Exponents describe repeated multiplication, compound growth and scientific notation.
How to use the Exponent Calculator
- Base
- Exponent
- Want to work backwards? Type a value into Result and Exponent is calculated for you.
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Multiply the base by itself n times; fractional exponents are roots and negative exponents are reciprocals.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Base | A number |
| Exponent | A number |
What each result means
- Result = [Base]^[Exponent]
- b^(−n) = [Base]^(-[Exponent])
Example values
How the main result changes when Exponent changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Exponent | Result |
|---|---|
| 5 | 32 |
| 7.5 | 181.0193 |
| 10 | 1,024 |
| 12.5 | 5,792.6188 |
| 15 | 32,768 |
| 20 | 1,048,576 |
Formula
y = bⁿn = log(y) ÷ log(b)Worked example
Inputs — Base: 2; Exponent: 10.
Results — Result = 1,024; b^(−n) = 0.0009765625.
Key terms
- Base
- The number being multiplied.
- Exponent
- How many times the base is multiplied.
Frequently asked questions
What is anything to the power of zero?
1, except 0⁰, which is usually defined as 1 in algebra.
What does a fractional exponent mean?
b^(1/2) is √b; b^(3/2) is (√b)³.
What formula does the Exponent Calculator use?
y = bⁿ.
Can I work backwards from the result?
Yes. Type the result you want into Result and the calculator finds the matching exponent.