Squaring a number multiplies that number by itself. It’s a powerful function, and it’s easy to calculate in Excel. Let’s learn how to square numbers in Microsoft Excel.
Excel offers two quick ways to find a square. With one, you input the number and then square it. With the other, you can find the square of numbers that are already in your workbook. We’ll learn how to do both.
How to Find a Square in Microsoft Excel
Let’s say you want to square the number 10. Of course, you could simply multiply 10 x 10. But Excel can square a number with a simple formula instead.
Click into any cell, and type =10. Then, type a caret symbol, ^. Finally, type 2.
Your finished formula is:
=10^2
Hit Enter on your keyboard, and Excel will square 10 and return the value 100.
(Hint: If you need to raise a number to a higher power, repeat the same steps, but change the 2 to a 3, 4, or other value).
How to Square an Existing Number in Microsoft Excel
Imagine that you already have a number in Excel, and you want to square it. There’s no need to type it over again in a formula like the one above.
To square an existing number, click into a blank cell. Type = again. Now, you’ll want to click on the cell containing the number you want to square. In this case, that’s cell A1.
Now, type ^2 and hit Enter. Excel returns your solution: 900.
You can even perform this step with a list of numbers, by simply clicking and dragging your formulas into an adjacent empty column or row.
As you can see, Excel offers plenty of great ways to quickly square numbers. They save you time and ensure your calculations are always accurate.
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