With constant calculations in Excel tables, the user will sooner or later face the need to square certain numbers. A similar procedure is very often performed in solving various problems. – from simple mathematics to complex engineering calculations. However, despite the significant use of this function, Excel does not have a separate formula by which you can square numbers from cells. To do this, you need to learn how to use the general formula, which is designed to raise individual numbers or complex digital values ​​to various powers.

The principle of calculating the square of a number

Before you figure out how to correctly raise numeric values ​​to the second power through Excel, you need to remember how this mathematical operation works. The square of a number is a certain number that is multiplied by itself.. To perform this mathematical action using Excel, you can use one of two proven methods:

• use of the mathematical function POWER;
• application of a formula in which the exponent symbol “^” is indicated between the values.

Each of the methods must be considered in detail in practice.

Formula for calculating

The simplest method for calculating the square of a given digit or number is through a formula with a degree symbol. The appearance of the formula: =n ^ 2. N is any digit or numeric value that will be multiplied by itself for squaring. In this case, the value of this argument can be specified either by cell coordinates, or by a specific numeric expression.

To understand how to correctly use the formula to obtain the desired result, it is necessary to consider 2 practical examples. Option indicating a specific numerical value in the formula:

1. Select the cell where the result of the calculation will be displayed. Mark it with LMB.
2. Write the formula for this cell in a free line next to the “fx” symbol. The simplest formula example: =2^2.
3. You can write the formula in the selected cell.

4. After that, you must press “Enter” so that the result of the calculation by the function appears in the marked cell.

Option indicating the coordinates of the cell, the number of which must be raised to the second power:

1. Pre-write the number 2 in an arbitrary cell, for example B

2. Select by pressing LMB the cell where you want to display the result of the calculation.
3. Write the first character “=”, after that – the coordinates of the cell. They should automatically highlight in blue.
4. Next, you need to enter the symbol “^”, the degree number.
5. The last action is to press the “Enter” button to get the desired result.

Important! The formula presented above is universal. It can be used to raise numerical values ​​to various powers. To do this, just replace the number after the “^” symbol with the required one.

The POWER function and its application

The second way, which is considered more complicated in terms of squaring a certain number, is through the POWER function. It is needed in order to raise various numerical values ​​​​in the cells of an Excel table to the required powers. The appearance of the entire mathematical formula associated with this operator: =POWER(required number, power). Explanation:

1. The degree is the secondary argument of the function. It denotes a certain degree for further calculation of the result from the initial digit or numerical value. If you need to print the square of a number, you need to write the number 2 in this place.
2. The number is the first argument of the function. Represents the desired numeric value to which the mathematical squaring procedure will be applied. It can be written as a cell coordinate with a number or a specific digit.

The procedure for raising a number to the second power through the POWER function:

1. Select the cell of the table in which the result will be displayed after the calculations.
2. Click on the symbol for adding a function – “fx”.
3. The “Function Wizard” window should appear before the user. Here you need to open an already existing category, select “Mathematics” from the list that opens.

4. From the proposed list of operators, you need to select “DEGREE”. Confirm the selection by pressing the “OK” button.
5. Next, you need to set up two function arguments. In the free field “Number” you need to enter the number or value that will be raised to a power. In the free field “Degree” you must specify the required degree (if this is squaring – 2).
6. The last step is to complete the calculation by pressing the OK button. If everything is done correctly, a ready-made value will appear in the cell selected in advance.

How to raise a number to a power using cell coordinates:

1. In a separate cell, enter the number that will be squared.
2. Next, insert a function into another cell through the “Function Wizard”. Select “Mathematics” from the list, click on the “DEGREE” function.
3. In the window that opens, where the function arguments should be specified, you must enter other values, unlike the first method. In the free field “Number” you must specify the coordinates of the cell in which the numerical value raised to the power is located. The number 2 is entered in the second free field.

4. It remains to press the “OK” button and get the finished result in the marked cell.

We must not forget that the POWER function is general, suitable for raising numbers to various powers.

Conclusion

According to official statistics, among other mathematical operations, users working in Excel spreadsheets square various numerical values ​​much more often than they perform other procedures from this group. However, due to the fact that there is no separate function for this action in the program, you can use a separate formula into which the required number is substituted, or you can use a separate POWER operator, which is available to choose from in the Function Wizard.