Exponent Calculator (b^x)

b^x — supports fractional, negative, and zero exponents.

Inputs

Result

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How to use this calculator

  • Enter base and exponent.
  • Read result.

About this calculator

Exponentiation: b^x means "b multiplied by itself x times" — but extends to fractional, negative, and zero exponents via b^x = e^(x·ln b). Special cases: b^0 = 1, b^(−x) = 1/b^x, b^(1/2) = √b, b^(1/n) = ⁿ√b. JavaScript Math.pow handles all cases. Note: 0^0 is conventionally 1 in combinatorics and discrete math; some calculators return NaN. Negative bases with non-integer exponents are typically NaN in real arithmetic.

Frequently asked

Why is b^0 = 1?+
Convention that makes math consistent: b^(a−a) = b^a / b^a = 1. Holds for any non-zero base.
Negative base with fractional exponent?+
Generally undefined in reals (e.g. (−4)^0.5 = √−4 = imaginary). JS may return NaN.
How is non-integer exponent computed?+
b^x = e^(x · ln b). Uses logarithm + exp. Fast and accurate.
Difference from antilogarithm?+
Same operation. "Antilog" is the historical name when used as the inverse of log tables.
Can I compute negative bases here?+
Yes for integer exponents: (−2)^3 = −8. For non-integer: usually NaN unless the math library handles complex.

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