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What to Put Into A Calculator to Square Root

Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team

Calculating square roots is a fundamental mathematical operation that appears in many fields, from basic algebra to advanced engineering. This guide explains exactly what to input into a calculator to find a square root, including the proper button sequence and interpretation of results.

How to Square Root on a Calculator

The process of calculating a square root varies slightly depending on the type of calculator you're using, but the basic principle remains the same. Most scientific calculators have a dedicated square root function, typically represented by the √ symbol.

Square Root Formula: √x = y, where y² = x

To find the square root of a number:

  1. Enter the number you want to find the square root of
  2. Press the √ (square root) button
  3. Press the equals (=) button to display the result

For example, to find √16:

  1. Press the "1" button
  2. Press the "6" button
  3. Press the √ button
  4. Press the = button

The calculator will display "4" as the result, since 4 × 4 = 16.

Step-by-Step Guide to Calculating Square Roots

Step 1: Enter the Number

First, enter the number you want to find the square root of. For example, if you want to find √25, press the "2" and then the "5" buttons.

Step 2: Press the Square Root Button

Locate the √ button on your calculator. On most scientific calculators, it's typically in the upper left corner, near the other mathematical functions.

Step 3: Press Equals

After pressing the √ button, press the equals (=) button to display the result. The calculator will show the principal (non-negative) square root of the number you entered.

Step 4: Interpret the Result

The result displayed is the principal square root, which is always non-negative. For example, √25 = 5, not -5. If you need the negative root, you'll need to multiply the result by -1.

Note: Most calculators only display the principal (non-negative) square root. If you need both roots, you'll need to manually account for the negative solution.

Common Mistakes When Calculating Square Roots

1. Forgetting to Press Equals

One of the most common mistakes is entering the number and pressing √ but forgetting to press the equals button. The calculator won't display the result until you complete the operation.

2. Using the Wrong Function

Some calculators have a "x²" (square) function that's easily confused with the √ (square root) function. Make sure you're using the correct button for your calculation.

3. Ignoring Negative Roots

As mentioned earlier, most calculators only display the principal (non-negative) square root. If you need both roots, you'll need to remember to account for the negative solution.

4. Rounding Errors

For non-perfect squares, calculators may display rounded results. For example, √2 might display as 1.414213562 instead of the exact value. This is normal and expected.

Examples of Square Root Calculations

Example 1: Perfect Square

Find √36:

  1. Press "3" then "6"
  2. Press √
  3. Press =

Result: 6 (since 6 × 6 = 36)

Example 2: Non-Perfect Square

Find √10:

  1. Press "1" then "0"
  2. Press √
  3. Press =

Result: Approximately 3.16227766 (since 3.16227766 × 3.16227766 ≈ 10)

Example 3: Decimal Number

Find √2.25:

  1. Press "2" then "." then "2" then "5"
  2. Press √
  3. Press =

Result: 1.5 (since 1.5 × 1.5 = 2.25)

FAQ

What is the difference between square and square root?

Square (x²) means multiplying a number by itself (e.g., 5² = 5 × 5 = 25). Square root (√x) means finding a number that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number (e.g., √25 = 5).

Can I find square roots of negative numbers?

On most basic calculators, you cannot find square roots of negative numbers. However, on scientific calculators, you can use complex number mode to find square roots of negative numbers.

Why does my calculator only show one square root?

Calculators typically display only the principal (non-negative) square root. For example, √16 shows 4, not -4. If you need both roots, you'll need to manually account for the negative solution.

How accurate are calculator square roots?

Calculator square roots are very accurate, typically displaying results to about 10 decimal places. For most practical purposes, this level of precision is sufficient.