Root Calculator
Calculate square roots, cube roots, and nth roots of any number.
A root calculator computes the nth root of a number and simplifies the radical form when possible.
Examples
Square root
Cube root
Simplified radical
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a simplified radical?
Can I take the square root of a negative number?
What is a perfect root?
Quick Tips
- •Double-check your inputs — small errors lead to incorrect results.
- •Use decimal form for fractions when entering values.
- •For square roots, enter 2 as the root index; for cube roots, enter 3.
A root calculator computes the nth root of a number and simplifies the radical form when possible.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter a number and the root index (2 for square root, 3 for cube root, etc.). The calculator will compute the nth root and show a simplified radical form when possible.
Understanding the Formula
ⁿ√x = x^(1/n). For square roots: √x = x^(1/2). For cube roots: ∛x = x^(1/3).
Examples
Square root
√144 = 12 (since 12² = 144)
Cube root
∛27 = 3 (since 3³ = 27)
Simplified radical
√72 = √(36 × 2) = 6√2 ≈ 8.485
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a simplified radical?
A simplified radical has no perfect square factors under the radical sign. For example, √72 = 6√2 because 72 = 36 × 2 and √36 = 6.
Can I take the square root of a negative number?
Not in real numbers. Even roots of negative numbers produce complex (imaginary) results. Odd roots of negative numbers are valid (e.g., ∛(-8) = -2).
What is a perfect root?
A number is a perfect nth root if its nth root is an integer. For example, 64 is a perfect square (√64 = 8) and a perfect cube (∛64 = 4).
Assumptions & Limitations
- Assumes real number results; even roots of negative numbers are not supported.
- Assumes exact input values; rounding in inputs propagates to results.
- Results may show floating-point approximations for irrational numbers.