²
Superscript Two
The superscript two (²) represents squared values, area measurements, and second-order relationships, making it essential for mathematics, physics, and engineering calculations.
Technical Details
- ASCII Code
- 178
- HTML Entity
- ²
- Hexadecimal
- 0xB2
- Binary
- 10110010
- Octal
- 262
Usage & Examples
Programming
char symbol = '²'; // ASCII 178HTML/Web
² or ²Common Uses
How to Type This Character
Windows
Mac
💡 Pro tip: The fastest way is to bookmark this page or copy the character from our ASCII library!
Related Characters
About the Superscript Two
Geometric Significance
Fundamental for area calculations (m², ft², cm²) and geometric relationships involving squares. The symbol enables precise measurement communication in construction, real estate, agriculture, and engineering applications.
Mathematical Operations
Essential for quadratic equations (x² + bx + c), statistical variance calculations, and polynomial expressions. Superscript two forms the backbone of algebra, calculus, and advanced mathematical analysis.
Physics Applications
Critical for expressing physical laws like kinetic energy (½mv²), gravitational force relationships, and electromagnetic equations. The symbol appears throughout physics education and research documentation.
Data Science
Used in correlation coefficients (R²), standard deviation calculations, and statistical modeling. Superscript two enables precise quantitative analysis in research and business intelligence.
History of the Superscript Two
Euclidean Geometry
Ancient Greek mathematicians developed concepts of squared quantities in geometric proofs, establishing the mathematical foundation for square notation.
Al-Khwarizmi's Algebra
Persian mathematician Al-Khwarizmi formalized algebraic operations including squared terms, influencing mathematical notation that would evolve into modern superscript usage.
Cartesian Coordinates
René Descartes' coordinate system extensively used squared terms, popularizing x² notation that became standard in mathematical education worldwide.
Newton's Principia
Isaac Newton's laws of motion and gravitation prominently featured squared relationships (F = ma, F ∝ 1/r²), cementing the symbol's importance in physics.
Metric System Standardization
International adoption of metric measurements formalized m², km², and other area units using superscript two, creating global measurement standards.
Cultural Impact
The squared symbol became synonymous with mathematical literacy and scientific understanding, representing the fundamental relationship between linear and area measurements that shapes human spatial comprehension.
Usage Examples
Area Measurements
ExampleReal estate, construction, and land measurement standards
Mathematical Equations
ExampleFundamental mathematical relationships and problem solving
Physics Formulas
ExamplePhysical laws and energy calculations
Statistics
ExampleData analysis and statistical modeling