The SQRT function takes one argument, number, which must be a numeric value. If number is not numeric, SQRT returns a #VALUE! error. If number is negative, SQRT returns a #NUM! error.
Examples
Negative numbers
The SQRT function will return a #NUM! error when number is negative: To get the square root of a negative number (as if the number was positive), wrap the number in the ABS function like this:
Notes
If number is not numeric, SQRT returns a #VALUE! error. If number is negative, SQRT returns a #NUM! error.
Dave Bruns
Hi - I’m Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.
