Aniruddah Alam
In this article, I will show you how to use the exponent symbol in Excel. In many calculations, we need to use the exponent form of mathematical expression. On the other hand, Excel offers multiple ways of using exponents in calculations. Here we will try to discuss every possible methods of using the exponent symbol in Excel. So, let’s get started.
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4 Useful Methods to Use Exponent Symbol in Excel
In this section, we will demonstrate 4 effective methods to use exponent symbol in Excel with appropriate illustrations. To do that, I have taken a dataset where Base, Exponent are given, and we need to find out the Output.
Now, let’s try our 1st method to express the exponent symbol in Excel.
1. Using the Caret Symbol (^) to Express Exponent in Excel
The easiest way to write the exponent of a number is by using the Caret symbol(^). It is also known as the circumflex symbol. Usually, the symbol can be typed by holding the Shift key and pressing button 6 on the keyboard. To know in detail, follow the steps below.
Steps:
- Here, I have 4 columns (the Base, Power, Output, and the formula that we will be using to obtain that output).
- Now, on the Output column, on cell D5, write down the following formula.
=10^2- As a result, you will get the desired output of 100.
- If we use the Caret Symbol(^) for the rest of the cells, the result will be as follows.
- We can also use cell references in those formulas. In cell E5, the formula will be
=B5^C5
This is how we can use the caret symbol (^) to express exponent in Excel.
Read More: How to Display Exponents in Excel (6 Simple Methods)
2. Use of Format Cell Option to Express Exponent in Excel
If we don’t want to perform any mathematical operation, but only display some numbers in the exponential form in Excel worksheet, then we can use the Format Cell Option. To know more follow the steps below.
Steps:
- Here, I have taken the same data set. But, instead of writing any formula in the output, we will only write the base and power together like this below.
- Now, we have to convert the output into text. To do that, select all the output cells, then go to the Number group in the Home tab and choose
- On the output cell, select the exponent part, and right-click on the mouse. Consequently, a menu will pop up. From the menu, choose Format Cell.
- Now, a new window will open up. Here, select the Superscript and then click OK.
- Consequently, you will see that the output is showing in Exponential form.
- If we perform similar actions for the rest of the cells, we will have the following desirable results.
- Even though the numbers are displayed in exponential form, we can not do any mathematical operation on them as they are actually in text format.
Read More: How to Make Exponent in Excel Text (7 Easy Methods)
3. Utilizing POWER Function
Excel has the POWER function which also allows us to perform the exponential form of operation in the worksheet. Here, in the steps below, I will apply the POWER function to get the results that we got in the previous method.
Steps:
- In cell E5, write down the following formula and then press Enter
=POWER(10,2)- As a result, you will get the desired result of 100.
- Similarly, by applying the POWER function in the rest of the cells, we get the following results.
- You can also use cell references in the POWER function. In cell E5, the formula will be
=POWER(B5,C5)
Read More: Convert Scientific Notation to x10 to Power of 3 in Excel
4. Applying EXP Function in Excel
Excel provides a special function for exponential operation when the base is Euler’s number(e) whose value is 2.718. In this case, we can use the EXP function. In this function, we only need to enter the exponent in the argument. To apply this function, follow the steps below.
Steps:
- In this example, we have taken all the bases to be e which is 2.718.
- Now, on cell D5, write down the following formula and press Enter.
=EXP(2)- As a result, you will get the following result.
- Similarly, if you apply the function to other cells, you will get the following results.
This is how we can perform the exponential operation in Excel when the base is e.
Read More: How to Use Excel Exponential Function of Base 10 (6 Examples)
Things to Remember
- We can only use the EXP function when the base is e.
- The Format Cell Option is only applicable for display purposes, not for mathematical operations.
Conclusion
That is the end of this article regarding how to express the exponent symbol in Excel. If you find this article helpful, please share this with your friends. Moreover, do let us know if you have any further queries. Finally, please visit ExelDemy for more exciting articles on Excel.
