EXPONENTIATION Operator (^) - Excel
Overview
The Exponentiation operator (^) in Excel is a useful tool for performing mathematical calculations. This operator allows users to raise a number to the power of another with values, cells, or ranges, which makes the creation of complex formulas possible. This operator is useful for performing exponential calculations, such as compound interest, growth rates, etc.
Syntax:
=number1 ^ number2
Here, replace "number1" and "number2" with the specific cells, values, or ranges you want to use in the exponentiation.
Example: specified cells
In this example, the Exponentiation operator is referencing specified cells to do its calculation. Cell C2 equals 11 and cell D2 equals 2, so when we use the Exponentiation operator the output is 121 because that is the value of 11 to the power of 2.
Example:
=C2 ^ D2
Example: specified values
In this example, the Exponentiation operator is referencing specified values within the cell to do its calculation. The values 5 and 2 are hardcoded into the cell and the final output is 25 when they are used with the Exponentiation operator because 5 to the power of 2 is 25.
Example:
=5 ^ 2
Example: specified ranges
In this example, the Exponentiation operator is referencing specified ranges to do its calculation. C2:C11 is the first range and D2:D11 is the second range. When we input the ranges into the Exponentiation operator, the calculation automatically goes down each row and applies the formula. Each row in the number2 column has the value 2 in it so all the values in the number1 column would just be to the power of 2.
Example:
=C2:C11 ^ D2:D11