- Learn how to type m² using keyboard shortcuts in Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Learn how to access the ² symbol from mobile devices Android e iOS.
- Discover tools like the character map and Unicode to easily copy the symbol.
- Explore practical tips for inserting superscripts in Become, Google Docs and other apps.
When writing technical texts, instructions, academic documents or even everyday conversations, we often need to write the unit of square meters (m²)Although it may seem complicated, There are different methods to do it from computers, mobile phones, and text editors, without always having to resort to the classic copy and paste.
The symbol ², which is used as superscript number two, doesn't appear directly on all physical or virtual keyboards, but there are several ways to access it. Below, we'll explain, step by step and depending on your device, how you can type it quickly and easily.
How to Enter Square Meters (m²) in Windows
On computers with Windows operating system, the most common option to insert the ² symbol is by using a shortcut with the Alt key, using the numeric keypad (not the numbers on the top row of the alphanumeric keypad).
- Press and hold the Alt key.
- While holding it down, type 0178 on the numeric keypad.
- When you release Alt, the ² symbol will automatically appear.
This way, you will only have to write an 'm' followed by the superscript ² to get the result. m². Additionally, if you want to get other useful superscripts when writing mathematical or scientific formulas, you can use:
- Alt + 0179 for superscript 3 (³)
- Alt + 0185 for superscript 1 (¹)
Another option is to use the Windows Character MapJust type "Character Map" into the Start menu search, locate the ² symbol, double-click to copy it, and paste it wherever you need it.
How to type m² on Mac (macOS)
On Apple computers the situation changes a little. Although some indicate that the combination can be used Option+00B2, it doesn't always work, so there are more reliable methods.
One of them is the following procedure using the emoji selector and Symbols:
- Place the cursor where you want to insert the symbol.
- Press simultaneously controller + Cmd + Spacebar.
- A window will open. Type "superscript" into the search box.
- Choose the number ², ³ or other and click to insert it into your text.
Additionally, users of Pages (Apple word processor) can activate superscript mode from the top menu: Format → Font → Baseline → Superscript. You can also use the shortcut Control + Cmd + + to apply the format.
How to put the ² symbol in Linux
If you're using Linux, you can insert superscripts using several methods. One of the simplest methods on some distributions is to type ^2 (circumflex acentre followed by the number 2) and then press the spacebar. On systems with auto-replace support, this may become ².
In applications like LibreOffice, you can use the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + P to superscript a number after typing it. That is, type "2," select it, and then use this key combination to superscript it.
How to add m² from your mobile (Android and iOS)
Using a mobile phone's virtual keyboard may seem more limited, but there are several ways to type m² on the screen. On many keyboards, especially Gboard On Android, you can access the superscript ² directly.
Android
Most Android keyboards allow you to access superscripts by long-pressing the corresponding number. In the case of number 2:
- Open the keyboard and select the '123' option or the number row if available.
- Press and hold the number 2 key.
- A pop-up menu will appear with the ² symbol. Select it.
This method also works for superscripts like ¹ and ³ on other keys. Some keyboards even unlock fractions or the degree symbol with a long press.
iOS (iPhone and iPad)
On Apple devices, there is no ² symbol on the standard keyboard. However, there are several solutions:
- Voice Dictation: Say "square meters" and the system will convert it to text. It won't insert squares, but it can be a useful workaround.
- Alternative keyboard: Install Gboard to access superscript directly.
- Text substitutions: Create a custom shortcut that replaces for example ^2 with ² automatically.
To set up text replacement, follow these steps:
- Sign in Settings → General → Keyboard → Text Replacement.
- Tap the + symbol to add a new phrase.
- In “Phrase” write ² (you can copy it from here) and in “Quick Function” put ^2.
Every time you type ^2, iOS will automatically convert it to ².
Using superscript in Word, Google Docs, and other editors
In most word processors, you can apply the superscript style to any number. This allows you to transform text like "m2" into "m²" simply by selecting the number and using the corresponding option. For more details, you can consult our guide on How to use the degree function in Excel.
- Word: Select the number and press Ctrl+Shift++. Or, go to the 'Home' tab and click the superscript (X²) button.
- Google Documents: use the menu Format → Text → Superscript, or the shortcut Ctrl +.
Copy and paste the ² symbol from Unicode
Another universal option is to copy the symbol from specialized pages such as unicode-table.com, where you can find the superscript 2 (Unicode code U+00B2). If you want to go deeper into how to put square meters on the keyboard, you can check out our tips at How to put the square on Android.
On that website, just search for the ² symbol and click the "Copy" button. You can then paste it as many times as you like into any document, email, or application. You can also save a note with the most frequently used codes, for example:
⁰ ¹ ² ³ ⁴ ⁵ ⁶ ⁷ ⁸ ⁹
This is useful in mobile devices that do not allow you to modify the keyboard or if you prefer not to install additional applications.
After exploring all the possible ways of writing square meters in different systems, it is clear that There are multiple methods adapted to each type of deviceUsing keyboard shortcuts, built-in tools like the character map, custom keyboards, and creating text shortcuts are all effective options for writing m² quickly and comfortably. Saving useful symbols or knowing where to find them easily can make a difference when working with technical or scientific text.
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