How this calculator works
Each step up in an integer exponent moves the decimal point one place to the right. Negative exponents make decimal fractions. Fractional exponents interpolate between these place-value milestones. The reverse calculation uses the common logarithm. The table locates a result among nearby powers of ten, which is useful when checking scientific notation.
Formula
y = 10^x; x = log10(y), with y > 0. 10^(x + 1) = 10 × 10^x.
Worked example
10^(-3) = 0.001. Starting instead with 10000 gives log10(10000) = 4.
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Frequently asked questions
Can the exponent be a decimal?
Yes. For example, 10^0.5 is the square root of 10. The table still uses integer exponents to show reference points.
Can a power be zero or negative?
A finite real exponent and a positive base always give a positive value. Zero and negative targets are rejected in reverse mode.
Why might the table have fewer than five rows?
Powers beyond the finite numeric range, including values that underflow to zero, are omitted. The main result must itself remain representable.