Exponent Calculator
Calculate powers (a^b), n-th roots, and get a scientific-notation view for very large or small results.
Power computes a^b. Root computes x^(1/n). Scientific notation expresses x as m × 10^e.
For negative base values, exponent must be an integer to keep the result real.
Privacy: calculations run locally in your browser. No inputs are stored or transmitted.
How it works
Power: a^b
Root: rootn(x) = x^(1/n)
Scientific notation: x = m × 10^e where 1 ≤ |m| < 10 (or x = 0).
Examples
- 2^10 = 1,024
- root_2(81) = 9
- root_3(27) = 3
- Scientific notation of 12345 = 1.2345 × 10^4
FAQ
- What does a^b mean?
a^b means multiplying a by itself b times when b is an integer. For general real b, it represents an exponentiation operation (which may be undefined for some negative bases).
- What inputs are allowed?
Base (a) and exponent (b) can be decimals. For real-number results: if a is negative, b must be an integer (otherwise the result is not a real number).
- Does this support roots?
Yes. Use the Root mode to compute the n-th root: root_n(x) = x^(1/n). For real roots, n must be nonzero; for even n, x must be >= 0.
- What is scientific notation?
Scientific notation expresses a number as m × 10^e where 1 <= |m| < 10. This tool shows a scientific-notation view for large/small results.
- Why do I see an error for negative base with decimal exponent?
Because (-a)^(non-integer) is generally not a real number. This calculator focuses on real-number outputs.