The Excel SQRTPI function returns the square root of a number multiplied by π — that is, √(number × π). It is a shorthand common in statistics and physics formulas.
Syntax
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
number | Required | The number that is multiplied by pi before the square root is taken. Must be zero or positive. |
How to use it
SQRTPI computes √(number × π) in one step:
It is exactly equivalent to =SQRT(number*PI()) — SQRTPI just saves you wrapping PI in the formula. The factor √(2π) appears constantly in the normal-distribution density, which is where SQRTPI earns its keep.
Non-negative only. Because the result must be a real number, a negative argument returns a #NUM! error, just like SQRT.
Try it: interactive demo
Pick a SQRTPI example to see the formula and its result.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
What exactly does SQRTPI calculate?
=SQRTPI(1) is √π ≈ 1.7724539 and =SQRTPI(2) is √(2π) ≈ 2.5066283.Is SQRTPI the same as SQRT(number*PI())?
=SQRTPI(2) and =SQRT(2*PI()) return the same value. SQRTPI is just more compact.Where is SQRTPI useful?
Can SQRTPI take a negative number?
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