Squared Symbol ² — Copy and Paste
The squared symbol ² (superscript two) in one click, plus how to type it on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android — and where it is actually used.
Tap to copy
Copies instantly — paste anywhere plain text is accepted.
Where ² is actually used
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| m², cm², km² | Area units — square meters, square centimeters |
| x², E=mc² | Squares and exponents in math and physics |
| th² | Internet shorthand for "the second" / ordinal 2 (2ⁿᵈ style family) |
| ft², in² | Imperial area units — square feet, square inches |
| x²⁰²⁶ | Year shorthand — 2026 in superscript digits |
How to type ² on every device
Windows (any app)
Hold Alt and type 0178 on the numeric keypad (Num Lock on), then release. Requires a keyboard with a numpad. In Word and Excel you can also select the 2 and press Ctrl+Shift+= for real formatting.
Mac (any app)
Hold Option and the Character Viewer is not even needed — the quickest way is Ctrl+⌘+Space, search "superscript", click ². In Word for Mac, select the 2 and press ⌘+Shift+=.
iPhone / iPad
There is no superscript key. Copy ² from the button at the top of this page, or long-press the 0 key on the numeric keyboard and slide to ² (this types the degree-like superscript two in many iOS keyboards).
Android
Copy ² from the button above, or open the symbol keyboard (?123 → =\\< → long-press 2 on Gboard shows ²).
Word / Google Docs / Excel
Type a normal 2, select it, then press the app's shortcut — Ctrl+Shift+= (Word/Excel Windows), ⌘+Shift+= (Word Mac), or Ctrl+. (Google Docs). This keeps the text as real, searchable formatting. Full details: superscript keyboard shortcuts.
Need more than ²?
Convert any number or whole expression with the tiny number generator (⁰¹²³⁴⁵⁶⁷⁸⁹ and ₀₁₂₃₄₅₆₇₈₉), or turn full words into superscript with the superscript generator. Every character set is on the Unicode cheat sheet.