Try these alternatives when the standard method fails. Need a symbol instead? ∛ (U+221B): Hit Win + . to open Windows’ emoji panel, type "cube root," and select it. In Word: Type 221B , then press Alt + X . Using a calculator (TI-84 or similar): Press MATH > 4:∛( , type your number, close the...

Stick to these syntax rules to avoid errors across platforms. Platform Recommended Syntax Notes Excel/Google Sheets =x^(1/3) Handles positive and negative values. Fails on even roots with negatives. Python x**(1/3) For negative cube roots, use abs(x)**(1/3) (e.g., (-8)**(1/3) gives 2.0 in Python...

How Do You Type A Cubed Root?

Type x^(1/3) in any calculator, spreadsheet, or search bar to instantly compute the cube root of x.

Quick Fix: Type x^(1/3) in any calculator, spreadsheet, or search bar to get the cube root of x instantly. This universal shortcut replaces outdated symbols and works across platforms.

Cube roots are computed by raising a number to the power of 1/3, which is the modern standard across software and web tools.

Cube roots are computed by raising a number to the power of 1/3, which is the modern standard across software and web tools.

Those clunky cube root symbols like ∛ used to be the only way. But since 2024, most tools ditched those awkward characters. Now, cube roots work like this: find the number that, when multiplied by itself three times, gives you back your original number. Instead of wrestling with special symbols, modern platforms use fractional exponents—specifically 1/3—as a universal shorthand. Honestly, this is the best approach for compatibility and ease of use, whether you're in a spreadsheet, programming console, or just searching the web.

Use =x^(1/3) in Excel/Google Sheets, x^(1/3) in Python, or x^(1/3) in search engines to type a cube root.

Use =x^(1/3) in Excel/Google Sheets, x^(1/3) in Python, or x^(1/3) in search engines to type a cube root.

Spreadsheets (Excel 2021/365, Google Sheets):
Open your spreadsheet and type =8^(1/3) into any cell. Replace 8 with your actual number or cell reference (like =A1^(1/3)). Hit Enter—the result appears instantly. This works for both positive and negative cube roots without any fuss.
Web search (Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo):
In your browser’s address bar or search box, type either cube root of 27 or 27^(1/3). Press Enter—Google spits out the answer (3) without making you open a separate calculator. This syntax has been supported since 2023, so it’s not some newfangled trick.
Python (3.8+):
Open a Python interpreter or script and type print(64**(1/3)). You’ll get back 4.0. For negative numbers like -125, use abs(-125)**(1/3) to avoid complex number results in older Python versions.
Microsoft Word (2024 or later):
Type x^(1/3) in your document. Highlight just the (1/3) part, then go to Home > Font > Subscript. Or save time and press Ctrl + Shift + + to toggle subscript formatting in a flash.

If x^(1/3) fails, use ∛ symbol via emoji panel (Windows) or character viewer (Mac), or Math.cbrt(x) in JavaScript.

If x^(1/3) fails, use ∛ symbol via emoji panel (Windows) or character viewer (Mac), or Math.cbrt(x) in JavaScript.

Still want that classic cube root symbol?
- ∛ (U+221B): On Windows, hit Win + . to open the emoji panel, type cube root, and pick the symbol. Mac users can press Control + Command + Space to open the character viewer and search for CUBE ROOT.
- In Microsoft Word: Type 221B, then press Alt + X to convert it to the cube root symbol.
Stuck with a scientific calculator (TI-84, Casio fx-991)?
Press MATH > 4:∛(, enter your number (e.g., ∛(343)), then close the parenthesis with ). Hit Enter—the result (7) shows up right away.
Using a phone (iOS/Android)?
Open your default calculator app. On iPhone, flip it to landscape mode to reveal the scientific keyboard. Tap 2nd (or Shift on Android), then ^. Type (1/3), close with ), and press =. Most modern calculator apps (as of 2026) support this syntax without any extra steps.

Always use x^(1/3) in spreadsheets, x**(1/3) in Python, \sqrt[3]{x} in LaTeX, and Math.cbrt(x) in JavaScript to avoid errors.

Always use x^(1/3) in spreadsheets, x**(1/3) in Python, \sqrt[3]{x} in LaTeX, and Math.cbrt(x) in JavaScript to avoid errors.

Platform	Recommended Syntax	Notes
Excel/Google Sheets	=x^(1/3)	Handles positive and negative values just fine. Just don’t try this with even roots (like square roots) and negative numbers—that’s a recipe for errors.
Python	x(1/3)**	For older Python versions, wrap negative inputs with abs(). Python 3.11+ plays nice with negatives out of the box.
LaTeX/Overleaf	\sqrt[3]{x}	Renders a clean cube root symbol. Word users should stick with x^(1/3) instead.
Web Browsers (JavaScript)	Math.cbrt(x) or x(1/3)**	Modern browsers support Math.cbrt() as a dedicated cube root function. For square roots, use Math.sqrt(x) instead.

Always double-check your cube root expression with a known value (like 8^(1/3), which should return 2) before relying on it for real work. If you're dealing with complex numbers or edge cases, your platform’s documentation is your friend—some tools (especially older spreadsheets) can trip up on negative cube roots.

For authoritative guidance on mathematical notation and exponents, see W3C MathML and MDN Web Docs: Math.cbrt().

What's Happening

A cube root finds the number that, when multiplied by itself three times, gives your starting value.

Most digital tools skip the special symbols these days. Instead, they use fractional exponents (like 1/3) to represent roots. This trick works everywhere from spreadsheets to programming languages without hunting for obscure characters.

Step-by-Step Solution

Plug your number into x^(1/3) in these common tools.

In Excel or Google Sheets:
Type =x^(1/3) in any cell. Replace x with your actual number or cell reference (like =A1^(1/3)). Hit Enter—Excel does the math instantly.
In Google Search:
Just type either cube root of 27 or 27^(1/3). Google spits out the answer without fussing over formatting.
In Python (any version):
Use x**(1/3). For example:
```
print(27**(1/3))  # Output: 3.0
```
(Python’s floating-point math means you’ll sometimes see decimals, like 8**(1/3) giving 2.0.)
In Microsoft Word 2024 or later:
Type x^(1/3). Highlight the (1/3) part, then go to Home > Font > Subscript to shrink and lower it. Need to toggle subscript quickly? Press Ctrl+Shift+=.

If This Didn't Work

Try these alternatives when the standard method fails.

Need a symbol instead?
- ∛ (U+221B): Hit Win + . to open Windows’ emoji panel, type "cube root," and select it.
- In Word: Type 221B, then press Alt + X.
Using a calculator (TI-84 or similar):
Press MATH > 4:∛(, type your number, close the parenthesis, and you’re done. Example: ∛(27).
Mobile keyboard (iOS/Android):
Open your calculator app, tap 2nd, then ^, and enter (1/3). Close the parenthesis and press Enter—most modern calculator apps handle this syntax just fine.

Prevention Tips

Stick to these syntax rules to avoid errors across platforms.

Platform	Recommended Syntax	Notes
Excel/Google Sheets	=x^(1/3)	Handles positive and negative values. Fails on even roots with negatives.
Python	x(1/3)**	For negative cube roots, use abs(x)(1/3) (e.g., (-8)(1/3) gives 2.0 in Python 3.11+).
Word/LaTeX	\sqrt[3]{x} or x^{1/3}	LaTeX users: \sqrt[3]{x} looks polished. Word users: stick with x^(1/3) and format the exponent.
Web Browsers	Math.sqrt(x) or x(1/3)**	JavaScript has Math.cbrt(x) built in for cube roots specifically.

Test your expression with a known cube (like 8^(1/3) = 2) before trusting it with real work.