How this calculation works
An integer positive exponent represents repeated multiplication. Negative exponents take the reciprocal. Some combinations, such as negative bases with fractional exponents, have no real-valued result.
Result = base^exponentA worked example
2 raised to 10 equals 1,024.
Good to know
Uses the stated formula and assumptions. Displayed decimal values are rounded; use consistent units for all inputs.
A negative exponent means a reciprocal
2³ is 8, while 2⁻³ is 1/8. A negative exponent does not make the base negative; it moves the positive power into the denominator. This distinction is useful in scientific notation and formulas involving inverse relationships.
The sign of a negative base depends on the exponent. (−2)² is 4, while (−2)³ is −8. An even number of negative factors produces a positive product; an odd number leaves it negative.
Some inputs have no finite real answer
A negative base with a fractional exponent is not always real-valued. Zero raised to a negative power would require division by zero. The tool rejects non-finite or non-real numerical results rather than presenting them as usable answers.
The browser convention used here returns 1 for 0⁰. Mathematical treatments of that expression depend on context, so do not use that programming convention to resolve a limit or a theoretical question. Very large powers also lose precision or exceed the supported numeric range.
A few questions, answered
Why can a power be rejected?
The requested result may be non-real, infinite or outside the supported numerical range.
Does −2² mean the same thing as (−2)²?
No. Here the base field is grouped as one value, so entering −2 with exponent 2 evaluates (−2)² = 4.