Positive power
3⁴ = 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 = 81.
Powers and exponents
Exponent calculator
Type a main number and a power to calculate the answer.
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Formula and steps included
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Optional learning Learn how this math works See the formula, definitions, and step-by-step method.
Formula
Exponent and power rules
Exponent: aⁿ = a × a × ... × a using n factors; Negative exponent: a⁻ⁿ = 1 / aⁿ; Zero exponent: a⁰ = 1 when a ≠ 0
An exponent tells how a base participates in repeated multiplication when the exponent is a positive whole number. The base is the repeated factor and the exponent is the number of factors.
A negative power means 1 divided by the matching positive power. A zero power makes 1 when the main number is not zero. Decimal powers can connect to roots, such as a power of 0.5 meaning square root.
How to use the formula
Identify the base and exponent
Keep a negative base grouped so its sign is included in the repeated factor.
Apply the exponent rule
Multiply for a positive whole-number power, use 1 for a zero power and nonzero main number, or divide 1 by the matching positive-power answer for a negative power.
Check the numbers and answer
Zero cannot use a negative power, and a negative main number needs a whole-number power here. Powers can grow or shrink quickly, so check the sign and power.
Worked examples
Exponent calculator examples
Negative power
2⁻³ = 1 / 2³ = 1/8 = 0.125.
Common questions
Exponent calculator FAQ
What does a negative exponent mean?
A negative power means 1 divided by the matching positive power. For example, 5⁻² = 1/5² = 1/25.
What is zero raised to the zero power?
The expression 0⁰ is indeterminate or defined by convention only in certain contexts. This calculator does not treat it as an ordinary exponent result.
Can an exponent be a fraction or decimal?
Yes, within valid real-number domains. For example, a one-half exponent corresponds to a square root for a nonnegative real base.
Are the base and exponent uploaded?
Your values stay in your browser and are not saved by default or uploaded. Use Save on this device to keep them here, or download a backup file.