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POWER.

Returns the result of a number raised to a power.

SyntaxArgumentsExampleInteractive SandboxGeneratorCompatibilityFAQRelatedCheat Sheet
Category: Math & Arithmetic
ExcelExcel 365Excel 2021Excel 2019Google Sheets

How it works.

POWER calculates the mathematical exponentiation of a number, equivalent to using the caret (^) operator.

Formula syntax.

Standard Excel Notation
=POWER(number, power)
Tip:Arguments wrapped in square brackets [like_this] are optional; all other arguments are required.

Formula arguments.

Every parameter accepted by the POWER function is detailed below.

numberRequired

The base number.

Example value: A2
powerRequired

The exponent power to raise the base to.

Example value: 2

Simple example.

Step-by-Step Scenario

Compound Growth - Exponential Power

Calculate 2 raised to power 8 (2^8 bytes).

BasePowerResult
28—
103—
Applied Formula
=POWER(A2, B2)
Expected Result:256

Evaluates POWER over the sample table cells, placing the verified output in cell C2.

Formula generator.

Full Generator Wizard

Customize the argument fields below to generate a tailored POWER formula ready to paste directly into your worksheet.

Generated FormulaReady to copy
=POWER()

Expected result behavior.

Returns number 256 based on sample evaluation criteria and active cell references.

Sample Output:256
Output Type:Numeric (Double/Integer)

Best Practices

  • Use fractional powers to compute roots: =POWER(A2, 1/3) computes the cube root.

Common Mistakes

  • Raising a negative number to a fractional power results in #NUM! (complex numbers require IMPOWER).
Compatibility Database

Platform & version compatibility.

Verified platform compatibility matrix based on actual spreadsheet calculation engine specifications.

Excel✓
Supported
Excel 365✓
Supported
Excel 2021✓
Supported
Excel 2019✓
Supported
Google Sheets✓
Supported
Microsoft Excel History & Version Availability

Core standard function supported across all modern and legacy Microsoft Excel versions (365, 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010), as well as Excel for the Web and Mac.

Google Sheets Compatibility Notes

100% compatible with Google Sheets. Uses identical argument order, data types, and standard calculation logic.

Frequently asked questions.

Technical Q&A
Can I use POWER across different worksheets in Excel?↓

Yes. You can reference cells located on other sheets by including the sheet name followed by an exclamation mark, for example: =POWER(Sheet2!A2:A10). If the sheet name contains spaces, enclose it in single quotes: ='Q1 Report'!A2:A10.

What is the most common reason for errors in POWER?↓

Raising a negative number to a fractional power results in #NUM! (complex numbers require IMPOWER).

Does POWER work identically in Google Sheets?↓

Yes, POWER is supported in both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets with standard evaluation behavior.