Exponent Calculator
Enter a base and a power to calculate the base raised to that power. Fractional powers give roots.
This result is an estimate only. Double-check important figures before relying on them.
How it is calculated
- xʸ = x multiplied by itself y times, for a whole number y
- x⁻ʸ = 1 ÷ xʸ
- x^(1/n) is the n-th root of x
- Anything to the power 0 is 1, and 0⁰ is taken as 1
- Very large or very small results are shown in scientific notation
To write numbers in standard form, use the scientific notation calculator. To undo a power, use the logarithm calculator.
Worked example
- 2¹⁰ = 1,024
- 2⁻² = 1 ÷ 4 = 0.25
- 9^0.5 = the square root of 9 = 3
- 10²⁰ = 1 × 10²⁰
Why your number may differ
Results are rounded to 12 significant digits. Computers cannot hold numbers beyond about 1.8 × 10³⁰⁸, so larger results are rejected.
Frequently asked questions
What is an exponent?
An exponent tells you how many times to multiply a number by itself. 2¹⁰ means 2 multiplied by itself 10 times, which is 1,024.
What does a negative exponent mean?
A negative power gives the reciprocal: x⁻ⁿ = 1 ÷ xⁿ. For example 2⁻² = 1 ÷ 4 = 0.25.
What does a fractional exponent mean?
It is a root. x^0.5 is the square root of x, and x^(1/3) is the cube root. For a negative base, most fractional powers have no real answer.