Summary

The Excel EXP function returns the result of the constant e raised to the power of a number. The constant e is a numeric constant relating to exponential growth and decay whose value is approximately 2.71828. The EXP function is the inverse of the LN (natural logarithm) function.

Purpose 

Find the value of e raised to the power of a number

Return value 

The constant e raised to the power of a number

Syntax

=EXP(number)
  • number - The power that e is raised to.

How to use 

The EXP function finds the value of the constant e raised to a given number, so you can think of the EXP function as e^(number), where e ≈ 2.718.  The exponential function can be used to get the value of e by passing the number 1 as the argument.

=EXP(0) // returns 1
=EXP(1) // returns 2.71828182846 (the value of e)
=EXP(2) // returns 7.38905609893

The exponential function models exponential growth and has the unique property where the output of the function at a given point is proportional to the rate of change of the function at that point. The inverse of the exponential function is the natural logarithm which represents the opposite of exponential growth, exponential decay.

Graph of Exponential Function

For a more detailed explanation see wumbo.net.

Notes

  • e stands for Euler's number.
  • The number e is a famous irrational number, and one of the most important numbers in mathematics.
  • The first digits of e are: 2.718281828459...
  • e is the base of the Natural Logarithms, invented by John Napier.
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Dave Bruns

Hi - I'm Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.