How to use the Excel IMPOWER function

Summary

The Excel IMPOWER function returns a complex number raised to a given power. The complex number must be in the form x + yi or x + yj. Use the COMPLEX function to create a complex number from real and imaginary parts.

Purpose

Raise complex number to given power

Return value

Complex number as text

Syntax

=IMPOWER (inumber, number)

Arguments

inumber - A complex number.
number - Power to raise number.

Version

Excel 2003

Usage notes

The Excel IMPOWER function returns a complex number raised to a given power. The complex number is input as text, and must be in the form x + yi or x + yj.

For example:

=IMPOWER("1+2i",2) // returns "-3+4i"

In the example shown, the formula in D6, copied down, is:

=IMPOWER(B6,C6)

Notes:

Only lowercase "j" and "i" are accepted by IMPOWER. Other values will result in the #NUM error.
The number argument must be numeric

Related functions

Excel COMPLEX Function

The Excel COMPLEX function creates a complex number with given real and imaginary coefficients. COMPLEX returns a text result in the form x + yi or x + yj.