POWER Function
Purpose
Returns the result of a number raised to a given power ($x^y$). Equivalent to using the caret operator (^).
Syntax
EXCEL
=POWER(number, power)
Arguments Breakdown
| Argument | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
number |
Required | The base number. Can be any real number. |
power |
Required | The exponent to which the base number is raised. |
Practical Examples
1. Basic Exponential Calculation
From Formulas_&_Functions_Part_1.xlsx:
EXCEL
=POWER(B12, 2)
Squares the number in B12.
2. Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)
$$\text{CAGR} = \left(\frac{\text{Ending Value}}{\text{Beginning Value}}\right)^{\frac{1}{n}} - 1$$ In Excel formula:
EXCEL
=POWER(EndVal / BeginVal, 1 / Years) - 1
3. Roots and Fractional Exponents
To find the cube root of a number:
EXCEL
=POWER(Number, 1/3)
Related Knowledge
- Notes: 02 Statistical and Aggregation Functions
- Workbook:
11_Demos_and_Workbooks/03_Formulas_and_Functions/Formulas_&_Functions_Part_1.xlsx(Sheet:Arithmetic and statistical)