You can calculate the root of a number in Excel using the SQRT function (for square roots) or the power operator ^ (for roots of any degree).
Here's a breakdown of how to use each method:
1. Calculating Square Root Using SQRT Function
The SQRT function is the easiest way to calculate the square root of a number.
- Syntax:
=SQRT(number) number: The number for which you want to find the square root. This can be a number directly entered into the formula or a cell reference containing the number.
Example:
| Scenario | Formula | Result | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square root of 25 | =SQRT(25) |
5 | Calculates the square root of 25. |
| Square root of cell A1 (A1=9) | =SQRT(A1) |
3 | Calculates the square root of the value in cell A1. |
| Square root of a formula result | =SQRT(A1+16) (A1=9) |
5 | Calculates the square root of (9+16), which is the square root of 25. |
Important Note: The SQRT function only works for non-negative numbers. If you try to calculate the square root of a negative number, it will return a #NUM! error.
2. Calculating Roots of Any Degree Using the Power Operator (^)
To calculate roots other than the square root (e.g., cube root, fourth root, etc.), you can use the power operator ^. The root is expressed as a fractional exponent.
- Syntax:
=number^(1/n) number: The number you want to find the root of.n: The degree of the root (e.g., 3 for cube root, 4 for fourth root, etc.).
Examples:
| Scenario | Formula | Result (Approx.) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cube root of 8 | =8^(1/3) |
2 | Calculates the cube root of 8. |
| Fourth root of 16 | =16^(1/4) |
2 | Calculates the fourth root of 16. |
| Fifth root of cell B1 (B1=32) | =B1^(1/5) |
2 | Calculates the fifth root of the value in cell B1. |
Important Notes:
- Remember to enclose the fractional exponent
(1/n)in parentheses. Otherwise, the calculation order might be incorrect. - For even roots (square root, fourth root, etc.) of negative numbers, Excel will typically return a
#NUM!error. However, for odd roots (cube root, fifth root, etc.), Excel can calculate the root of negative numbers.
