How to type the square meter symbol (m²): shortcuts

The square meter symbol (m²) is widely used in real estate, construction, interior design and many other fields. The superscript digit ² (superscript two) shows that a unit is squared. In this article you'll learn every way to type this symbol on different devices.

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Typing square meters on Windows

Method 1: Alt code with the numeric keypad

1. Make sure Num Lock is on
2. Hold down Alt
3. Type 0178 on the numeric keypad
4. Release Alt: the ² symbol appears

Then type an "m" before the ² to get m².

Method 2: Emoji keyboard

1. Press Windows key + . (period)
2. Click Ω (symbols) at the top
3. Look for ² among the math symbols
4. Or type "squared" in the search bar

Tip: You can also get ³ (cubed) with Alt+0179.

Typing square meters on Mac

Method 1: Character Viewer

1. Press Control + Command + Space
2. Search for "superscript 2" or "squared"
3. Double-click ² to insert it

Method 2: Unicode Hex Input (advanced)

1. Go to System Preferences → Keyboard → Input Sources
2. Add "Unicode Hex Input"
3. Switch to this input method
4. Hold down Option and type 00B2

Method 3: Text replacement

1. Go to System Preferences → Keyboard → Text
2. Create a replacement: type "m2" → becomes "m²"
3. This works in all applications

Typing square meters on Linux

Method 1: Unicode input

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + U
2. Type 00B2 or simply B2
3. Press Enter or Space

Method 2: Compose key

If you have configured a Compose key:

• Press Compose, then ^, then 2

Method 3: Character map

Open the character map (Character Map/gucharmap) and search for "superscript two".

Typing square meters on iPhone and iPad

Method 1: Built-in superscript

On newer iOS versions:

1. Press and hold the 2 key
2. A menu appears with ² as an option
3. Slide your finger to ² and let go

Method 2: Setting up text replacement

1. Go to Settings → General → Keyboard → Text Replacement
2. Tap + and add: Phrase: "m²", Shortcut: "m2" (or the other way around)
3. Now you can type m2 and it automatically becomes m²

Method 3: Copy and paste

Copy this symbol: ² and paste it wherever you need it.

Typing square meters on Android

Method 1: Long-press 2

On many Android keyboards (such as Gboard):

1. Press and hold the 2 key
2. Select ² from the pop-up menu

Method 2: Symbol keyboard

1. Tap ?123 to switch to symbols
2. Tap =< for more symbols
3. Find ² among the special characters

Method 3: Gboard voice typing

Say "square meter" or "squared": Gboard sometimes recognizes this as m².

Typing square meters in Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Microsoft Word: fastest method

1. Type "m2"
2. Select only the "2"
3. Press Ctrl + Shift + + (the superscript shortcut)
4. The 2 now becomes ²

Alternative: Go to Home → Font → click x² (the superscript button)

Microsoft Excel

1. Type "m²" by copying the ², or:
2. Select the cell and go to Format → Format Cells → Font
3. Check Superscript for the 2

Note: You can't use superscript in formulas. Use ^2 instead (e.g. A1^2).

PowerPoint

Same method as in Word: select the 2 and use Ctrl + Shift + + or the superscript icon.

Google Docs/Sheets

1. Select the "2"
2. Go to Format → Text → Superscript
3. Or use the shortcut Ctrl + . (period)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between ² and ^2?

The ² symbol is a real superscript character (Unicode U+00B2) that is displayed as a raised digit. The ^2 notation is an ASCII alternative that is often used in spreadsheets, code and plain text when real superscript isn't available.

How do I type m³ (cubic meter)?

Use the same methods, but with different codes:

• Windows: Alt+0179
• Unicode: 00B3
• Mac Character Viewer: search for "superscript 3"

Can I type other superscript digits too?

Yes! Most methods also work for other superscripts:

• ⁰ (Alt+8304), ¹ (Alt+0185), ² (Alt+0178), ³ (Alt+0179)
• ⁴ to ⁹ have Unicode: U+2074 to U+2079

Shortcut overview