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Math & Trig
The Excel EXP function returns e raised to a power, where e ≈ 2.71828 is the base of the natural logarithm. It is the exact inverse of LN.
Quick answer:
=EXP(1) e to the 1 = 2.71828...
Syntax
=EXP(number)
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
number | Required | The exponent to which e is raised. EXP(number) returns e^number. |
How to use it
EXP raises Euler's number e (about 2.718281828) to the power you supply:
=EXP(1) // e = 2.71828...
=EXP(0) // e^0 = 1
=EXP(2) // e^2 ~7.389056
EXP and LN undo each other: =LN(EXP(1)) = 1 and =EXP(LN(5)) = 5. EXP is the backbone of continuous growth, compound-interest, and decay models.
Getting e itself: there is no E() function in Excel — write =EXP(1) whenever you need the value of e.
Try it: interactive demo
Live demo
Pick a EXP example to see the formula and its result.
Result:
Practice workbook
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Frequently asked questions
What is the value of e in Excel?
Use
=EXP(1), which returns 2.71828182845905 — Excel has no separate E() constant.Is EXP the inverse of LN?
Yes.
=EXP(LN(5)) = 5 and =LN(EXP(1)) = 1. EXP applies e^x; LN is its natural logarithm.How is EXP different from POWER?
EXP always uses base e:
=EXP(2) is e^2. POWER lets you choose any base: =POWER(10,2) is 10^2. For base e you could also write =POWER(EXP(1),2).What does EXP(0) return?
Exactly 1, because any nonzero number to the power 0 is 1, and e^0 = 1.
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