Syntax
LOG10(number)
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| number | Parameter of the LOG10 function. |
Examples
Scientific notation
Formula
=LOG10(50000)
Returns ~4.699. This means 50,000 = 10^4.699, or roughly 5 × 10^4 in scientific notation.
Decibel calculation
Formula
=10*LOG10(100)
Returns 20. A power ratio of 100:1 equals 20 dB. This is how sound intensity and signal strength are measured.
Order of magnitude
Formula
=INT(LOG10(999999))
Returns 5. The number 999,999 has 6 digits, and its order of magnitude is 10^5. INT(LOG10(x)) gives the number of digits minus 1.
Common Errors
#NUM!
LOG10 requires a positive number. =LOG10(0) and =LOG10(-10) return #NUM!.
#VALUE!
Non-numeric input returns #VALUE!.
Tips
Count digits
The number of digits in a positive integer n is =INT(LOG10(n))+1. So LOG10(999)≈2.999, INT gives 2, +1 = 3 digits.
Same as LOG with no base
LOG10(x) is identical to LOG(x, 10) and LOG(x) since LOG defaults to base 10. Use whichever is clearest in context.
Decibels formula
Power in dB = 10×LOG10(P1/P2). Voltage in dB = 20×LOG10(V1/V2). Essential for audio and electrical engineering.
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