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SQRT.

Returns the positive square root of a number.

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

How it works.

SQRT calculates the positive square root of any non-negative number.

Formula syntax.

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

Formula arguments.

Every parameter accepted by the SQRT function is detailed below.

numberRequired

The positive number to take the square root of.

Example value: A2

Simple example.

Step-by-Step Scenario

Geometry - Square Root Calculation

Find the side length of a square with area 144.

AreaSide Length
144—
64—
Applied Formula
=SQRT(A2)
Expected Result:12

Evaluates SQRT over the sample table cells, placing the verified output in cell B2.

Formula generator.

Full Generator Wizard

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

Generated FormulaReady to copy
=SQRT()

Expected result behavior.

Returns number 12 based on sample evaluation criteria and active cell references.

Sample Output:12
Output Type:Numeric (Double/Integer)

Best Practices

  • Wrap in ABS if your source number could be negative: =SQRT(ABS(A2)).

Common Mistakes

  • Supplying a negative number directly returns a #NUM! error.
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 SQRT 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: =SQRT(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 SQRT?↓

Supplying a negative number directly returns a #NUM! error.

Does SQRT work identically in Google Sheets?↓

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