The basic method: using the power button
Most calculators have a button labeled ^, x^y, or y^x that lets you calculate powers. To find 2 to the power of 3 (written as 2³), you enter the base number first, then press the power button, then enter the exponent.
The order matters. On a standard calculator: press 2, then ^, then 3, then =. The answer is 8. If you reverse the order and do 3 ^ 2, you get 9 instead, because you are calculating 3 to the power of 2.
Some older or simpler calculators may not have a dedicated power button. If you cannot find ^, x^y, or y^x, your calculator may not support this function, or the button might be accessed through a secondary menu (often labeled Shift, 2nd, or Function).
Key Takeaways
- The power button is usually labeled ^, x^y, or y^x, and you press it between the base number and the exponent.
- Enter the base first, then the power button, then the exponent, then equals — the order changes the result.
- On scientific calculators, the power button is often in the main row; on basic calculators, it may be under a Shift or 2nd menu.
- Negative exponents give you a fraction (2^-3 = 0.125), and fractional exponents calculate roots (4^0.5 = 2).
Where the power button is located
On a scientific calculator, the power button sits in a prominent spot, usually in the upper rows near other math functions. Look for ^, x^y, or y^x. Casio, Texas Instruments, and HP calculators all use one of these labels.
On a basic four-function calculator (the kind with just +, −, ×, ÷), there usually is no power button at all. These calculators are designed for simple arithmetic only. If you need to calculate powers regularly, you will need a scientific calculator or a calculator app on your phone or computer.
On a graphing calculator like a TI-84, the power button is the ^ symbol, located near the division button. The method is the same: base, ^, exponent, =.
Negative exponents and fractions
A negative exponent means "divide by that power instead of multiplying." For example, 2^-3 means 1 ÷ (2 × 2 × 2), which equals 0.125. To enter this on a calculator, press 2, then ^, then −3 (use the negative sign button, not the subtraction button), then =.
A fractional exponent calculates a root. For instance, 4^0.5 equals the square root of 4, which is 2. To enter 4^(1/3) to find the cube root of 4, you can type 4, ^, then 0.333 (or 1÷3 if your calculator lets you enter fractions), then =. Some calculators have a separate square root button (√) and cube root button (∛) that are faster for those specific cases.
Using the power function on a phone or computer
On an iPhone, open the Calculator app and rotate your phone to landscape mode. The scientific calculator view appears, and you will see the ^ button in the upper right area.
On an Android phone, open the Calculator app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), and select Scientific. The ^ button will be visible on the scientific keypad.
On a Windows computer, open the Calculator app, click View, and select Scientific. The x^y button is in the second row. On a Mac, open Calculator, go to View, and choose Scientific. The x^y button is also visible on the scientific layout.
If you are using a spreadsheet like Excel or Google Sheets, you can also calculate powers with a formula. In Excel, type =2^3 in a cell and press Enter. In Google Sheets, use the same syntax: =2^3.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
The most common error is pressing the buttons in the wrong order. If you want 5 to the power of 2 and you press 2 ^ 5 instead, you get 32 (which is 2^5) rather than 25 (which is 5^2). Always enter the base first.
Another mistake is using the subtraction button (−) instead of the negative sign button when entering a negative exponent. Most calculators have a separate button for negative numbers, often labeled +/− or (−). If you press 2 ^ − 3 using the subtraction button, the calculator may not understand what you mean.
If your calculator shows an error or a strange result, check that you are using the correct power button. Some calculators have both ^ and x^y buttons, and they work the same way, but using the wrong one by accident can cause confusion.
When to use the square root button instead
If you are calculating a square root (a power of 0.5), most calculators have a dedicated √ button that is faster than using the power function. Press the number first, then √, then =. For 16, press 16, then √, and you get 4.
Some calculators also have a cube root button (∛) for cube roots (powers of 1/3). If your calculator has these buttons, they are quicker than typing the exponent. However, for any other root or power, the ^ button is your only option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between x^y and y^x buttons?
They do the same thing — the labels just differ by manufacturer. x^y means "x to the power of y," and y^x means "y to the power of x." Either way, you enter the base first, then the exponent. Some calculators use ^ instead of either label. Check your calculator's manual if you are unsure.
Can I calculate 0 to the power of 0 on a calculator?
Most calculators will return 1 as the answer, though mathematicians debate whether 0^0 is truly defined. For practical purposes, treat the calculator's answer as correct for everyday use. If you are working on advanced math, check your textbook or instructor for the specific definition being used.
Why does my calculator show a decimal instead of a whole number?
Your calculator is set to display decimals. For example, 2^-1 equals 0.5, not a whole number. If you want to see the result as a fraction instead, some scientific calculators have a button to switch between decimal and fraction display, often labeled as a mode or format option. Check your calculator's manual for how to toggle this setting.
Can I use the power button to calculate square roots?
Yes. A square root is the same as raising a number to the power of 0.5. So to find the square root of 9, you can press 9, ^, 0.5, =, and get 3. However, if your calculator has a √ button, that is faster and simpler for square roots specifically.