Below is the Alt code keyboard shortcut for inserting the squared symbol. If you are new to ALT codes and need detailed instructions on how to use them, please read How to Use ALT Codes to Enter Special Characters. The Alt code for the superscript 2 or squared (²) symbol on Windows systems is 253 or 0178. To enter the superscript 2 symbol using the Alt code, hold down the Alt key and, while keeping it pressed, type 253 or 0178 using the numeric keypad. Then, release the Alt key, and the superscript 2 (²) symbol should appear. On an Apple Mac US keyboard, press the Option key, and while keeping it pressed, type 00B2. Please note that Alt codes may not work in all applications or with all keyboard configurations, as it depends on the specific settings and character encoding. If these methods do not work, simply copy and paste the superscript 2 or squared sign below.
Click the squared symbol (superscript 2) to copy:
²
| Symbol | ² |
| Symbol Name | Superscript two Superscript digit two Squared |
| Windows Alt Code | ALT 253 or ALT 0178 |
| Windows Alt X Code | 00B2 ALT X |
| Mac Option Key Shortcut | Option 00B2 |
| HTML Entity Named Character Reference | ² |
| HTML Entity Numeric Character Reference (Hexadecimal) | ² |
| HTML Entity Numeric Character Reference (Decimal) | ² |
| Unicode Code Point | U+00B2 |
Meaning and Usage of the Squared or Superscript Two Symbol ²
The squared or superscript 2 symbol (²) is a typographic symbol used to denote the mathematical operation of squaring a number or indicating that a quantity is raised to the power of 2. It visually represents the exponentiation of a value by 2.
The superscript 2 symbol (²) is derived from the Latin letter “S”, which was historically used to represent the Latin word “square.” It has a small raised appearance above the baseline and is typically placed after a number or variable to indicate the squaring operation.
For example:
- 4² represents 4 raised to the power of 2, which is equal to 4 multiplied by itself: 4² = 4 × 4 = 16.
- x² represents the variable “x” raised to the power of 2.
The superscript 2 symbol is commonly used in mathematics, physics, engineering, and various scientific fields where squaring or representing powers of 2 is relevant. It can be used to indicate areas, squares, or the second power of a measurement or value.
In addition to the superscript 2 symbol (²), other superscript symbols, such as superscript 3 (³) for cubing and superscript 4 (⁴) for raising to the power of 4, are also used to represent different mathematical operations involving exponents. These symbols aid in concise and standardized mathematical notation.
The squared or superscript two symbol (²) is a part of the set of ALT Codes for Math Symbols: Superscript & Subscript Numbers. For the the complete list of the ASCII based Windows ALT Codes, refer to Windows ALT Codes for Special Characters & Symbols.
