How to Use Power Function in Excel (Basic Handbook)
In this article, you will learn to use the POWER formula in Excel using simple examples.
What is the POWER function in Excel?
The POWER formula in Excel is used to raise a selected number to a given power. It is particularly helpful to perform exponential calculations with large data sets in Excel workbooks.
Understanding the POWER formula syntax in Excel
In the above syntax, the “number” selected will be raised to the given “power”. In other words, the “number” refers to the base and “power” refers to the exponent.
For example: If you wish to find the value of 3 raised to the power 2 (in other words, the square of 3), you can use “=POWER(3,2)” which will display the result as 9. To further simplify, “=POWER(3,2)” is mathematically equivalent to (3)².
When do you use the POWER function in Excel?
The POWER formula can be used to calculate the exponential growth or discount of a value over time. For example: If you have a starting value and know the expected growth or discount rate, you can use the POWER formula in Excel to calculate the value at the end of any given period.
Similarly, it can also be used to determine future value. If you know the principal amount, the interest rate, and the number of compounding periods, you can use the POWER formula to calculate the future value of the investment.
The POWER formula can also be used as a building block for more complex formulas. For example, you can use the POWER formula to calculate the square or cube of a number and then use the result in another formula in Excel.
Inserting the POWER formula in Excel
Step 1: Select the cell where you wish to derive the result
Step 2: Type “=POWER” -> select the formula prompt -> select the cell which contains the number you want to use as the base -> insert a “,” (comma) -> select the cell which contains the number you want to use as the exponent -> press the “Enter” key
For example: In the below image, 3 needs to be raised to the power 4. Hence, “=POWER(A3,B3)” is used, where cell A3 contains the base value 3 and cell B3 contains the exponent value 4. This will display the result to be 91.
Note: The POWER function in Excel can be replaced using the “^” sign. For example: “=POWER(3,4)” can also be typed as “=3^4” in Excel. Both will give you the same result.
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You can learn about other Excel and Google Sheets formulas and tips that are not mentioned here on this page: LiveFlow‘s How to Guides
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