4 ways to insert square roots in Google Docs

To type a square root symbol in Google Docs start by opening your Google Docs document. Next, navigate to the “Insert” menu, and within it, select “Equation.” This action will open the equation toolbar. 

In the equation toolbar, you’ll find a range of mathematical symbols and operations, including the square root symbol (√). Click on this symbol, and it will be inserted directly into your document.

Alternatively, you can speed up the process by typing “\sqrt” within the equation editor textbox and then pressing the spacebar key. The equation editor will automatically convert this text into the square root symbol for you.

how to type square root in google docs

In this guide, we’ll provide you with detailed steps for both of these methods to insert the square root symbol in Google Docs. 

Additionally, we’ll explore two other options: using the special characters tool and using the Hypatia Create Google Workspace add-on. 

Whether you choose to use the Equation tool or one of these alternatives, you’ll find that inserting the square root symbol in Google Docs is a straightforward and hassle-free process. So, let’s get started with these quick and efficient methods.

Method 1: Using the Equation Tool to Insert the Square Root Symbol

1 – Begin by navigating to Google Docs and opening the document where you want to insert the square root symbol.

Using the Equation Tool to Insert the Square Root Symbol 01

2 – Click on “Insert” in the menu bar at the top of the page.

Using the Equation Tool to Insert the Square Root Symbol 02

3 – From the dropdown menu, click on the “Equation” option.

Using the Equation Tool to Insert the Square Root Symbol 03

4 – In the equation toolbar, look for the “math operators” icon and click on it.

Using the Equation Tool to Insert the Square Root Symbol 04

5 – A dropdown menu will appear. Locate the “square root” symbol within it and click on it.

Using the Equation Tool to Insert the Square Root Symbol 05

6 – Finally, type in the number or expression for which you want to calculate the square root.

Using the Equation Tool to Insert the Square Root Symbol 06

Method 2: Using the \sqrt Shortcut in the Equation Tool

1 – Begin by opening the Google Docs document where you intend to add the square root symbol.

sqrt Shortcut in the Equation Tool 01

2 – Look to the top menu bar and click on “Insert.”

sqrt Shortcut in the Equation Tool 02

3 – From the dropdown menu that appears, select “Equation.” This will activate the equation editor, allowing you to work with mathematical symbols.

sqrt Shortcut in the Equation Tool 03

4 – Inside the equation editor, type “\sqrt”

sqrt Shortcut in the Equation Tool 04

5 – Press the “spacebar” key on your keyboard.

sqrt Shortcut in the Equation Tool 05

6 – Finally, type in the number for which you wish to calculate the square root.

sqrt Shortcut in the Equation Tool 06

Method 3: Using the Hypatia Create Add-on

1 – Start by opening the Google Docs document where you want to insert the square root symbol.

2 – Look to the top menu bar and click on “Extensions.”

Installing The Hypatia Create Add-On 02

3 – Hover your mouse over the “Add-ons” option and then click on “Get Add-ons” in the slide-out menu.

Installing The Hypatia Create Add-On 03

4 -In the Google Workspace Marketplace popup, use the search bar and type in “Hypatia Create,” then press “Enter” on your keyboard.

Installing The Hypatia Create Add-On 04

5 – Among the search results, click on the Hypatia Create add-on.

Installing The Hypatia Create Add-On 05

6 – On the add-on page, click the “Install” button.

Installing The Hypatia Create Add-On 06

7 – In the “Get Ready to Install” pop-up, click the “Continue” button.

Installing The Hypatia Create Add-On 07

8 – Select the Google account on which you want to install the Hypatia Create add-on.

Installing The Hypatia Create Add-On 08

9 – Give Hypatia Create access to your Google Account by scrolling down and clicking the “Allow” button.

Installing The Hypatia Create Add-On 09

10 – After installing the add-on, return to your document.

11 – Click on “Extensions” in the top menu bar again.

Using the Hypatia Create Add-On 11

12 – This time, hover your mouse pointer over the “Hypatia Create” option, and then click on “Insert/Edit Math” in the slide-out menu.

Using the Hypatia Create Add-On 12

13 – In the “Hypatia Create” pop-up, click on the “Commonly Used Math Operators” icon, represented by a “x2” symbol.

Using the Hypatia Create Add-On 13

14 – From the dropdown menu, click on the square root symbol.

Using the Hypatia Create Add-On 14

15 – Type the number or expression for which you want to calculate the square root.

Using the Hypatia Create Add-On 15

16 – Click on the “Insert” button to add the square root symbol to your document.

Using the Hypatia Create Add-On 16

17 – Close the “Hypatia Create” window.

Using the Hypatia Create Add-On 17

Method 4: Using the Special Characters Tool

1 – Start by opening the Google Docs document where you want to insert the square root symbol.

Using the Special Characters Tool 01

2 – Move your mouse pointer to the exact location in your document where you want to place the square root symbol.

Using the Special Characters Tool 02

3 – Look to the top menu bar and click on “Insert.”

Using the Special Characters Tool 03

4 – From the dropdown menu, select “Special Characters.”

Using the Special Characters Tool 04

5 – In the Special Characters popup, type “square root” in the search bar.

Using the Special Characters Tool 05

6 – Find the square root symbol in the search results and click on it. This action will insert the square root symbol directly into your document at the location of your cursor.

Using the Special Characters Tool 06

Conclusion

In conclusion, you’ve learned that there are four ways to insert a square root symbol in Google Docs. The steps for each of these methods are straightforward and can be accomplished by even a beginner.

However, using the built-in equation editor offers the easiest approach. This tool not only simplifies inserting the square root symbol but also allows you to format equations and easily integrate them within your written content.

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