Python pow() Function [with Examples]

Summary: In this tutorial, we will learn about Python’s built-in function pow() with the help of examples.

The pow(x, y) function in Python is used to find the value of x raised to the power of y (x^y).

The Syntax for pow() is:

pow(x, y, z)

Parameters

Parameter	Condition	Description
x	Required	Base
y	Required	Exponent
z	Optional	Modulus

The third parameter (z) is optional, but when specified pow() function returns x^y%z.

Examples using pow()

>>> pow(2,4)
16

We can also achieve the above result by using 2**4 in Python.

>>> pow(2+3j, 3)
-46+9j

Example of pow() when all 3 parameters are specified.

>>> pow(2,4,6)
4

Here the output is four because 16%6=4

When y parameter is negative, pow() returns a float number as the result.

>>> pow(2, -4)
0.0625