=LOG(number, [base])One free generation or explanation per browser, shared across Excel and Google Sheets. Account usage limits apply afterward.
Need more than a single LOG formula? Try our free AI for Excel — it reads your entire spreadsheet, answers questions in plain English, and builds charts and analysis in the same chat.
number:
The positive real number for which you want to calculate the logarithm.
base:
The base of the logarithm. If omitted, Excel uses base 10 by default. This can be any positive real number except for 1.
The LOG function in Excel is a mathematical tool that allows you to calculate the logarithm of a number to a specified base. It is particularly useful in various fields such as finance, engineering, and data analysis, where logarithmic calculations are often required.
In simpler terms, the LOG function helps you determine how many times one number (the base) must be multiplied to obtain another number, making it easier to work with exponential growth or decay.
Imagine you are analyzing the growth of a population over time, and you have the following data in an Excel spreadsheet:
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1000 |
| 2 | 2000 |
| 3 | 4000 |
| 4 | 8000 |
| 5 | 16000 |
You want to find out the logarithm of the population in Year 5 with a base of 2.
To calculate the logarithm of the population for Year 5, you would use the LOG formula as follows:
=LOG(B6, 2)When you apply the formula, it calculates the logarithm of 16000 to the base of 2. The output would be:
| Logarithm of Population (Base 2) |
|---|
| 14.2877 |
Here, the result indicates that 2 raised to the power of approximately 14.2877 equals 16000.
The LOG function is particularly useful when you need to analyze data that involves exponential relationships, such as population growth, financial returns, or any scenario where you want to understand the scale of growth or decay. It allows you to simplify complex calculations and make sense of large numbers.
Understanding how to use the LOG function can significantly enhance your analytical capabilities in Excel, enabling you to interpret and manipulate data more effectively.
Happy calculating!
You have a table where Column A contains the names of different products and Column B contains their corresponding prices. You can use the LOG function to calculate the logarithm of each product's price, which can help in analyzing price distributions and understanding pricing strategies. This allows for a simplified approach to identifying price trends and making data-driven decisions regarding pricing adjustments without the need for more complex statistical analyses.
Beyond the LOG function: Better Analyst is a full Excel AI that goes well past individual formulas. Upload any spreadsheet and ask questions in plain English — you'll get formulas, data analysis, and charts back in seconds. It's a free AI Excel assistant that works with any .xlsx, .xls, or .csv file — no plugins, no Microsoft 365 required.
Don't have a spreadsheet yet? Use our free AI spreadsheet generator to turn a text prompt into a downloadable Excel file — a full AI Excel sheet maker that builds headers, columns, and formulas from your description.
Create a free account for formula help, explanations, and spreadsheet analysis. Usage limits depend on your plan.
Browse our complete library of Excel formula guides
Compare your options
Open a neutral research prompt in the AI tool you already use. Compare capabilities, limitations, and fit before you choose.
AI answers can be incomplete. Check source links, current pricing, and product documentation before deciding.