will be 8.

Formula Used

The square root of a number x is the value that, when multiplied by itself, gives x. Mathematically, this is represented as:

√x = y where y × y = x

FAQ

Can I use the square root symbol in all calculator modes?

Yes, the square root symbol is available in both standard and scientific modes of the Windows 10 Calculator.

What if I don't have a numeric keypad?

If your keyboard doesn't have a numeric keypad, you can use the mouse click method or switch to scientific mode to access the square root symbol.

Can I use the square root symbol in other Windows apps?

Yes, the square root symbol can be used in any application that accepts text input, including word processors and programming environments.

Is there a way to type cube roots in the Calculator?

Currently, the Windows 10 Calculator only supports square roots. For cube roots, you would need to use the exponentiation function (x³) or a different calculator application.