Math calculator
Exponent Calculator
Solve powers, negative and fractional exponents with steps.
Quick answer
How do you calculate exponents?
Multiply the base by itself as many times as the exponent says: 2⁵ = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 32. A negative exponent flips it: 2⁻³ = 1/8 = 0.125. A fractional exponent is a root: 27^(2/3) = (∛27)² = 3² = 9.
xⁿ = x × x × … (n times). x⁻ⁿ = 1 / xⁿ. x⁰ = 1. x^(m/n) = (ⁿ√x)ᵐ.
⚡ Answer updates as you type · Enter = calculate · Esc = reset
- A negative exponent means 1 over the positive power: 2^-3 = 1 / 2^3.
- 2^3 = 8.
- 1 / 8 = 0.125.
Raise any number to a power — including negative and fractional exponents — with the exponent rule shown step by step.
About this Exponent Calculator
The Exponent Calculator raises any number to a power, including zero, negative, and fractional exponents. It explains which exponent rule applies — repeated multiplication, reciprocals for negative powers, or roots for fractional powers.
What you'll need
- • Base
- • Exponent numerator
- • Exponent denominator (1 for whole powers)
How it works
- 1. Enter the base.
- 2. Enter the exponent (use the denominator for fractions).
- 3. The calculator picks the exponent rule.
- 4. See each step of the work.
- 5. Read the exact or decimal answer.
Worked example
16^(3/4): the 4th root of 16 is 2, and 2³ = 8, so 16^(3/4) = 8.
Related searches
Exponent Calculator FAQ
What is the Exponent Calculator?
The Exponent Calculator is a free online tool that helps you solve powers, negative and fractional exponents with steps.
How do I use the Exponent Calculator?
Open the Exponent Calculator, enter the requested values, and review the instant estimate on the page.
Is the Exponent Calculator free?
Yes. The Exponent Calculator is free to use on Fast Online Calculator and does not require an account.
What is a negative exponent?
It means take the reciprocal: 5⁻² = 1/5² = 1/25 = 0.04.
Why is anything to the power 0 equal to 1?
Because xⁿ ÷ xⁿ = x⁰, and any non-zero number divided by itself is 1.
What does an exponent of 1/2 mean?
It is the square root. 49^(1/2) = √49 = 7.
Can a negative number have a fractional exponent?
Only with an odd root in real numbers: (−8)^(1/3) = −2, but (−4)^(1/2) is not a real number.
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