An exponent says how many times to multiply a number by itself: 2¹⁰ means ten 2s multiplied together. Calculate a power directly, or choose “Base” or “Exponent” to work backwards — for example to find a root or a logarithm.
Formula
y = x ^ n
Where y is the result, x is the base, n is the exponent.
Choose any value to calculate — the calculator rearranges the formula for you.
Exponent rules
xᵃ × xᵇ = xᵃ⁺ᵇ · xᵃ ÷ xᵇ = xᵃ⁻ᵇ · (xᵃ)ᵇ = xᵃᵇ · x⁰ = 1 · x⁻ⁿ = 1 ÷ xⁿ · x^(1/n) = ⁿ√x.
Worked example
2¹⁰ = 1,024. Working backwards, the exponent that turns 2 into 1,024 is log₂(1,024) = 10, and the base that gives 1,024 when raised to the 10th power is the 10th root of 1,024 = 2.
Frequently asked questions
What is a negative exponent?
A negative exponent means a reciprocal: 2⁻³ = 1 ÷ 2³ = 1/8 = 0.125.
What is a fractional exponent?
A root. x^(1/2) is the square root of x, and x^(1/3) is the cube root.
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