How to use the Excel POWER function

Summary

The Excel POWER function returns a number to a given power. The POWER function works like an exponent in a standard math equation.

Purpose

Raise a number to a power

Return value

Number raised to power

Syntax

=POWER (number, power)

Arguments

number - Number to raise to a power.
power - Exponent to raise power to.

Usage notes

The POWER function can be used to raise a number to a given power. The POWER function works like an exponent in a standard math equation. In Excel, exponentiation is handled with the caret (^) operator, so:

2^2=POWER(2,2)=4
2^3=POWER(2,3)=8
2^4=POWER(2,4)=16

Related functions

Excel SQRT Function

The Excel SQRT function returns the square root of a positive number. SQRT returns an error if number is negative.

Good links

Microsoft POWER function documentation

Excel Formula Training

Formulas are the key to getting things done in Excel. In this accelerated training, you'll learn how to use formulas to manipulate text, work with dates and times, lookup values with VLOOKUP and INDEX & MATCH, count and sum with criteria, dynamically rank values, and create dynamic ranges. You'll also learn how to troubleshoot, trace errors, and fix problems. Instant access. See details here.