How to Calculate Natural Logarithm in Excel (With 4 Examples)

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For various numeric calculations, we need to find the natural logarithm of numbers. In this article, I will show you 4 practical examples to calculate natural logarithm in Excel.


What Is Natural Logarithm?

A natural logarithm is the logarithm of a number to the base of e. e is a constant number which is approximately 2.7128. It is a transcendental and irrational number. It is normally expressed as lnx or loge x. Keep in mind, that you can find a natural logarithm of positive numbers only.


LN Function in Excel: Brief Overview

The LN function is an Excel function that returns the natural logarithm of a number in Excel. It has mainly one argument only. That is- number. So, if you put a number inside the LN function, it would give you the natural logarithm of that number. But, remember, do not put zero or negative numbers in the argument. This will show you the #NUM! error. Moreover, do not put a non-numeric value in the argument of the function. It will show the #VALUE! error.

Introduction to the LN Function

Read More: How to Calculate Log in Excel


Here, we have 4 types of numbers in our dataset. Each type is tried and explained in an individual sheet.

Calculate Natural Logarithm in Excel

Go through the 4 useful applications of calculating the natural logarithm in Excel below. 👇


1. Calculating Natural Logarithm of a Positive Integer Number in Excel

If you want to calculate the natural logarithm of a positive integer number in Excel, go through the steps below. 👇

📌 Steps:

  • First, click on the cell where you want to put the natural logarithm result.
  • Subsequently, put an equal sign (=) and write LN. As a result, the LN function will be active. Now, refer to the B5 cell as you want to find the natural logarithm of this cell. So, the formula will look like this.
=LN(B5)

Use the LN Function to Calculate the Natural Logarithm of a Positive Integer

  • Next, place your cursor at the bottom right corner of the result cell. Now, drag the fill handle below to copy the formula to all the cells below.

Copy the LN Formula

Thus, you can find the natural logarithm of all the positive integers. And, the result looks like this. 👇

Natural Logarithm of all Positive Integers

Read More: How to Log Transform Data in Excel 


2. Calculating Natural Logarithm of a Fractional Number

Besides, you can also find the natural logarithm of fraction numbers. Go through the steps below to accomplish this. 👇

📌 Steps:

  • First, click on the cell where you want to put the natural logarithm result.
  • Subsequently, put an equal sign (=) and write LN. As a result, the LN function will be active. Now, refer to the B5 cell as you want to find the natural logarithm of this cell. So, the formula will look like this.
=LN(B5)

Use the LN Function to Calculate Natural Logarithm of Fractional Numbers

  • Next, place your cursor at the bottom right corner of the result cell. Now, drag the fill handle below to copy the formula to all the cells below.

Copy the LN Formula

Thus, you can find the natural logarithm of all the fraction numbers. And, the result looks like this. 👇

Natural Logarithm of Fractional Numbers

Read More: How to Calculate Antilog in Excel


3. Obtaining Natural Logarithm of a Negative Number in Excel

Now, you can not find a natural logarithm of a negative number. This will show you the #NUM! Error. Follow the steps below to test this. 👇

📌 Steps:

  • First, click on the cell where you want to put the natural logarithm result.
  • Subsequently, put an equal sign (=) and write LN. As a result, the LN function will be active. Now, refer to the B5 cell as you want to find the natural logarithm of this cell.
=LN(B5)

Use the LN Function to Calculate Natural Logarithm of Negative Numbers

  • Next, place your cursor at the bottom right corner of the result cell. Now, drag the fill handle below to copy the formula to all the cells below.

Copy the LN Formula

Thus, you can see the natural logarithm of all the negative numbers. And, the result looks like this. 👇

Natural Logarithm of Negative Numbers

Read More: How to Do Inverse Log in Excel 


4. Calculate Natural Logarithm of Zero

Just like the negative number, you can not find the natural logarithm of zeros too. This will also show you the #NUM! error. Follow the steps below to test this. 👇

📌 Steps:

  • First, click on the cell where you want to put the natural logarithm result.
  • Subsequently, put an equal sign (=) and write LN. As a result, the LN function will be active. Now, refer to the B5 cell as you want to find the natural logarithm of this cell.
=LN(B5)

Use the LN Function to Calculate the Natural Logarithm of Zero

  • Next, place your cursor at the bottom right corner of the result cell. Now, drag the fill handle below to copy the formula to all the cells below.

Copy the LN Function

Thus, you can see the natural logarithm of zeros. And, the result looks like this. 👇

Natural Logarithm of Zeros

Read More:  How to Calculate Log Base 2 in Excel 


Quick Notes

  • LN function is the inverse of the EXP function.
  • The LN function returns you the natural logarithm of a number. Similarly, the LOG function returns a logarithm of a number to any base. Moreover, the LOG10 function returns the logarithm of a number to the base 10.

Download Practice Workbook

Here, you can download and practice from our practice workbook for free.


Conclusion

So, in this article, I have shown you 4 ideal examples to calculate natural logarithm in Excel. Follow these examples to accomplish your desired result. I hope you find this article helpful and informative. If you have any further queries or recommendations, please feel free to contact me.


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Tanjim Reza
Tanjim Reza

Md. Tanjim Reza Tanim, a BUET graduate in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, contributed over one and a half years to the ExcelDemy project. As an Excel & VBA Content Developer, he authored 100+ articles and, as Team Leader, reviewed 150+ articles. Tanim, leading research, ensures top-notch content on MS Excel features, formulas, solutions, tips, and tricks. His expertise spans Microsoft Office Suites, Automating Finance Templates, VBA, Python, and Developing Excel Applications, showcasing a multifaceted commitment to the... Read Full Bio

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