The LOG function returns the logarithm of a number to a given base.
This function is widely used in mathematics, physics, and statistics.
Syntax
LOG(value, [base])
Argument |
Description |
Permitted values |
|---|---|---|
value |
Value for which the logarithm is calculated using the specified base |
Positive real number. Can be specified as a number, formula, function, or cell reference |
[base] |
(optional) The base on which the logarithm is calculated. By default, 10 |
Positive real number other than 1. Can be specified as a number, formula, function, or cell reference |
Examples of use
Calculating the logarithm for the value 100 to the base 10
=LOG(100)
Result: 2, since 10 to the power of 2 = 100.
Calculating the logarithm for the value 8 to the base 2
=LOG(8, 2)
Result: 3, since 2 to the power of 3 = 8.
Calculating the logarithm for an invalid value
=LOG(81, 1)
Result: #DIV/0! error, logarithm undefined for base 1.
Notes
–If the base argument is not specified, the function uses base 10.
–The function returns the #NUM! error if a negative argument is entered for value.