If you need to calculate the square of a number in Excel, you have a few straightforward options.
For starters, squaring a number means multiplying it by itself. So, the square of 9 would be 9*9, which sums up to 81.
Working with squares of numbers is a common operation, and Microsoft Excel provides built-in functions that let you square numbers, quickly and easily.
Whether you are a student, analyst, or casual user, learning how to square numbers in Excel can be incredibly useful.
Today’s guide will walk you through the different methods to square numbers in Excel so you can choose the approach that works best for your needs.
Easy Methods to Square Numbers in Excel
Now that you understand what squaring a number means, it’s time to explore the different ways you can do so in MS Excel. Even if you’re a complete beginner, you’ll find these methods simple to apply.
As we mentioned right from the get-go, Microsoft Excel offers multiple techniques to square numbers, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your workflow and preferences.
Let’s dive right in and effortlessly explore the different options for squaring numbers in Excel.
Copy Sample Worksheet
Following our step-by-step tutorial is highly recommended to fully understand the process. Get started by copying our sample Excel worksheet.
How to Square Numbers in Excel Using Multiplication
One of the most straightforward methods to square numbers in MS Excel is by using the multiplication operator. This approach is suitable for those who prefer working directly with formulas.
Let’s assume we have a dataset with numbers in column A, and want to calculate their squares in column B.
Here is how to go about it:
Step 1: Select the Cell for the Result
First, select a cell in column B where you want to display the squared result for the first number. For our example, we will go with cell B2.
Step 2: Enter the Formula
After deciding which area of your worksheet you want the squared result to be, it’s time to input the formula.
What you want to do is head to the formula bar and type in the following formula:
=A2*A2
Essentially, this formula multiplies the value in cell A2 by itself, effectively squaring the number.
Step 3: Hit Enter
After inputting your formula, as we showed you in Step 2, simply press the Enter button on your keyboard. Microsoft Excel should generate the squared result in the selected cell.
See what ours looks like:
Step 4: Copy the Formula Down
With the formula entered in cell B2, you can copy it down to the remaining cells in column B by hovering your mouse over the bottom-right corner of the selected cell until the cursor changes to a plus sign (+). Then, click and drag downwards to fill the formula in the remaining cells.
The video below provides better clarification on how to approach it.
After executing all the steps we showed you, your spreadsheet should now look something like this:
Looking at the screenshot above, you can see the squared values in column B.
So, if you want a straightforward way to square numbers in this spreadsheet, leveraging the multiplication method will make your task insanely easy.
How to Square Numbers in Excel Using POWER()
While the multiplication method for squaring numbers in Excel is straightforward, Microsoft Excel also offers a dedicated function called POWER() that can make the process even more efficient.
This function is beneficial when you need to square multiple numbers or raise a number to any power.
In this section, we will go over the step-by-step process together so you get the hang of how to maximize this function to the fullest.
Let’s continue with the same sample data we used earlier, where we have numbers in column A, and want to calculate their squares in column B.
Step 1: Select the Cell for the Result
The first thing we want to do is decide the area of our worksheet where we want the squared result displayed. For this example, we will choose cell B2.
Step 2: Enter the POWER() Formula
After deciding on a cell where you want the squared result to be, head over to the formula bar and type in the following formula:
=POWER(A2,2)
Let’s break the formula down:
The POWER() function takes two arguments:
- The number you want to raise to a power (in this case, A2, which refers to the value in cell A2)
- The power to which you want to raise the number (in this case, 2, since we want to square the number)
Step 3: Press Enter
With the Power() formula executed like we showed you in step 2, go ahead and hit the Enter button on your keyboard. The squared result should be generated in the selected cell.
Here is what we got:
Step 4: Copy the Formula Down
With the formula entered in B2, you can copy it down to the remaining cells in column B by hovering your mouse over the bottom-right corner of the selected cell until the cursor changes to a plus sign (+). Then, click and drag downwards to fill the formula in the remaining cells.
After executing Step 4 as we showed you, your data should now look like this:
From the screenshot above, you can see that column B features the squared values of the corresponding numbers in column A. We were able to achieve this by using the POWER() function.
For starters, the POWER() function is a versatile option for squaring numbers in Excel, as it can also be used to raise a number to any other power by changing the second argument.
Squaring Numbers in Excel Using SQRT()
In addition to using multiplication and the POWER() function, Microsoft Excel offers other techniques for squaring numbers. One such method involves the SQRT() function, which can be useful when you need to find the square root of a number.
What’s cool about the SQRT function is that it can be used to calculate the square root of a number. And we will show you how to go about it in this section.
To demonstrate how to calculate the square root of a number using the SQRT function, we will use the following sample data.
Step 1: Choose an Empty Cell
The first thing we need to do is choose an empty cell. This is where we want our calculated result to be. For this example, we will select cell B2.
Step 2: Enter the Formula
After deciding on the cell where you want the result to be, navigate to the formula bar and type in the following formula.
=SQRT(A2)
Step 3: Press Enter
Now that you have typed in your SQRT formula as we showed you, go ahead and hit the Enter button on your keyboard. You should see the result instantly generated in the selected cell.
Here is what we got using our own data:
Step 4: Copy the Formula Down
With the formula entered in B2, you can copy it down to the remaining cells in column B by hovering your mouse over the bottom-right corner of the selected cell until the cursor changes to a plus sign (+). Then, click and drag downwards to fill the formula in the remaining cells.
We showed you how to do that earlier using a video demonstration.
After executing this step, you should get something like this:
Note: The SQRT() function calculates the square root of a given number, which is essentially the value that when multiplied by itself, results in the original number. For example, the square root of 25 is 5 because 5 multiplied by 5 equals 25.
In the context of squaring numbers, the SQRT() function is used to perform the reverse operation. By multiplying the square root of a number by itself, we can obtain the square of that number. This approach leverages the fact that the square root is the inverse operation of squaring.
Frequently Asked Questions on How to Square Numbers in Excel
How can I Calculate the Square of a Number in Excel?
There are multiple ways to square a number in Excel. One straightforward approach is to use the multiplication operator (*) by entering a formula like =A2*A2, where A2 is the cell containing the number you want to square.
Alternatively, you can use the POWER() function with the formula =POWER(A2,2).
Microsoft Excel also allows you to use the caret symbol (^) as an exponent operator, so you can enter =A2^2 to square the value in cell A2.
How Can I Calculate the Square Root of a Number in Excel?
To calculate the square root of a number in Excel, you can use the SQRT() function. For example, to find the square root of the value in cell A2, you would enter the formula =SQRT(A2) in another cell.
Final Thoughts
Squaring numbers is a fundamental mathematical operation that finds applications in various domains, from academics to data analysis. Interestingly, Microsoft Excel offers multiple methods to square numbers, catering to different preferences and workflow styles.
The multiplication method is perhaps the most intuitive way to square numbers in Excel. We love this method because it allows users to square numbers by simply multiplying a cell value with itself. It’s a straightforward technique that doesn’t require memorizing any functions, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those who prefer working with basic formulas.
For those seeking a more specialized solution, the POWER() function provides a dedicated way to square numbers and even raise them to any other power. This function is particularly useful when dealing with large datasets or when performing multiple operations involving exponents.
Additionally, the SQRT() function offers a unique perspective on squaring numbers by leveraging the inverse operation of finding the square root. While it may seem counterintuitive at first, this method demonstrates the versatility of Microsoft Excel functions and how they can be combined to achieve various mathematical goals.
Regardless of the method chosen, Microsoft Excel provides a user-friendly environment for squaring numbers, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.