Inserting the square root sign in Excel is a piece of cake once you know how. All you need is the formula =SQRT(number), where “number” is the value you want to find the square root of. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to insert square root signs like a pro!
Step by Step Tutorial: Insert Square Root Sign in Excel
Before we get started, let me tell you what we’ll achieve with the following steps. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll be able to insert the square root sign into your Excel worksheet and apply it to numbers or cell references.
Step 1: Select the cell where you want to insert the square root
Click on the cell where you want the square root result to appear. This step is important because it tells Excel where to display the output of the square root calculation.
Step 2: Type =SQRT( into the selected cell
Begin by typing =SQRT( into the cell. This formula is the start of telling Excel that you want to calculate the square root of a number.
Step 3: Enter the number or cell reference
After the (, type in the number you want to find the square root of, or click on the cell that contains the number. For example, if you’re finding the square root of 25, you’ll type =SQRT(25).
Step 4: Close the formula with a )
Finish the formula by typing a closing parenthesis ). This tells Excel that your formula is complete.
Step 5: Press Enter
After closing the formula, hit the Enter key on your keyboard. Excel will calculate the square root and display the result in the cell you selected.
Once you complete these steps, the cell you selected will display the square root of the number you entered. It’s that simple!
Tips for Insert Square Root Sign in Excel
- If you’re finding the square root of a cell reference, make sure that cell contains a number.
- Double-check that you’ve closed the formula with a
)to avoid any errors. - Remember that the square root of a negative number will result in an error, as Excel cannot calculate the square root of negative numbers.
- Use the
Insert Functionfeature in Excel for guidance if you’re unsure how to create the formula. - You can drag the corner of the cell with the square root formula to apply it to other cells in the worksheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I insert the actual square root symbol in Excel?
Yes, you can insert the square root symbol (√) in Excel by using the Insert Symbol feature or by typing the character code 221A, then pressing Alt + X.
What happens if I get an error when trying to calculate the square root?
If you receive an error, it might be because you’re trying to find the square root of a negative number, or your formula might be incorrectly typed. Make sure your formula looks like =SQRT(number).
Can I find the square root of multiple numbers at once?
Absolutely! You can use the fill handle to drag the square root formula across multiple cells, and Excel will calculate the square root for each cell.
How do I find the square root of a number without a calculator?
In Excel, you don’t need a calculator. Simply use the =SQRT(number) formula, and Excel will do the math for you.
Is there a square root function button in Excel?
No, there’s no specific button for the square root function, but you can easily type the formula or use the Insert Function feature to include it in your worksheet.
Summary
- Select the target cell.
- Type
=SQRT(. - Enter the number or cell reference.
- Close with a
). - Press Enter.
Conclusion
Excel is a powerful tool, and knowing how to insert the square root sign can be incredibly handy, especially when dealing with mathematical data. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who loves playing with numbers, this skill is bound to save you time and make your spreadsheet work more efficient. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to try out this function in different scenarios. If you get stuck or need a quick refresher, you can always come back to this guide. And who knows, maybe you’ll become the go-to person at work or school for how to insert a square root sign in Excel! Happy calculating!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.