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LOG10

The LOG10 function returns the base 10 logarithm of a given number. It is commonly used in mathematical and scientific calculations.

Usage

Use the LOG10 formula with the syntax shown below, it has 1 required parameter:

=LOG10(value)
Parameters:
  1. value (required):
    The positive real number or cell reference to the cell containing the number for which you want to calculate the logarithm.

Examples

Here are a few example use cases that explain how to use the LOG10 formula in Google Sheets.

Calculating pH

The pH of a solution is calculated as the negative base 10 logarithm of the molar concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution. You can use the LOG10 function to calculate the pH of a solution given its hydrogen ion concentration.

Scaling data

You can use the LOG10 function to scale data that covers a large range of values. Taking the logarithm of the data can compress the range of values and make it easier to work with.

Visualizing data

The LOG10 function can also be used to create visualizations of data that cover a large range of values. By taking the logarithm of the data, you can create a more even distribution of values that is easier to visualize.

Common Mistakes

LOG10 not working? Here are some common mistakes people make when using the LOG10 Google Sheets Formula:

Using a non-positive argument

The LOG10 function only works with positive numbers. If the argument is non-positive, the function returns an error. Make sure the argument is a positive number.

Using non-numeric values

The LOG10 function only works with numeric values. If the argument is non-numeric, the function returns an error. Make sure the argument is a numeric value.

Using the wrong argument order

The LOG10 function only takes one argument, which is the value to be evaluated. If you provide more than one argument or put them in the wrong order, the function returns an error. Make sure you only provide one argument and it is in the correct order.

The following functions are similar to LOG10 or are often used with it in a formula:

  • LOG

    The LOG function in Google Sheets returns the logarithm of a given number to a specified base. This function is commonly used in mathematical and financial calculations.

  • LN

    The LN formula returns the natural logarithm of a given value. The natural logarithm is the logarithm to the base e, where e is an irrational number approximately equal to 2.71828. The formula is commonly used in mathematical and scientific calculations.

  • EXP

    The EXP function returns the result of e raised to the power of a given exponent. This function is commonly used in mathematical and scientific calculations.

  • POW

    The POW formula is a mathematical operator in Google Sheets used to raise a base number to the power of an exponent. It returns the result of the calculation. This formula is commonly used in financial analysis, engineering, and scientific research.

  • SQRT

    The SQRT function returns the positive square root of a given number. It can be used to find the length of a side of a right triangle, or to calculate standard deviation. The function takes one argument, the value or reference to the cell containing the number for which you want to find the square root.

Learn More

You can learn more about the LOG10 Google Sheets function on Google Support.