Square Root In Excel (SQRT)

Last Updated :

21 Aug, 2024

Edited by :

Sheeba M

Reviewed by :

Dheeraj Vaidya, CFA, FRM

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What Is Square Root Formula In Excel (SQRT)?

When we multiply the number with the same number, we get the square of the number. The Square Root in Excel is a built-in MATH & TRIG function used to calculate the number’s Square Root or the multiplied numeric value, which can be done by entering the function directly or entering from the “Formulas” tab.

For example, the Square Root of the number 25 in cell A1is 5, as shown below in cell B1.

  • If we multiply the number 5 by 5, as 5 * 5, we will get a value of 25.
  • We can also write the equation as 52.
Square Root in excel Intro
  • The Square Root in Excel helps users find the numeric value that was multiplied twice to get its squared value.
  • It is a brainer function. With manual calculation, we need some calculators to do the task. But in Excel, it is just a supply of the number to the formula SQRT.
  • We can use many methods to find the SQRT as we saw to enter directly in the worksheet as an equation, or insert the formula. We also have the VBA method, as we learnt in FAQ 2.
  • We can use some functions like ABS(), POWER(), etc., too, to find the SQRT of a number.

Negative Square Root In Excel

Square Root works for negative numbers as well.

Let us consider an example to see if the Square Root of 36 is either 6 or -6.

  • If the number -6 is squared, we will get a positive number of 36, i.e., -6 * -6 = +36.

As per the mathematics rule, we will get a positive number if we multiply the negative sign with the negative sign.

  • And, of course, 6 * 6 = 36 as well.

Syntax Of Square Root In Excel

The syntax of the Square Root Formula is,

Square Root formula in excel

The argument of the Square Root Formula is,

  • numberIt is the only mandatory parameter of the SQRT function. It is the numeric value we are trying to find the Square Root value.

How To Calculate Square Root (SQRT) In Excel?

In Excel, we can calculate the Square Root not only by using the Square Root but also in several other ways, namely:

  • Manual Method: To use this function, we need to type the keyword =SQRT, and press the “tab” button, which will pop up the SQRT function, and it takes a single argument.
  • Function Method: We can insert the function from the “Function Library” of the “Formulas” tab.

Examples

In Excel, we can calculate the square root not only by using the square root but also in several other ways.

Example #1

We have a list of numbers shown below.

Square Root Function Example 1

The steps to find the Square Root Value are,

  1. Copy these numbers to Excel.


    Square Root Function Example 1-1

  2. Open the formula in the B2 cell.


    Square Root Function Example 1-2

  3. In this case, select the required cell, i.e., A2.


    Square Root Function Example 1-3

  4. Now, drag and drop the formula to the remaining cells.


    Square Root Function Example 1-4

Example #2

In this article’s earlier section, we mentioned that the Square Root in the Excel formula could work only for positive numbers. If we supply the negative number, we will get #NUM! error.

Square Root Function Example 2

But we can apply another formula with the SQRT function to get this done. Now, look at the below negative numbers.

Square Root Function Example 2-1

We have applied the SQRT Excel function, and we got #NUM! errors due to negative numbers.

To solve this issue, first, we need to convert all the negative numbers into positive ones. So, we will use the ABS function, which can return the absolute value of a negative number. We do not need to apply this formula separately. Instead, we can nest this formula inside the SQRT function itself.

Square Root Function Example 2-2

Firstly, the ABS function will convert the negative number to a positive number. Then, the SQRT Excel function will work properly because of the positive number supplied by the ABS function.

Example #3

We have learned how to calculate the Square Root number in the Excel formula. But we can find the square of the number too.

Now, look at the numbers below.

Function Example 3

If we multiply 6 with 6, we will get 36. As a result, i.e., the Square Root of the number 36 is 6. But we do not have any special formula to calculate the square value. But still, we can do this, which is the power of Excel.

Function Example 3-1

By using an exponential symbol, we can solve this problem.

Important Things To Note

  • The SQRT function can accept only numbers. If you supply anything other than the numerical value, we will get #VALUE! error.
  • The SQRT function accepts only positive numbers. If you supply negative numbers, it will return the result as #NUM! error.
  • We use the key “ALT+251” to insert the Square Root symbol.

Frequently Asked Question

1. Can we provide any number to find the Square Root in Excel?

We must remember that the Square Root formula can return the result only for positive numbers. If we supply the negative number, we will get a #NUM! Error, as shown below.

Square Root function 1

2. Where is the Square Root function in Excel?

We can find the Square Root function as follows:
First, choose an empty cell - select the “Formulas” tab - go to the “Function Library” group - click the “Math & Trig” option drop-down - select the “SQRT” function, as shown below.

Square Root in excel - FAQ 2 - Math & Trig

The “Function Arguments” window opens. Enter the arguments in the “Number” field, and click “OK”, as shown below.

Square Root in excel - FAQ 2 - Argument

3. How to use VBA code to find the Square Root in Excel?

We can use the VBA editor to find the Square Root in Excel using the following steps, namely:
First, open the worksheet with the dataset.
Next, press the shortcut keys “Alt+F11”, and the VBA editor window opens, as shown below.

Square Root in excel - FAQ 3- VBA

Then, click the path Insert - Module, which opens the window, as shown below.

Square Root in excel - FAQ 3 - Module

Enter the following VBA Code,

Sub sqrt_Example()
sqr_root = Sqr(number)
End Sub

Finally, run the VBA Code to execute the code and get the result.

4. What is the symbol for SQRT, and how to insert it in a cell?

●       The mathematical symbol for SQRT is,
Square Root
●       We can insert the symbol in an Excel cell using the shortcut key “Alt+251”, i.e., hold the “ALT” key and type the numbers 251, one after the other, from the number keypad. Automatically, the SQRT symbol gets inserted in the cell.

Download Template

This article must help understand Square Root in Excel with its formulas and examples. You can download the template here to use it instantly.

This article has been a guide to Square Root in Excel. Here we find Square Root using SQRT formula, negative square, ABS(), POWER(), examples, downloadable template. You may also look at these useful functions in Excel: -

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