√ Root Calculator
The nth root asks which number, multiplied by itself n times, gives your value: the cube root of 27 is 3 because 3 × 3 × 3 = 27. Roots are just fractional exponents — the 4th root of 16 is 16^0.25 = 2.
Enter the number and the root degree n. Odd roots of negative numbers work fine (∛−8 = −2), but an even root of a negative has no real answer and is flagged.
How to use this calculator
Type the number and the root degree n, then press Calculate.
- Type the number into the Number field.
- Type the root degree into the Root degree field: 2 for square root, 3 for cube root, and so on.
- Press Calculate and read the root as the headline result.
- For an odd root of a negative number, like the cube root of -8, the calculator correctly returns -2.
Frequently asked questions
What does this root calculator compute?
The nth root of any number: the value that, multiplied by itself n times, gives your number. The square root of 16 is 4, the cube root of 27 is 3, the 4th root of 16 is 2.
What is the link between roots and exponents?
An nth root is a fractional exponent: the cube root of 27 equals 27 to the power of one-third. Roots and powers are inverse operations.
Can it take roots of negative numbers?
Odd roots, yes: the cube root of -8 is -2 because (-2) x (-2) x (-2) = -8. Even roots of negatives have no real answer, and the calculator says so instead of guessing.
What is the difference between root and square root?
Square root is just the special case n = 2. This calculator generalizes it to any degree you type.