EXP function
EXP returns e (about 2.71828) raised to a power. It's the inverse of LN and appears in continuous compounding, growth and decay models, and statistics. =EXP(1) gives you e itself.
- Available in
- Every current version
- Category
- Math functions
- Returns
- e raised to number.
- Google Sheets
- Works the same in Google Sheets.
Syntax
=EXP(number)
| Argument | Required? | What it is |
|---|---|---|
number | Required | The power to raise e to. |
Examples
Each result below is calculated from the sample sheet by our formula engine, the same one that grades the practice.
| Cell | Formula | Result | What it shows |
|---|---|---|---|
| D2 | =EXP(1) | 2.718281828 | e itself, about 2.71828 |
| D3 | =B2*EXP(B3*B4) | $5,637.48 | Balance after 3 years of continuous compounding at 4% |
| D4 | =EXP(LN(B2)) | 5000 | EXP undoes LN, so this returns 5,000 again |
Try it live
This is the sample sheet. Change any number or text, or edit a formula, and the results update.
Show the sample data as a table
| Input | Value | ||
| Principal | $5,000 | 2.718281828 | |
| Rate | 4% | $5,637.48 | |
| Years | 3 | 5000 |
Practice EXP
Graded instantly, then re-checked on changed data.
Continuous compounding
E2, use EXP to find each balance: deposit × e raised to (rate × years). Fill down to E6.Common mistakes
| What you see | Why, and how to fix it |
|---|---|
| #NUM! | The result is too large for Excel: EXP of more than about 709 overflows. Check that the power isn't a whole-number percent. |
| Result is enormous | The rate was entered as 4 instead of 4% or 0.04, so EXP(4*3) is used instead of EXP(0.12). |
| Slightly off from a textbook answer | Typing 2.718 for e loses precision. Use EXP(x) rather than 2.718^x. |
Tips
- Exponential decay, such as a half-life model: =Start*EXP(-Rate*Time).
Questions
How do I enter e in Excel?
Use =EXP(1), which returns 2.71828182845905.
What is the difference between EXP and POWER?
EXP always uses e as the base. POWER lets you choose the base: =POWER(2.71828,x) is close to EXP(x) but less precise.
How do I calculate continuous compounding in Excel?
Use =P*EXP(r*t), for example =B2*EXP(C2*D2).
Last reviewed October 2026. Every example result on this page is calculated live by the Spreadsheet Practice formula engine.