Result
Exponent Calculator
Raise a base number to a chosen exponent.
Powers and their domains
Method and inputs
A power a^n multiplies the base by itself n times for a positive whole-number exponent. A negative exponent gives the reciprocal of the corresponding positive power. Fractional exponents require attention to the base and the real-number domain.
Worked example
2^5 = 32 and 2^−3 = 1/8 = 0.125. For a positive base, 9^0.5 = 3. The exponent zero gives 1 for a nonzero base.
Limits and common mistakes
Zero raised to a negative exponent requires division by zero. A negative base with a fractional exponent may have no real result under the numerical method used by the tool. Avoid using a rounded decimal in place of an exact fraction.
Does a negative exponent make the answer negative?
No. It changes the value to a reciprocal. For example, 4^−2 = 1/16, which is positive.
Content updated: 2026-10-03.