Square Root Calculator
Calculate square roots, cube roots, and nth roots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the square root calculator work?
The calculator computes the principal (positive) square root of your number. For example, sqrt(144) = 12, sqrt(2) = 1.41421... It shows both the exact decimal value and the simplified radical form when applicable. For perfect squares (4, 9, 16, 25...), the result is a whole number.
Can I calculate cube roots and other roots?
Yes — enter the root degree (2 for square root, 3 for cube root, 4 for fourth root, etc.) and the number. Cube root of 27 = 3, fourth root of 81 = 3, fifth root of 32 = 2. Non-integer roots are displayed as decimals with configurable precision.
What is a simplified radical form?
Simplified radical form extracts perfect square factors. For example, sqrt(72) = sqrt(36 x 2) = 6*sqrt(2). The calculator finds the largest perfect square factor and simplifies automatically. This form is preferred in mathematics over long decimal approximations.
Can I find the square root of negative numbers?
The square root of a negative number produces an imaginary result. sqrt(-9) = 3i, where i is the imaginary unit (sqrt(-1)). The calculator handles negative inputs and displays the complex number result. Odd roots of negative numbers are real: cube root of -8 = -2.
What are some common perfect squares I should know?
Key perfect squares: 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49, 64, 81, 100, 121, 144, 169, 196, 225, 256, 289, 324, 361, 400. Knowing these helps with mental math and simplifying radicals. The calculator instantly identifies whether your input is a perfect square.