Often users need to raise a number to a power. How to do this correctly using Excel?
In this article we will try to deal with popular questions users and provide instructions for correct use systems. MS Office Excel allows you to perform a number of mathematical functions: from the simplest to the most complex. It's universal software designed for all occasions.
How to raise to a power in Excel?
Before searching required function pay attention to the mathematical laws:
- The number "1" to any degree will remain "1".
- The number “0” will remain “0” to any degree.
- Any number raised to zero degree, equals one.
- Any value of "A" to the power of "1" will equal "A".
Examples in Excel:
Option #1. We use the symbol "^"
The standard and simplest option is to use the “^” icon, which is obtained by pressing Shift+6 when English layout keyboards.
IMPORTANT!
- In order for a number to be raised to the power we need, you need to put an “=” sign in the cell before indicating the number you want to raise.
- The degree is indicated after the “^” sign.
We raised 8 to the “square” (i.e. to the second power) and received the result of the calculation in cell “A2”.
Option #2. Using the function
Microsoft Office Excel has a handy POWER function that you can activate to perform simple and complex mathematical calculations.
The function looks like this:
DEGREE(number,degree)
ATTENTION!
- The numbers for this formula are indicated without spaces or other characters.
- The first digit is the “number” value. This is the base (i.e. the number we are building). Microsoft Office Excel allows you to enter any real number.
- The second digit is the “degree” value. This is the indicator to which we raise the first digit.
- The values of both parameters can be less than zero (i.e. with a “-” sign).
Exponentiation formula in Excel
Examples of using the DEGREE() function.
Using the Function Wizard:
If you consider extra clicks a dubious pleasure, we offer another simple option.
Entering a function manually:
The sequence of actions is simple, and the user gets the result quite quickly. Arguments can contain cell references instead of numbers.
Root to Power in Excel
To extract the root using formulas Microsoft Excel, let’s use a slightly different, but very convenient way to call functions:
ATTENTION! If we need to find out the root of a power in Excel, then we do not use the =ROOT() function. Let's remember the theory from mathematics:
"Root n th power of number A called number b, n the th degree of which is equal to A", that is:
n √a = b; bn = a.
"And the root n-th degree from among A will be equal to raising to the power of the same number A by 1/ n", that is:
n √a = a 1/n .
From this it follows to calculate mathematical formula root in n-th degree for example:
5 √32 = 2
In Excel you should write it using the following formula: =32^(1/5), that is: =a^(1/n)- where a is a number; n-degree:
Or through this function: =DEGREE(32,1/5)
You can specify cell references instead of numbers in formula and function arguments.
How to write a number to a power in Excel?
Often it is important for you that the number to the degree is displayed correctly when printed and looks beautiful in the table. How to write a number to a power in Excel? Here you need to use the “Format Cells” tab. In our example, we wrote the number “3” in cell “A1”, which needs to be represented to the -2 power.
The sequence of actions is as follows:
Using Excel's capabilities is simple and convenient. With them you save time on doing mathematical calculations and searching for the necessary formulas.
Raising a number to a power is a standard mathematical operation. It is used in various calculations, such as educational purposes, and in practice. Excel has built-in counting tools given value. Let's see how to use them in different cases.
In Excel, there are several ways to raise a number to a power at the same time. This can be done using a standard symbol, function, or by using some not quite ordinary options for action.
Method 1: construction using a symbol
The most popular and known method raising a number to a power in Excel is using a standard symbol «^» for these purposes. The formula template for construction looks like this:
In this formula x is the number being built, n– degree of erection.
If the construction is integral part more complex calculation, then the procedure is carried out according to general laws mathematics. That is, for example, in the example 5+4^3 Excel immediately performs the exponentiation of the number 4, and then the addition.
Moreover, using the operator «^» You can construct not only ordinary numbers, but also data contained in a certain range of the sheet.
Let's raise the contents of cell A2 to the sixth power.
As you can see, all values of the required interval were raised to the specified power.
This method is as simple and convenient as possible, and that is why it is so popular among users. It is used in the vast majority of calculations.
Method 2: Using a function
Excel also has special function to carry out this calculation. That's what it's called - DEGREE. Its syntax looks like this:
DEGREE(number,degree)
Let's consider its application on specific example.
Following this, the result of calculating this function is output to the place that was allocated in the first step of the described actions.
In addition, the arguments window can be called up by going to the tab "Formulas". On the ribbon, click the button "Mathematical" located in the toolbox "Function Library". In the list of available elements that opens, you need to select "DEGREE". After this, the arguments window for this function will open.
Users who have some experience may not call Function Wizard, but simply enter the formula into the cell after the sign «=» , according to its syntax.
This method is more complex than the previous one. Its use can be justified if the calculation needs to be performed within the boundaries of a composite function consisting of several operators.
Method 3: exponentiation via the root
Of course, this method is not entirely ordinary, but you can also resort to it if you need to raise a number to the power of 0.5. Let's look at this case using a specific example.
We need to raise 9 to the power of 0.5 or in other words - ½.
But, of course, to this method calculations are resorted to quite rarely, using more well-known and intuitive clear options calculations.
Method 4: writing a number with a degree in a cell
This method does not require construction calculations. It is applicable only when you just need to write a number with a degree in a cell.
Attention! Even though the cell will visually display a number to a power, Excel treats it as plain text and not numeric expression. Therefore, this option cannot be used for calculations. For these purposes, the standard notation for the degree in this program is used - «^» .
As we see, in Excel program There are several ways to raise a number to a power. In order to choose a specific option, first of all, you need to decide what you need the expression for. If you need to perform construction to write an expression in a formula or simply to calculate a value, then it is most convenient to write through the symbol «^» . In some cases, you can use the function DEGREE. If you need to raise a number to the power of 0.5, then it is possible to use the function ROOT. If the user wants to visually display power expression without computational actions, then here on help will come formatting
Excel is a powerful spreadsheet processor designed to solve specific problems. With its help, you can display data in the form of a table, make calculations based on your goals and objectives, and present the results in the form of diagrams. WITH using Excel You just need to do things like:
- Mathematical calculations (addition, subtraction, root of a number, squaring, cube and other powers in Excel).
- Statistical work.
- Analysis of total values.
- Solving financial problems.
Used in various educational institutions, this editor is also used by employees of almost all industries, managers, and analysts. This is due to its versatility and ease of use. IN in this case let's turn to detailed consideration formulas for raising a number to a power, which is necessary to solve problems in almost any field.
Video on calculating degrees in Excel
Definition of concept, mathematical syntax, calculation using formula
By raising a number A to the power n we mean that A will be multiplied by itself n times. A is called the base, n is the exponent and represents how many times the base must be multiplied by itself. In this case, n indicates to what power the base should be raised. So, instead of the product of two identical factors 7*7, they write 7^2 and say “2 squared, 2 squared.” To avoid unnecessary actions It should be noted:
- If n=1, then the number A to the power of n will be equal to A.
- Any number with exponent 0 is equal to 1.
- 0 in any natural degree equals 0.
- 1 to any power is equal to 1.
In worksheet cells, we can enter not only values that are used to solve problems using the data contained in other cells. Using formulas in Excel you can calculate as simple arithmetic examples, so complex calculations and, of course, logical checks. In a spreadsheet processor, to raise a number to a power, you can use the “^” operator or a specially developed POWER formula. These calculations are used, for example, when it is necessary to determine a value that is too large or too small.
When a character or number is entered into a cell, Excel interprets this information as a value. That is, the data is displayed as it was entered, and transformations can be made for it if formatting is used. However, if the "=" character is entered first, Excel will recognize that a calculation will be performed (a formula will be applied). It is important to write the formula correctly:
- , which should contain the result.
- Click "=".
- Next, select the formula we need from the list.
- In parentheses we write the base and degree through the sign “;”.
The cell should contain the following: POWER(5;2), so the number 5 will be squared. Or, for example, “=4^2”, which means 4 squared. To work with numerical values It is necessary that the format in the cells is set to “numeric”. You can select it in the Format Cell dialog box.
Using the Function Wizard
If you remember the syntax required function, then you can enter it in the selected cell, first starting with the equal sign. In the case where the number of arguments, the order and rules for writing them cause difficulties, it is advisable to use the one that exists in Excel. This will allow you to enter the function name and its arguments correctly. The procedure is given below:
- To do this, place the text cursor in the cell in which the final value will be located (this can be done by double-clicking the mouse).
- Select “Insert”, “Function” (or simultaneously press Ctrl+F2).
- On the “Functions” tab, in the categories we find “Mathematical”, then in the scrolling list we highlight POWER.
- "Further".
- In the designated fields we enter the base and degree, for example, we need to square 7, which means the base is 7, the degree is 2.
- "OK."
The resulting result is recorded in the cell.
One of the most common mathematical operations, used in engineering and other calculations, is to raise a number to the second power, which is otherwise called the square power. For example, this method calculates the area of an object or figure. Unfortunately, Excel does not have a separate tool that would build given number exactly in a square. However, this operation can be performed using the same tools that are used for raising to any other power. Let's find out how they should be used to calculate the square of a given number.
As you know, the square of a number is calculated by multiplying it by itself. These principles, naturally, underlie the calculation of this indicator in Excel. In this program, you can square a number in two ways: by using the exponentiation sign for formulas «^» and applying the function DEGREE. Let's consider the algorithm for applying these options in practice to evaluate which one is better.
Method 1: construction using formula
First of all, let's look at the simplest and most commonly used method of raising to the second power in Excel, which involves using a formula with the symbol «^» . In this case, as the object that will be squared, you can use a number or a reference to the cell where this numerical value is located.
The general form of the formula for squaring is as follows:
In it instead "n" need to substitute specific number, which should be squared.
Let's see how this works with specific examples. First, let's square the number that will be part of the formula.
Now let's see how to square a value that is located in another cell.
Method 2: Using the DEGREE function
You can also use Excel's built-in function to square a number DEGREE. This operator is included in the category of mathematical functions and its task is to construct a certain numerical value to the specified degree. The syntax for the function is as follows:
DEGREE(number,degree)
Argument "Number" can be a specific number or a reference to the sheet element where it is located.
Argument "Degree" indicates the power to which the number must be raised. Since we are faced with the question of squaring, in our case this argument will be equal to 2 .
Now let's look at a specific example of how squaring is done using the operator DEGREE.
Also, to solve the problem, instead of a number as an argument, you can use a reference to the cell in which it is located.
The Microsoft Excel spreadsheet processor allows you to perform the most different operations. But, if simple operations, such as addition, do not cause difficulties for users. Then, with more complex ones, for example, with exponentiation, there are problems.
In this material we will talk about how to raise to a power in Excel. The article will be relevant for all versions of the Excel spreadsheet, including Excel 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2016.
The easiest way to raise a number or cell to a power in Excel is to use the “^” symbol, which is located on the 6 key on the keyboard and is entered using the Shift-6 key combination in the English keyboard layout.
In order to use this method of exponentiation, simply place the cursor in the cell you need and enter the formula “=B2^B4”. Where B2 is the address of the cell with the number you want to raise to a power, and B4 is the address of the cell with the power.
After entering the formula, press the Enter key and in the table cell you selected you will receive the result of exponentiation.
This technique works not only with cell addresses, but also with ordinary numbers. Enter “=10^2” into any cell of the Excel table
Also, within the formula, you can simultaneously use both cell addresses and ordinary numbers.
Exponentiation using the formula
In addition, Excel has a formula “POWER”, with which you can raise the contents of a cell or just a number to a power. To use this formula, place the cursor where the result of exponentiation should be and enter the formula “=POWER(B2,B4)”. In this formula, B2 is the address of the cell whose value needs to be raised to a power, and B4 is the address of the cell containing the power. Please note that the formula begins with an “=” sign and does not contain spaces, and a comma is used to separate cell addresses.
If necessary, both cell addresses and ordinary numbers can be used in the “DEGREE” formula.
Writing numbers to powers
If you just need to write a number with a degree, then this can also be done in Excel. To do this, you first need to change the format of the cell containing the number with the degree to text. Therefore, right-click on the desired cell and select “Format Cells”.
In the window that opens, select the “Text” cell format and close the window with the “Ok” button.
After that, enter into the same cell the number and the power to which you want to raise this number. Next, select the power of the number and right-click on the highlighted one. In the context menu that appears, select “Format Cells” again.
After this, a window with font settings will appear in front of you. Here you need to check the “Superscript” function and close the window with the “Ok” button.
As a result, you should get a number with a degree, as in the screenshot below.
To hide the green mark next to the number, you need to open the warning and select the “Ignore this error” option.