Are you trying to learn how to do square calculations on Excel but don’t know where to start? Well look no further, as we have put together the ultimate guide on how to do squares on Excel that is not only easy to understand but also comes with helpful visuals to guide you through every step of the way.
Adding a Square Symbol in Excel
Before diving into the process of squaring in Excel, let’s first cover how to add the square symbol in Excel. To do this, follow the steps below:
- Open an Excel spreadsheet and select the cell where you want to add the square symbol.
- Click on the Insert tab located on the Ribbon at the top of the page.
- Next, click on the Symbol icon and select More Symbols from the dropdown menu.
- In the Symbol dialog box, select the Font dropdown menu and choose the option that says (normal text).
- Scroll down the list of symbols until you find the square symbol and click Insert.
- Finally, click Close to exit the Symbol dialog box.
And that’s it! Now that you know how to add the square symbol to your Excel spreadsheet, we can move on to the process of squaring.
How to Square a Number in Excel Using Power Function
There are a few different ways to square a number in Excel, but one of the most popular methods is by using the power function. The power function is a built-in function in Excel that allows you to perform exponential calculations.
Follow these steps to use the power function to square a number:
- Open an Excel spreadsheet and select the cell where you want to display the squared value.
- Type the number that you want to square in the cell to the left of the selected cell.
- In the selected cell, type “=POWER(” followed by the cell reference of the number you want to square (without the quotes).
- After the cell reference, type “,2)” (without the quotes) to indicate that you want to raise the number to the power of 2.
- Press the Enter key to complete the formula.
How to Square a Number in Excel Using the Asterisk Operator
If you prefer a simpler method, you can use the asterisk operator to square a number in Excel. The asterisk operator is used to multiply two numbers together, but when you multiply a number by itself, you get the square of that number.
Follow these steps to use the asterisk operator to square a number:
- Open an Excel spreadsheet and select the cell where you want to display the squared value.
- Type the number that you want to square in the selected cell.
- In the cell to the right of the selected cell, type an asterisk (*) followed by the same number that you typed in the selected cell.
- Press the Enter key to complete the formula.
FAQ
1. Can I perform other exponential calculations using the power function in Excel?
Yes, you can use the power function to perform other exponential calculations. To do this, simply replace the number 2 in the formula with the exponent that you want to use. For example, if you want to cube a number, you would replace “,2)” in the formula with “,3)”.
2. Is there an easier way to add the square symbol to an Excel spreadsheet?
Yes, there is a shortcut for adding the square symbol to an Excel spreadsheet. Simply type the number that you want to square into a cell, select the cell, and then press the following keys on your keyboard: ALT + 0178 (make sure to include the plus sign). This will automatically insert the square symbol into the cell.
Video Tutorial
Conclusion
Learning how to do squares on Excel can be a valuable skill, especially if you work with numbers on a regular basis. Whether you prefer using the power function or the asterisk operator, both methods are simple and easy to follow. And remember, if you ever need to add the square symbol to an Excel spreadsheet, there is a shortcut to make the process even easier. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be an Excel pro in no time!
