How to Type a Squared Symbol
The squared symbol (²) is essential for mathematical expressions, area measurements (m²), and exponents. Here's how to type the superscript 2 on every platform.
Quick Reference
Windows
Hold Alt and type 0178 on the numeric keypad.
Alt + 0178
Mac
Press Ctrl + Cmd + Space, search for "superscript 2" or use Character Viewer.
Character Viewer → Search "superscript"
Linux
Press Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00B2, press Enter.
Ctrl + Shift + U, 00B2, Enter
HTML
Use the HTML entity ² or numeric ².
² or ²
Common Uses
The squared symbol is widely used in mathematics, science, and everyday measurements. It indicates that a number is raised to the power of two, or that a unit is two-dimensional.
- Area measurements: 100 m², 500 ft², 25 km²
- Mathematical expressions: x², a² + b² = c² (Pythagorean theorem)
- Physics formulas: E = mc² (Einstein's equation)
- Real estate: Apartment size is 850 ft²
- Statistics: R² value, chi-squared test
Alternative Methods
Microsoft Word: Type the number 2, select it, then press Ctrl + Shift + = to make it superscript.
Google Docs: Type the number 2, select it, then go to Format → Text → Superscript (or use Ctrl + .).
Copy and paste: Select and copy this: ²
Technical Details
Unicode: U+00B2
HTML Entity: ²
HTML Decimal: ²
Alt Code (Windows): Alt + 0178
Name: SUPERSCRIPT TWO