Using the Exponent Calculator
Check the sign of the base as well as the exponent. A negative exponent asks for a reciprocal, not a negative answer. Fractional powers of negative bases can fall outside the real-number operations supported by this tool.
Worked example
Use the example inputs below to reproduce this result. These are the form's starting values, not recommended targets. Changing your inputs updates your result above; this worked example stays fixed for comparison. Results are rounded for display.
Example inputs
- Base
- 2
- Exponent
- 10
Example result
- Result
- 1,024
Method and assumptions
Result = base raised to exponent; real finite results only.
Check signs and valid inputs
Powers, roots and logarithms have restrictions that ordinary addition does not. Zero, a negative base or a fractional exponent may change whether a real-number answer exists. Read the method's supported domain and keep parentheses around negative values where the input is an expression. A rejected input may indicate a mathematical restriction rather than a formatting problem.
Common question
What does a negative exponent mean?
For a nonzero base, it means take the reciprocal of the corresponding positive power. For example, 2 to the power of −3 is 1 divided by 8.
Guide updated .