How to type 2 squared symbol [²] in Word or Excel (with Keyboard shortcuts) - Software Accountant (2024)

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to effortlessly type or insert the Squared Symbol (²) across various applications like Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint on your PC, whether you’re working with a Windows or Mac keyboard.

This guide is packed with several easy-to-follow methods, including the convenient Squared Alt code shortcut, ensuring you can add this mathematical symbol to your documents in no time.

Dive in without delay and discover the simplest ways to incorporate the ² symbol into your work.

Quick Guide for typing the Squared symbol (²) on PC

To type the2SquaredSymbolanywhere on your PC or laptop keyboard, press down the Alt key and type0178using the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard.

However, to type this symbol in MS Word, just type 00B2, select it and then press Alt + X to get the Squared sign.

The table below contains everything you need to know to be able to type this symbol on both Windows and Mac. It even includes the Squared Symbol Alt Code shortcut.

More details about typing the 2 Squared Symbol ²

Whether you are using Windows or Mac, the above information is enough for you to write the Squared sign into your Word/Excel document.

However, if you are not satisfied with this quick help, keep reading below as I will explain in detail, how to get the Squared symbol or any other symbol anywhere on your Mac or Windows PC like in MS Word/Excel/PowerPoint.

As you may already know, there are several dual-purpose keys on the keyboard for both Windows and Mac. That is to say that there are symbols readily available as second keys on the keyboard. Just by pressing two or more keys simultaneously, you can easily insert such symbols into your work. For instance, pressing Shift + 7 keys give you the Ampersand (&) sign.

However, other symbols aren’t printed on the keyboard as second keys. This makes it difficult to type. One of these symbols is the2 Squared Symbol(²).

Typing becomes very difficult for you if you need to add some of these symbols regularly into your work.

But it doesn’t have to be difficult. Especially now that you are reading this step-by-step guide.

How to Insert the 2 Squared symbol in Word/Excel

In the following sections, I will show you all the easy ways to type or insert this symbol(2 Squared – ²) anywhere on your Windows or Mac PC (such as Word or Excel or PowerPoint).

In a couple of minutes, I’ll explain several methods you can use to get the 2 Squared (²) and any other symbol as and when the need arises.

As a quick guide, press down the Alt key and type 0178 or 253 alt code on your numeric keypad. You can also press Option + 00B2 on Mac.

However, without any further ado, below are the methods explained into details.

1.Squared Symbol ² Shortcuts (Windows and Mac)

TheSquaredSymbol Shortcut for Mac isOption + 00B2.

Windows has several shortcuts, some of which works only in Microsoft Word.

However, there’s a Windows shortcut for the Squared Sign that works across all applications. It is the alt code shortcut which is Alt+0178 (will be discussed in the next section).

The Squared Symbol shortcut for Microsoft Word is 00B2, Alt X. This works in Microsoft Word Only.

To use this on Windows (for Word), obey the following instructions:

• Place the insertion pointer in the right place.
• Type 00B2 on your keyboard, then press Alt + X.

This will convert the numbers into the Squared symbol at where you place the insertion pointer.

Below is a breakdown on how to use the Squared symbol shortcut for Mac:

• First of all, place the insertion pointer where you need to insert the symbol.
• Now, using the Mac keyboard, Press Option + 00B2 simultaneously.

This shortcut should insert the symbol for you on your Mac PC.

In the next section, I’ll show you how to use the Squared Symbol Alt Code to type the symbol on your keyboard.

2. Squared Symbol Alt Code(For Windows Windows)

TheSquared(²) Symbol Alt Code is0178 or253.

Every symbol in Word has a unique code that you can use to insert the symbol into your document. This code is well known as “Alt code”.

Below are the steps to type this symbol on your keyboard (using the Alt code provided above:

• Press the num lock key to enable the numeric keypad. Use Fn key + NumLk keys to turn on Num Lock on laptops without the numeric keypad.
• Press and hold the Alt key and type 0178 using the numeric keypad.
• After typing the Alt code (i.e. 0178), release the[Alt]key you pressed down.

As soon as you release the Alt Key, the Squared (²) symbol should appear in your document.

3. Copy and paste Squared symbol

Use the button below to copy and paste the Squared symbol for your work.

My favorite method for inserting symbols is the copy and paste.

With this method, all you need to do is google the symbol you need to type, then copy it from one of the search results provided. Once you get the symbol into your document, you can always recopy and paste it as and when the need arises.

Use the button above to get this symbol on your clipboard.

There is another way to copy this and any other symbol on Windows. It involved using the Windows Character Map.

Obey the steps below to copy and paste any symbol using the character map.

• Search for the Character map app by clicking on the Start button.
• The Character map app will show up in the search results. Click on it to launch.

• After the Character Map window opens up, click to check the Advance View checkbox to expand the window for more advanced options.

• On the Advanced View section, type Superscript Two in the search box.
• The symbol you searched for (i.e. the 2 Square symbol) will now appear on the Character map. Double click on it to select it. You’ll see that the symbol appears in the Characters to copy text box. This allows you to select and copy several symbols at the same time.

• After selecting the symbol, you wish to copy, click on the Copy button.
• Switch over to wherever you need the symbol, whether in MS Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, and press Ctrl + V to paste.

This is how you may copy and paste the Squared sign using the Character Map on Windows.

4. Using Insert Symbol Dialog

This approach isn’t as straight forward as the shortcut methods. But it’s fairly simple.

And once you get the symbol into your document, you can always copy and paste it again as and when you need it in your work.

Below are the steps to insert the Square Sign in Word using the insert symbol dialog.

• Go to the Insert tab.

• On theInserttab, click theSymbolbutton and chooseMore Symbols…

These few clicks will bring up the Symbol dialog box.

• Locate theSymbol you want to insert.

To easily find the Square symbol on the Symbols window, look at the bottom area of the dialog and type 00B2in theCharacter code:field. TheSquaredsymbol you want to insert will be selected after typing the code.

• Click on the Insert button.

Alternatively, double-clicking on the symbol will also insert the symbol into your document.

• Click the Close button.

This is how you may insert the 2 Squared symbol in Word using the insert symbol dialog.

Method 5: How to Insert the Superscript 2 Symbol in Word using the Equation Tool

Microsoft Word and Excel are equipped with a robust feature known as the Equation Tool, crafted to manage a broad array of mathematical and scientific symbols, including superscripts.

This section will show you the process for embedding the squared symbol in Word and Excel documents utilizing the Equation Tool.

Step 1: Open the Equation Tool

1. Launch your Microsoft Word document.
2. Position your cursor at the desired insertion point for the squared symbol.
3. Navigate to the “Insert” tab located on the Ribbon.
4. Within the “Symbols” group, click on “Equation.” A dropdown menu will appear.
5. From the dropdown, select “Insert New Equation.” This action will open the “Equation Tools Design” tab, providing access to numerous mathematical structures and symbols.

Step 2: Insert Superscript

1. In the “Equation Tools Design” tab, locate the “Script” button in the “Structures” group.
2. Click on the “Script” button. A dropdown menu with various scripting options, including superscript and subscript, will be displayed.
3. Select the superscript format (a box positioned above another box) from the dropdown. This action will insert a superscript structure into your document.
4. Click in the upper box of the superscript structure that appeared in your document.

Step 3: Enter the Superscript 2 Symbol

1. With the cursor in the upper box of the superscript structure, type the number 2. This action inserts the number 2 as a superscript, indicating a squared number.
2. If necessary, you can type the base number before the superscript structure. For example, to denote “3 squared,” type “3” followed by the steps above to insert the superscript 2.

Additional Tips

• For quick access to common superscripts, you can also use shortcuts (Alt + 0178) or the Symbol dialog box in Word. However, for precise formatting and additional mathematical symbols, the Equation Tool offers comprehensive options.
• The Equation Tool is not only limited to inserting superscripts but also enables the creation of complex mathematical equations and structures, enhancing the versatility of your Word documents.

Conclusion

As you can see, these are the various ways you may insert or type the Squared symbol in Word/Excel with or without using the keyboard.

My favorite method is using the copy and paste method followed by the shortcuts. The Alt Code method also comes simple.

For any comments or questions about this Squared sign guide, please let me know in the comments section below.

Thanks for reading.