By default, it may open in "Basic" mode. Go to the top menu bar and select (or press Command + 2 ). Type your number (e.g., 144). Click the ²√x button. Option B: Using Spotlight (The Fastest Way) You don’t even need to open an app to do math on a Mac. Press Command + Space to open Spotlight . Type "sqrt(number)". For example: sqrt(144) . The result (12) will appear as the top search result. Option C: Using Microsoft Excel or Numbers If you are working in a spreadsheet: Click on a cell. Type =SQRT(number) . Press Enter . 3. Finding the Symbol via Character Viewer
) on a Mac, use the following keyboard shortcut: Option + V Where to use it Documents & Notes: Works in Pages, Microsoft Word, Notes, and TextEdit. Calculators: Most calculator apps (including the built-in macOS Calculator) will accept this symbol as an input. Web Browsers: You can type it directly into search bars or online forms. Pro Tips for Math on Mac The Calculator App: Open the how to do square root on mac keyboard
If you’re doing actual calculations (e.g., in Spotlight, Calculator, or a spreadsheet), just type sqrt( or use the √ button in Calculator’s View → Scientific mode. The symbol √ alone doesn’t compute — you need a function or app. By default, it may open in "Basic" mode
Open via Spotlight ( Command + Space and type "Calculator"). Click the ²√x button