HTML Entity for Square Root (√)
What You'll Learn
How to display the Square Root (√) in HTML using named, hexadecimal, decimal, and CSS escape methods. This character is U+221A (SQUARE ROOT) in the Mathematical Operators block (U+2200–U+22FF)—the radical sign for square root operations.
Render it with √, √, √, or CSS \221A. For complex formulas, consider MathML or LaTeX renderers; for inline text like √9 = 3, HTML entities work well.
⚡ Quick Reference — Square Root
U+221AMathematical Operators
√Hexadecimal reference
√Decimal reference
√Most readable option
Name Value
──────────── ──────────
Unicode U+221A
Hex code √
HTML code √
Named entity √
CSS code \221A
Meaning Square root (radical)
Example √9 = 3
Block Mathematical Operators (U+2200–U+22FF)Complete HTML Example
A simple example showing √ using the named entity, hexadecimal code, decimal HTML code, and a CSS content escape:
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<style>
#point::after{
content: "\221A";
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<p>Square root (named): √9 = 3</p>
<p>Square root (hex): √16 = 4</p>
<p>Square root (decimal): √25 = 5</p>
<p id="point">Square root (CSS): 36 = 6</p>
</body>
</html>🌐 Browser Support
Square Root (√) is supported in all modern browsers when fonts include Mathematical Operators glyphs:
👀 Live Preview
See the square root symbol in mathematical contexts:
🧠 How It Works
Named HTML Entity
√ is the semantic named entity for the square root radical—the most readable option in source HTML.
Hexadecimal Code
√ uses Unicode hexadecimal 221A to display √ in HTML markup.
Decimal HTML Code
√ uses decimal Unicode value 8730 for the same character.
CSS Entity
\221A is used in CSS stylesheets in the content property of pseudo-elements like ::after.
Same visual result
All four methods produce √. Unicode U+221A in Mathematical Operators (U+2200–U+22FF).
Use Cases
Square Root (√) commonly appears in:
Equations and formulas such as √9 = 3 or √(a² + b²).
Textbooks, tutorials, and courses teaching algebra and calculus.
Research documents and proofs with radical notation.
Technical and engineering references with math notation.
Web-based math apps and interactive learning tools.
Inline math in articles, docs, and blog posts.
💡 Best Practices
Do
- Use
√for readable source markup - Write expressions like
√9 = 3for clarity - Use MathML or dedicated math renderers for complex nested radicals
- Pick one entity style (named, hex, or decimal) per project
- Test rendering with math-friendly fonts
Don’t
- Use padded Unicode notation like U+0221A—the correct value is
U+221A - Use CSS
\0221Awith a leading zero—prefer\221A - Rely on plain ASCII
sqrt()when proper math notation is expected - Expect HTML entities alone to draw full radical vinculums over long expressions
- Put CSS escape
\221Ain HTML text nodes
Key Takeaways
Four HTML/CSS references all render √
√ √ √For CSS stylesheets, use \221A in the content property
Unicode U+221A — SQUARE ROOT (√)
√ is the standard named entity for the radical sign
Previous: Square Original Of Or Equal To Next: Square Yuan
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
√ (named), √ (hex), √ (decimal), or \221A in CSS content. All four render √.U+221A (SQUARE ROOT). Mathematical Operators (U+2200–U+22FF). Hex 221A, decimal 8730, named √.√, √, or √) go in markup. The CSS escape \221A is used in stylesheets, typically in the content property of ::before or ::after. Same visual result, different layers of the stack.Explore More HTML Entities!
Discover 1500+ HTML character references — math operators, symbols, and more.
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