The LOG function in Excel is used to calculate the logarithm of a given number. You can specify the base for the logarithm, and if you don’t specify it, Excel assumes a base of 10.
Here’s how you can use the LOG function in Excel:
Syntax
LOG(number, [base])
- number: This is a required argument. The positive number for which you want to calculate the logarithm.
- [base]: This is an optional argument. The base of the logarithm. If omitted, Excel assumes the base is 10.
Examples
=LOG(100)
- Logarithm with Base 10 (Common Logarithm)
This formula will return `2` because the base-10 logarithm of 100 is 2 (since 10^2 = 100).
=LOG(8, 2)
- Logarithm with a Different Base
This formula will return `3` because 8 is equal to 2 raised to the power of 3 (since 2^3 = 8).
Steps to Use the LOG Function:
- Open Excel.
- Select a cell where you want the result to appear.
- Type `=LOG(` to begin the formula.
- Enter the number you want the logarithm for, followed by a comma if you are specifying the base.
- Enter the base, if needed.
- Close the parenthesis and press Enter.
Additional Notes
- Ensure that the number argument is positive; otherwise, Excel will return an error.
- If you need the natural logarithm (base e), you can use the `LN` function instead of `LOG`.
By following these steps, you can easily compute logarithms of different bases in Excel depending on your needs.
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