How to Square a Number in Excel: All There Is to Know

So, this one is going to be all about squaring a number in Excel. Squaring a number basically means multiplying it by itself or it getting raised to the power two. If you’ve got your basic math right, then it shouldn’t be a big deal understanding the facts.

But hey, this isn’t going to be a math class by any means. Here, we’ll show you the proper pathways to square a number in Excel. We’ll break down each method and show you how to execute them the right way.

This can be executed by either using formulas or functions. Not to worry, we’ll cover them all step by step. We won’t take the introductions any further. It’s time to dive straight into it.

The Two Most Common Ways to Square a Number in Excel

To be honest, there are more than one way to go about this. Just to clear things out for you, we’ll discuss two of the most common methods that are used to squaring a number in excel. These are easy to understand and execute as well. Let’s take a look. Shall we?

Formula Method

As the name suggests, we’ll be using formulas here. Before we get into the procedures, let me show you the dataset that we’ll be working on.

Caret operator formula

As you can see, the numbers are placed on the left and the cells for the square results are kept empty. There are two formula methods to be exact. These are:

  1. Multiplication Operator Formula
  2. Caret Operator Formula

Multiplication Operator Formula

Squaring an operator basically means multiplying it by itself. And by the multiplying operator, we’re referring to the asterisk (*) symbol. Let’s get into the practical execution then, shall we?

  • The first thing you need to do is, select the number you want to square.
  • Suppose, 2 is in cell number B2. So, the result should appear on cell number C2.
  • When you select C2, type in =B2 or select cell B2.
  • After that, place the * symbol and click on the B2 cell again.
  • The formula of cell C2 should look like =B2*B2.
  • Press Enter, and you should get the results.

Multiplication operator formula

Caret Operator Formula

Squaring a number does technically mean raising it to power two. By the Caret operator, we’re basically referring to the (^) symbol. Let’s look at the super easy procedure now.

  • Suppose, you’ll be selecting number 3. Which is inside cell B3.
  • Now to square B3 you need to select cell C3.
  • The formula should look like this: =B3^2 (This means, 3 powered by 2)
  • Just press enter and you’ll get your results and 9 will appear in cell C3.

Caret operator formula

Note: If you don’t want to rely on the cell numbers, you can directly place the number and use * or ^ according to your needs.

Function Method

If you’re willing to square a number in Excel using Functions. Then there are three distinct ways to go about it to be honest. They would be:

  1. The POWER Function Method
  2. The PRODUCT Function Method
  3. The SUMPRODUCT Function Method

POWER Function

Remember the caret method we talked about earlier, this one is quite similar to it. The Syntax you’ll need for the power function is really easy to understand. You just need the arguments of number and power.

Since the topic at hand is about only squaring the number, the value of power will be limited to 2. Let’s take a look.

  • Suppose you want to square 5. Which is in cell B4.
  • All you have to do is, select cell C4.
  • Then type in =POWER(B4,2)
  • Press Enter and voila! 5 in cell B4 will appear square in cell C4.

POWER Function

PRODUCT Function

This one is very much identical to the multiplication formula. Instead of the asterisks * symbol, here you have to use a comma. You have to multiply the cell with itself here as well. Let me explain.

  • Suppose, we’ll be working with cell B4 again.
  • We want the results to come out in C4. So, in C4 you have to place the function.
  • In this case, it should look like: =PRODUCT (B4, B4)
  • The image below should give you a clearer idea.

PRODUCT Function

Note: If you don’t want to go with cell references, you can place numbers here directly. Just like the previous one. Here, the function should look like: =PRODUCT (5, 5)

SUMPRODUCT Function

This procedure is an easy way to get a lot of work done together at once. Let’s hit the point straight away here. Squaring a number means multiplying it by itself. So, putting only one group of numbers within the SUMPRODUCT function should be enough.

We’ll be using it quite similarly with the PRODUCT function that we mentioned before.

So why add the SUM prefix? Let me explain.

Cell B4 has the number 5. As I explained before, the SUMPRODUCT function multiplies all groups of numbers provided and adds the results of those multiplied number groups. So, the function =SUMPRODUCT (B4, B4) would mean the multiplication of 5 with itself. Hence, we’ll be squaring it by default.

Yes, this method might not be exactly optimal for this task. But since we’re exploring options, it’s definitely worth mentioning.

This is what it basically looks like:

SUMPRODUCT Function

Final Words

I believe I’ve completed my objective here. We’ve discussed all the possible ways to square a number in excel. My step-by-step guide should result in success for you all the way. I hope it wasn’t too hard to understand or apply.

That’s pretty much it. Farewell.

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