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Exponent calculator guide

How to use the Exponent Calculator

The Exponent Calculator raises a base to a power and shows the result with scientific notation and steps. It handles positive powers, zero exponents, negative exponents, decimals, and simple fraction exponents such as 1/2.

Open the exponent calculator

Quick start

  1. Enter the base, which is the number being raised to a power.
  2. Enter the exponent as a whole number, decimal, or simple fraction such as 1/2.
  3. Press Calculate exponent.
  4. Review the answer, scientific notation, and steps.
  5. Use quick examples or copy the answer while comparing powers.

What exponents mean

An exponent tells how many times to use the base as a factor. For example, 2^4 means 2 x 2 x 2 x 2, which equals 16.

The calculator writes the expression as base^exponent, then gives the result in normal notation and scientific notation.

Zero and negative exponents

Any nonzero base raised to the power of 0 equals 1. For example, 9^0 equals 1.

A negative exponent means reciprocal. For example, 5^-3 means 1 / 5^3, which equals 0.008.

Fraction exponents

Fraction exponents can represent roots and powers. An exponent of 1/2 is the same as a square root, so 81^(1/2) equals 9.

Negative bases with non-whole-number exponents can require complex numbers. This calculator focuses on real-number results, so negative bases need whole-number exponents.

Examples

2^8 Multiplies 2 by itself 8 times and returns 256.
10^6 Shows a power of 10 and scientific notation.
5^-3 Uses the reciprocal rule and returns 0.008.
81^(1/2) Uses a fraction exponent and returns 9.

Examples from the exponent calculator

Power of two 2^8

256

Negative exponent 5^-3

0.008

Fraction exponent 81^(1/2)

9

Scientific notation

Exponent answers can become very large or very small. Scientific notation gives a more compact version of the same value, which is useful for science, engineering, and study problems.

History, privacy, and copying

Recent exponent answers stay visible in the page while you work. The history is kept only in the current browser tab and is not sent to a server.

Copy answer copies the expression and result so you can paste it into notes, homework, a message, or another document.