Squaring a number means multiplying it by itself.
About this calculator
Squaring a number means multiplying it by itself. Enter 12 and you get 144. Enter −5 and you get 25 because (−5) × (−5) is positive.
Squares show up everywhere — area of a square with side n is n², standard deviation uses squared deviations, and the Pythagorean theorem sums two squares. Memorizing squares up to 20 saves time on tests.
Use the [[square-root]] calculator to reverse the operation. For n³ try the [[cube]] calculator. For general powers use [[exponent]]. For areas of rectangles see [[rectangle]].
Common uses
- Compute 12² = 144 for quick mental math checks
- Find area of a square room from one side length
- Square a measurement before applying Pythagorean theorem
- Verify exponent rules in algebra homework
- Convert radius to area factor in circle formulas
Frequently asked questions
What is 12 squared?
12² = 12 × 12 = 144. This is also a perfect square, so √144 = 12 exactly.
What happens when you square a negative number?
(−5)² = 25. Two negative factors multiply to a positive. Do not confuse this with −5², which is −25.
Is squaring the same as multiplying by 2?
No. 5² = 25 but 5 × 2 = 10. Squaring repeats the factor; doubling adds another copy once.
How do squares relate to square roots?
They are inverse operations. If n² = 144 then √144 = 12. Use the square-root calculator to go backward.