Exponent / Power Calculator — Calculate xy Instantly
Type a Base (the big number) and an Exponent (the little number up high). We’ll do the rest.
Tip: Try negatives like y = -3 (that means reciprocal).
What does xy mean?
The expression \(x^y\) is read “x to the power of y.” It means multiply the base \(x\) by itself \(y\) times. For example, \(3^4 = 3 \times 3 \times 3 \times 3 = 81\). Special cases are helpful to remember: for any nonzero \(x\), \(x^0 = 1\). A negative exponent means “flip to the bottom” (reciprocal) and then multiply: \(x^{-3} = \frac{1}{x^3}\). Our calculator shows the exact value and can display scientific notation when numbers get very large or very small.
Be careful with tricky inputs. The expression \(0^0\) is left undefined in many school contexts, so we label it as “undefined.” A negative base with a fractional exponent, like \((-8)^{1/3}\), can be real in some cases, but many fractional exponents of negative numbers are not real. If your base is negative and your exponent isn’t a whole number, we’ll warn you when the real result doesn’t exist. For small whole-number exponents, we also show the multiplication expansion so you can see exactly what’s happening.
Exponents are everywhere: area growth (\(s^2\)), volume (\(s^3\)), scientific notation (\(10^n\)), and compound growth in finance and science. Once you’re comfortable with powers, you’ll find they make big calculations easier to understand and compare. Try some quick challenges: \(2^5\), \(10^{-3}\), or \(1.5^4\). Notice how changing the exponent changes the size of the result much faster than changing the base!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use decimals?
Yes. Decimals work for both the base and the exponent, but negative bases with non-integer exponents may not be real numbers.
What is scientific notation?
It writes numbers as \(a \times 10^n\). For example, \(2.5 \times 10^6\). Choose “Scientific notation” or “Auto” in the settings.
What about big exponents?
We limit huge exponents for stability. If the result overflows or underflows, we’ll show a helpful warning.
Is my data private?
Yes—everything runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded or stored.