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SQRT Function (LibreOffice Calc)

Math Beginner LibreOffice Calc Introduction not established

The SQRT function in LibreOffice Calc returns the positive square root of a number. Learn syntax, examples, common errors, and best practices.

Verification status: Consult the documentation, examples and any stated test scope below. How formula examples are checked

Availability and version history

  • Introduced: Documented by LibreOffice 26.8.1.1; original introduction not established.
  • Availability: Supported in LibreOffice 26.8.1.1, verified against its function registry. This identifies a supported release, not a final working version.
  • Scope: Desktop Calc, using the English function name. Availability in other spreadsheet applications is separate.
  • Checked: 2026-10-14 — function reference; versioned support. Documentation/source check; not a new native test. Existing example-specific test claims below retain their stated scope.
The **SQRT** function returns the positive square root of a number in LibreOffice Calc. It is equivalent to using `POWER(number; 0.5)` but is clearer, more readable, and more conventional. `SQRT` is widely used in geometry, statistics, financial modeling, and scientific calculations.

What the SQRT Function Does

  • Returns the positive square root of a number
  • Equivalent to POWER(number; 0.5)
  • Works with integers, decimals, and expressions
  • Useful for geometry, statistics, and scientific math
  • Returns an error for negative inputs

It is designed to be simple, precise, and universally compatible.

Syntax

SQRT(number)

Arguments

  • number:
    The numeric value whose square root is to be calculated.
    Must be non‑negative.

Basic Examples

Square root of a positive number

=SQRT(25)

Returns 5.

Square root of a decimal

=SQRT(2.25)

Returns 1.5.

SQRT with a cell reference

=SQRT(A1)

Returns the square root of A1.

Equivalent POWER expression

=POWER(A1; 0.5)

Same result as SQRT(A1).

Advanced Examples

SQRT in geometric formulas

=SQRT(A1^2 + B1^2)

Computes the hypotenuse using the Pythagorean theorem.

SQRT in variance or standard deviation calculations

=SQRT(A1 / (B1 - 1))

Useful for manual statistical formulas.

SQRT with ABS to avoid negative inputs

=SQRT(ABS(A1))

Ensures the argument is non‑negative.

SQRT for distance calculations

=SQRT((A1 - B1)^2 + (C1 - D1)^2)

Computes Euclidean distance between two points.

SQRT in financial modeling

=SQRT(A1 * B1)

Useful for geometric means and volatility calculations.

Common Errors and Fixes

Err:502 — Invalid argument

Occurs when:

  • number is negative
  • number is non‑numeric
  • a formula returns an error passed into SQRT

Fix:
Ensure the argument is non‑negative and numeric.

SQRT returns Err:503 (overflow)

Occurs when:

  • The result is too large for Calc to represent
    (rare for SQRT, more common for POWER)

SQRT returns 0 unexpectedly

Possible causes:

  • number is extremely small
  • number is stored as text
  • cell is empty

Fix:
Convert text to numbers using:
Data → Text to Columns → OK

Best Practices

  • Use SQRT for clarity when computing square roots
  • Use POWER(number; 0.5) only when building generalized exponent formulas
  • Avoid passing negative numbers unless wrapped in ABS
  • Use SQRT in geometry, statistics, and distance calculations
  • Use parentheses to ensure correct order of operations
SQRT is ideal for geometric, statistical, and scientific formulas where clarity and readability matter.
  • Use POWER(number; 0.5) for generalized exponentiation
  • Use POWER(number; 1/3) for cube roots
  • Use EXP and LN for exponential/logarithmic models
  • Use ABS to sanitize negative inputs
  • Use A1 ^ 0.5 as a shorthand for square roots

By mastering SQRT and its combinations with other math functions, you can build precise, readable numeric models in LibreOffice Calc that handle square root calculations cleanly and consistently.

Reproducible example (tested in LibreOffice Calc)

This standalone example was calculated in LibreOffice Calc 25.2.3.2 and matched the expected value. It is a practical cross-check of one usage, not proof that every example elsewhere on this page is correct.

=SQRT(81)

Expected result: 9.

Find the positive square root of a number.

If the result differs, check the referenced cells, argument separators and number formatting. For more information, consult the LibreOffice Calc official help.