How To Square In Google Sheets

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In today’s tech-savvy world, Google Sheets is one of the most used tools for data analysis and organization. One of the simple, yet essential calculations, we often need to perform is squaring a number. Here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to square a number in Google Sheets.

What is Squaring a Number?

Squaring a number means multiplying that number by itself. For instance, squaring the number 5 yields 25 because 5*5=25. In Google Sheets, we can achieve this calculation by using simple multiplication or the built-in POWER function.

Method 1: Simple Multiplication

The easiest and most straightforward method to square a number in Google Sheets is by using the multiplication operator (*).

Let’s say we want to square the number in cell A1, we will follow the steps below:

  1. Click on the cell where you want the result to appear.
  2. Type the following formula: =A1*A1
  3. Press Enter.

Your squared result will now appear in the selected cell. 

=A1*A1

Method 2: Using the POWER Function

Google Sheets features the POWER function, which returns the result of a number raised to a certain power. To square a number using the POWER function, we set the power as 2.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Click on the cell where you want the result to appear.
  2. Type the following formula: =POWER(A1, 2)
  3. Press Enter.

The result is the square of the number in cell A1. 

=POWER(A1, 2)

Conclusion

Whether you choose to square a number using simple multiplication or the POWER function, both methods are effective and easy to use. Google Sheets offers a versatile platform for data analysis and manipulation, making it a valuable tool for both personal and professional use.