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SQRT Function (OpenOffice Calc)

Math Beginner OpenOffice Calc OpenOffice.org 3.0

The SQRT function in OpenOffice Calc returns the square root of a number. Learn syntax, examples, error conditions, and best practices.

Verification status: Consult the documentation and examples below. Native application testing has not been documented for this guide. How formula examples are checked

The SQRT function in OpenOffice Calc returns the square root of a number. It is widely used in scientific calculations, geometry, engineering, statistics, and financial modeling. SQRT is a simpler, more readable alternative to using POWER(number; 0.5).

What the SQRT Function Does

  • Returns the positive square root of a number
  • Works with integers and decimals
  • Useful for geometry, physics, statistics, and financial modeling
  • Equivalent to POWER(number; 0.5)
  • Works across sheets

SQRT is ideal when you need clean, readable root calculations.

Syntax

SQRT(number)

Arguments:

  • number — Any non‑negative numeric value or reference
SQRT cannot handle negative numbers.
Use =IMAGINARY(SQRT(-1)) only in complex‑number contexts (Calc supports complex math via add‑ins).

Basic Examples

Square root of a positive number

=SQRT(25)

Result: 5

Square root of a decimal

=SQRT(2.25)

Result: 1.5

Square root using a cell reference

=SQRT(A1)

Square root of a formula result

=SQRT(A1 - B1)

Advanced Examples

Equivalent POWER expression

=POWER(A1; 0.5)

Square root across sheets

=SQRT(Sheet1.A1)

Square root of a product

=SQRT(A1 * B1)

Square root of a sum of squares (distance formula)

=SQRT(POWER(X2 - X1; 2) + POWER(Y2 - Y1; 2))

Root‑mean‑square (RMS)

=SQRT(AVERAGE(A1:A10 * A1:A10))

Confirm with Ctrl+Shift+Enter.

Standard deviation (manual form)

=SQRT(VAR(A1:A10))

Hypotenuse calculation

=SQRT(POWER(A1; 2) + POWER(B1; 2))

Common Errors and Fixes

SQRT returns Err:502 (Invalid argument)

Occurs when:

  • Input is negative
  • Input is text
  • Input is empty
  • A malformed reference is used

SQRT returns Err:503 (Numeric overflow)

Occurs when:

  • Input is extremely large
  • Result exceeds Calc’s numeric limits

SQRT returns Err:508 (Missing parenthesis)

Usually caused by:

  • Missing )
  • Using commas instead of semicolons

SQRT returns unexpected results

Possible causes:

  • Text numbers not converted to numeric
  • Hidden spaces in cells
  • Negative results from formulas

Best Practices

  • Use SQRT for readability instead of POWER(x; 0.5)
  • Validate that inputs cannot be negative
  • Use ABS if needed to sanitize inputs (with caution)
  • Convert imported text numbers to real numbers
  • Use named ranges for cleaner formulas
For geometric or statistical formulas, SQRT often pairs with POWER, AVERAGE, and VAR to build clean, readable expressions.