Quick Answer

SQRT Function

SQRT calculates the square root of a number.

Syntax

SQRT

(number)

Parameters

Parameter	Description	Required
number	The positive number for which you want the square root.	Required

Basic Example

Calculate square root

=SQRT(16)

Result4

Returns the square root of 16, which is 4.

Advanced Examples

Example 1: Calculate standard deviation manually

Statistics

Compute sample standard deviation

=SQRT(SUM((A1:A10-AVERAGE(A1:A10))^2)/(COUNTA(A1:A10)-1))

Result: 15.2

Calculates standard deviation using the formula sqrt(variance).

How SQRT Works

SQRT computes the square root by finding a number that, when multiplied by itself, equals the input number.

1

Select output cell

Choose where the result should appear.

2

Enter formula

Type =SQRT(number).

3

Press Enter

The result shows the square root.

Important Notes & Limitations

SQRT returns #NUM! for negative numbers.
For nth roots, use POWER(number, 1/n).

Common Errors & Fixes

#NUM!Negative number argument

Fix: Use ABS to make the number positive first, or check your data.

Download Practice File

Practice SQRT with Real Data

Download a sample CSV file with pre-populated data and practice exercises for the SQRT function. Works in both Excel and Google Sheets.

Works in Google SheetsCompatible with ExcelIncludes exercises

File format: CSV (comma-separated values) - opens in Excel, Google Sheets, and all spreadsheet apps

Related Functions

ABS

ABS converts negative numbers to positive, leaving positive numbers unchanged.

ACOS

Returns the angle (in radians) whose cosine is the supplied number.

ASIN

Returns the angle (in radians) whose sine is the supplied number.

ATAN

Returns the angle (in radians) whose tangent is the supplied number.

ATAN2

Returns the angle in radians to a point given by its x and y coordinates.

CEILING.MATH

Rounds up to a multiple of significance, with a mode for negative numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate cube root?

Use POWER(number, 1/3) to calculate cube roots.

Can I calculate square root of zero?

Yes, SQRT(0) = 0