Square Root Calculator – Calculate Square Roots & Perfect Squares
Square Root Calculator
Are you having trouble figuring out how to quickly find the square root of a number? Our online square root calculator tool helps you solve basic math problems and complex real number roots instantly.
What is a square root?
In standard mathematics, a square root of a given number (x) is simply another number (a) which, when multiplied by itself, yields the original starting number. For example, since 6 times 6 equals 36, the square root of 36 is exactly 6.
Simple online square root calculator tool
Use this simple online square root calculator tool to find the principal square root and standard roots of any real numbers. You can easily enter positive or negative real numbers for your main radicand. Once you click Calculate, the answer will also show you if you entered a perfect square.
If you are working on advanced algebra tasks, the system will automatically show you the complex or imaginary solutions for square roots of negative real numbers. If your math homework requires you to break down the number instead of just finding a fractional or decimal answer, please see our specialized Simplify Radical Expressions Calculator to simplify radicals.
Understanding odd and even square roots
When learning how to calculate square roots online, it is important to remember that for any positive real number there are two possible roots: a positive root and a negative root. Finding square roots is simply a highly specialized version of our standard Root Calculator.
Remember:
Every positive real number has both a positive and a negative answer. For example, the two square roots of 25 are −5 and +5. This is true because both (−5) times (−5) and (+5) times (+5) yield exactly 25.
Every non-negative real number always has a unique non-negative square root, which math teachers generally refer to as the principal square root. For example, the principal square root of 25 is written as √25 = +5, while the negative square root is written as −√25 = −5. In everyday mathematics, unless your teacher states otherwise, asking for "the" square root generally means finding the principal square root.
Calculate perfect squares online
This math tool also functions as a highly accurate perfect square calculator. It will tell you instantly whether the number you entered is a perfect square or not.
In basic algebra, a perfect square is a number whose exact square root is a clean, whole number. For example, the numbers 16, 36, and 49 are all perfect squares because their exact square roots are 4, 6, and 7 respectively.
Common examples of square roots
To help you understand how to write these math equations, here are a few common search-like phrases and examples showing how to find the square root of a number:
- The 2nd root of 64, which is also called 64 radical 2, or the square root of 64 is written as the square root of 64 = ±8
- The 2nd root of 36, or 36 radical 2, or the exact square root of 36 is written as the square root of 36 = ±6
- The 2nd root of 144, or 144 radical 2, or the square root of 144 is written as the square root of 144 = ±12
- The 2nd root of 15, or 15 radical 2, or the decimal square root of 15 is written as the square root of 15 = +3.872983
FAQ
1. What does the Square Root Calculator do?
The Square Root Calculator finds the square root of a number and provides the result instantly. It can also indicate whether the number is a perfect square.
2. Can I calculate the square root of a negative number?
Yes. For negative inputs, the calculator can provide the corresponding complex or imaginary square-root solutions.
3. Can the calculator identify perfect squares?
Yes. The calculator tells you whether the entered number is a perfect square and gives its exact square root when applicable.
4. Can I calculate decimal square roots?
Yes. You can enter numbers that are not perfect squares and receive their decimal square-root result.
5. Does the calculator show both positive and negative square roots?
The calculator finds the principal square root, while the mathematical explanation also covers the positive and negative roots of a positive number.
6. Can I use the Square Root Calculator for algebra problems?
Yes. It can be useful for checking square-root calculations in algebra, equations, and other mathematical problems.
7. Can I use the calculator on my phone or computer?
Yes. The online calculator can be accessed through a web browser on phones, tablets, and computers.
8. Is the Square Root Calculator free to use?
Yes. You can use the online calculator to calculate square roots without performing the calculation manually.
Related Calculators
- •Square Root Calculator – Calculate real and complex square roots.
- •Cube Root Calculator – Calculate real and complex cube roots.
- •Root Calculator – Calculate nth roots for different root values.
- •Exponent Calculator – Calculate powers using exponents.
Last updated: August 16, 2026