What is the syntax for EXP in Excel?

The syntax for EXP is: =EXP(number)

What are common errors with EXP?

Very large numbers may cause overflow

What is the EXP function and what is 'e'?

EXP returns e (Euler's number, approximately 2.71828) raised to a power. The constant e is fundamental in mathematics for modeling continuous growth, compound interest, and natural phenomena. EXP(1) = e, EXP(2) = e², etc.

How do I calculate continuous compound interest with EXP?

Use =Principal*EXP(rate*time). For $1000 at 5% continuously compounded for 10 years: =1000*EXP(0.05*10) = $1,648.72. This is slightly more than regular compound interest because growth is truly continuous.

What is the relationship between EXP and LN?

EXP and LN are inverse functions. LN(EXP(x)) = x and EXP(LN(x)) = x. If you have a growth rate from LN, use EXP to convert back to a multiplier. Example: LN(2) ≈ 0.693, and EXP(0.693) ≈ 2.

Math & Trig

EXP Function in Excel

Returns e raised to the power of a given number.

Syntax

=EXP(number)

Arguments

number (required): The exponent to raise e to

Examples

=EXP(1) - e to the 1st power - Result: 2.718...
=EXP(2) - e squared - Result: 7.389...

EXP in reporting workflows

Use absolute references when copying formulas across rows.
For conditional totals see [SUMIF](/functions/sumif/) and [SUMIFS](/functions/sumifs/).
Filtered lists may need [SUBTOTAL](/functions/subtotal/) instead of SUM on visible cells only.

Common errors

Very large numbers may cause overflow

Use cases

Exponential growth
Continuous compounding
Scientific calculations

Frequently asked questions

What is the EXP function and what is 'e'? EXP returns e (Euler's number, approximately 2.71828) raised to a power. The constant e is fundamental in mathematics for modeling continuous growth, compound interest, and natural phenomena. EXP(1) = e, EXP(2) = e², etc.
How do I calculate continuous compound interest with EXP? Use =Principal*EXP(rate*time). For $1000 at 5% continuously compounded for 10 years: =1000*EXP(0.05*10) = $1,648.72. This is slightly more than regular compound interest because growth is truly continuous.
What is the relationship between EXP and LN? EXP and LN are inverse functions. LN(EXP(x)) = x and EXP(LN(x)) = x. If you have a growth rate from LN, use EXP to convert back to a multiplier. Example: LN(2) ≈ 0.693, and EXP(0.693) ≈ 2.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Excel.Directory Editorial Team. Updated May 2026.