How to Find the Square Root on a Mac
The square root operation is a fundamental function in mathematics, and Mac users can perform it with ease using various methods. In this article, we will explore the different ways to find the square root on a Mac, including using the built-in Calculator app, Numbers, and even using keyboard shortcuts.
Method 1: Using the Calculator App
The Calculator app is a simple and intuitive way to find the square root on a Mac. Here's how to do it:
- Open the Calculator app on your Mac.
- Select the Scientific mode by clicking on the "Scientific" button at the top right corner of the window.
- Enter the number for which you want to find the square root.
- Click on the "sqrt" button to find the square root.
Alternatively, you can also use the keyboard shortcut Command + Shift + 9 to access the Calculator app and perform the square root operation.

Method 2: Using Numbers
Numbers is a spreadsheet app included with Mac, and it also has a built-in function to find the square root. Here's how to do it:
- Open Numbers and create a new spreadsheet.
- Enter the number for which you want to find the square root in a cell.
- Select the cell and go to the "Formulas" tab in the top menu bar.
- Click on the "Math" button and select "Square Root" from the drop-down menu.
- The square root of the number will be displayed in the cell.
Method 3: Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Mac users can also use keyboard shortcuts to find the square root of a number. Here's how to do it:
- Open the Terminal app on your Mac.
- Type the command `echo "sqrt(16)" | bc` to find the square root of 16.
- Replace the number 16 with the number for which you want to find the square root.
Note that this method requires the bc (basic calculator) command-line tool to be installed on your Mac.
Method 4: Using Online Square Root Calculators
If you don't have access to a Mac or prefer not to use the built-in Calculator app, you can use online square root calculators. Here's how to do it:
- Open a web browser on your Mac.
- Search for "square root calculator" in the address bar.
- Enter the number for which you want to find the square root in the calculator.
- The square root of the number will be displayed on the screen.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you find the square root on a Mac:
- To find the square root of a number in a spreadsheet, use the `SQRT` function in the "Formulas" tab.
- To convert a number to a decimal in the Calculator app, use the "Dec" button.
- To access the Calculator app quickly, use the keyboard shortcut Command + Shift + 9.