The fastest way to type the squared symbol on keyboard is to use the Windows Alt code or the Mac Character Viewer shortcut. For Windows, hold down the Alt key and type 0178 on the numeric keypad; for Mac, press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer, search for "superscript 2," and double-click the symbol. If you need the squared symbol right now and don't want to memorize anything, you can simply copy this one: ². If you're also hunting for less common math operators, the division sign on a keyboard requires a different set of shortcuts entirely.
How to type the squared symbol on keyboard in 3 seconds
The absolute fastest methods for Windows and Mac get the symbol inserted without any menus or mouse clicks. On Windows, ensure Num Lock is on, hold the Alt key, type 0178 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. The ² appears instantly. On Mac, press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer, type "squared" or "superscript 2" in the search bar, and double-click the symbol. If neither method works for your current device, the universal fallback is to copy and paste the squared symbol from a reliable source, it works in any text field on any operating system.
Type the squared symbol in Google Docs
Google Docs offers two verified methods that are faster than hunting through menus. The first is the superscript shortcut:
- Type the number you want to square (for example, type "5").
- Highlight the number.
- Press Ctrl + . on Windows or Chrome OS, or Command + . on Mac.
The selected number will immediately become superscript, creating the squared symbol. The second method is to use the special characters menu:
- Go to Insert > Special characters.
- In the search box, type "squared".
- Click the ² symbol to insert it at the cursor.
Both methods insert the exact Unicode character U+00B2, so the result is identical to the symbol you would get from the Windows Alt code or Mac Character Viewer.
Insert the squared symbol on a smartphone or tablet
On iOS and Android, the squared symbol lives in the symbols or emoji keyboard. On an iPhone or iPad, tap the 123 key, then tap and hold the number 0, a pop-up will show the ² symbol. Slide your finger to select it. On Android, tap the ?123 key, then tap the =\< key (or the symbols key, depending on your keyboard app) to find the ² character.
Why does the squared symbol look different in some fonts?
The squared symbol is Unicode character U+00B2, which means it is a standard character that every modern font supports. However, the visual appearance of the squared symbol can vary depending on the specific font being used. In a serif font like Times New Roman, the ² may have small decorative strokes; in a sans-serif font like Arial, it will appear cleaner and more geometric. This is normal, the underlying character is always the same, but each font designer decides the exact shape and position. If the squared symbol looks odd in your document, try changing the font to a common one like Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica for a more standard appearance.
