U+00B2^2²²<mn>²</mn>Semantic identity and intent
Characters to distinguish
- √ — Square Root
- ₁ — Subscript One
Use ² in the right format
Meaning and usage
A Unicode raised digit two, often used for squared units or simple powers.
Use real superscript formatting or LaTeX for complex expressions.
Pronunciation: superscript two
Formula examples
x^2m^2How to type Superscript Two
- Windows
- Use Character Map or enter U+00B2 in a Unicode-aware app.
- macOS
- Open Character Viewer with Control–Command–Space and search by name.
- Microsoft Word
- Type ^2 in an equation and press Space.
- iPhone and iPad
- Copy and paste ², or use a math/LaTeX app. The standard iOS keyboard may not expose every mathematical symbol.
- Android
- Copy and paste ², or use a math keyboard or LaTeX editor. Keyboard layouts vary by device and app.
- Google Docs
- For plain text, paste ² or use Insert → Special characters. For structured math, use the equation editor and verify ^2.
- Excel
- Paste ² into a cell or use Insert → Symbol when available. Ordinary cells preserve the character but do not interpret LaTeX commands.
Common mistakes
- Unicode superscript or subscript glyphs such as ² are plain text; use structured LaTeX or MathML scripts when nesting, accessibility, or reliable layout matters.
- For plain text, copy ² as U+00B2; for structured equations, use ^2 in math mode. A look-alike glyph or image can break search, accessibility, or parsing when the intended character is Superscript Two.
When to use ²
- Use ² in plain text when a Unicode character is appropriate and the destination preserves U+00B2.
- Use ^2 in an equation editor when mathematical spacing or structure matters.
- Define the local meaning when Superscript Two is used in super sub, algebra with a field-specific convention.
Look-alikes and related characters
- √ — Square Root
- ₁ — Subscript One
Font and compatibility notes
Glyph shape can vary by font. Verify the code point after copying, and prefer LaTeX or MathML for structured equations.
Continue the workflow
From Superscript Two to a finished equation
- Copy the characterUse ² in plain text when Unicode is accepted.
- Choose a structured formatUse
^2for LaTeX or the MathML snippet for accessible web equations. - Edit or convertOpen the value in the editor or converter without retyping it.
Review and source notes
Quality tier: core
Last reviewed: 2026-07-26
Review method: Checked Superscript Two against its Unicode identity, LaTeX representation, HTML serialization, MathML token, and copy-and-paste behavior.
Verified against: Unicode Standard, Unicode mathematical notation guidance, and established LaTeX/MathML syntax.
Reference sources
- The Unicode StandardUnicode Consortium — Character identity, encoding, names, and conformance.
- Unicode Character Code ChartsUnicode Consortium — Code points and official character charts.
- Unicode Technical Report #25: Unicode Support for MathematicsUnicode Consortium — Mathematical character usage, variants, and notation support.
- LaTeX Project DocumentationThe LaTeX Project — LaTeX syntax, authoring model, and official documentation links.
- MathML CoreW3C — Semantic web mathematics elements and browser behavior.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Superscript Two symbol mean?
A Unicode raised digit two, often used for squared units or simple powers.
What is the LaTeX command for ²?
Use ^2 in a compatible math environment.
Can I copy ² as Unicode?
Yes. Use the copy button above to copy the Unicode character directly.