Logarithm Calculator – Find Log, ln, and log₂ Values Instantly
Calculate logarithms with any base and get step-by-step solutions
Quick Base Selection:
Logarithm Properties:
- log₍b₎(b) = 1 (logarithm of base equals 1)
- log₍b₎(1) = 0 (logarithm of 1 equals 0)
- log₍b₎(x×y) = log₍b₎(x) + log₍b₎(y)
- log₍b₎(x/y) = log₍b₎(x) - log₍b₎(y)
- log₍b₎(xⁿ) = n × log₍b₎(x)
- Change of base: log₍b₎(x) = ln(x) / ln(b)
Common Logarithms:
- log₂ = Binary logarithm (base 2)
- ln = Natural logarithm (base e ≈ 2.71828)
- log₁₀ = Common logarithm (base 10)
Logarithm Calculator
Simplify complex logarithmic calculations in seconds with our Logarithm Calculator. Whether you're a student learning algebra or a professional working in data science, engineering, or finance, this tool provides quick, accurate, and step-by-step solutions for all your logarithmic expressions.
What Is a Logarithm?
A logarithm is the inverse operation of exponentiation. It tells you what power a specific base must be raised to in order to produce a given number.
Mathematically, if:
aⁿ = b,
then
logₐ(b) = n
This means that n is the exponent to which the base a must be raised to get b.
For example:
log₂(8) = 3 because 2³ = 8
In essence, logarithms help us “undo” exponents — they are essential for working with exponential equations, scaling large values, and simplifying multiplicative relationships.
Logarithm Calculator — Accurate, Instant, and Easy to Use
Our Logarithm Calculator makes it easy to find logarithms for any base. Simply input:
- The number (b) — the value you’re taking the log of.
- The base (a) — any positive number other than 1.
- Click Calculate, and get the logarithmic result instantly.
The calculator supports all types of logarithms, including:
- Common Logarithm (base 10): log₁₀(x)
- Natural Logarithm (base e): ln(x)
- Binary Logarithm (base 2): log₂(x)
- Custom Base Logarithm: logₐ(x)
Example Inputs
Base (a) | Number (b) | logₐ(b) | Explanation |
2 | 8 | 3 | 2³ = 8 |
10 | 1000 | 3 | 10³ = 1000 |
e | 7.389 | 2 | e² ≈ 7.389 |
4 | 16 | 2 | 4² = 16 |
Formula for Logarithms
The general logarithmic formula is:
logₐ(b) = n ⇔ aⁿ = b
To calculate the logarithm manually (without a calculator), you can use the change of base formula:
logₐ(b) = log_c(b) / log_c(a)
Most commonly, base 10 or base e (natural log) is used for c.
Example:
log₂(8) = log₁₀(8) / log₁₀(2)
≈ 0.9031 / 0.3010 = 3
This is exactly how our calculator computes results — instantly and precisely.
Understanding Different Types of Logarithms
1. Common Logarithm (Base 10)
The common logarithm has base 10 and is often written simply as “log(x)” without specifying the base.
Example:
log(100) = 2 because 10² = 100
Used in scientific notation, sound measurement (decibels), and pH calculations.
2. Natural Logarithm (Base e)
The natural logarithm has base e, where e ≈ 2.71828. It’s denoted as ln(x).
Example:
ln(e³) = 3
This type is heavily used in calculus, continuous growth models, and exponential decay formulas.
3. Binary Logarithm (Base 2)
The binary logarithm, written as log₂(x), is commonly used in computer science and digital systems.
Example:
log₂(32) = 5 because 2⁵ = 32
It’s used to describe data structures, algorithmic complexity (O(log n)), and bit representation.
4. Logarithm with Custom Base
You can compute logarithms with any base using our calculator.
Example:
log₃(81) = 4 because 3⁴ = 81
Custom bases are useful in engineering and information theory.
Key Properties and Rules of Logarithms
To simplify logarithmic expressions, use these fundamental logarithm laws:
Rule | Formula | Example |
Product Rule | logₐ(xy) = logₐ(x) + logₐ(y) | log₁₀(2×5) = log₁₀(2) + log₁₀(5) |
Quotient Rule | logₐ(x/y) = logₐ(x) - logₐ(y) | log₁₀(10/2) = log₁₀(10) - log₁₀(2) |
Power Rule | logₐ(xⁿ) = n × logₐ(x) | log₁₀(100) = 2 × log₁₀(10) |
Change of Base | logₐ(x) = log_b(x) / log_b(a) | log₂(8) = log₁₀(8) / log₁₀(2) |
Inverse Rule | a^(logₐ(x)) = x | 2^(log₂(8)) = 8 |
These rules are the backbone of logarithmic simplification and are widely applied in algebra, calculus, and engineering.
Step-by-Step Example Calculations
Example 1: Common Logarithm
Calculate log₁₀(1000).
Formula:
log₁₀(1000) = n ⇔ 10ⁿ = 1000
n = 3
Result: 3
Example 2: Natural Logarithm
Calculate ln(7.389).
Formula:
eⁿ = 7.389
n = 2
Result: 2
Example 3: Binary Logarithm
Calculate log₂(64).
Formula:
2ⁿ = 64
n = 6
Result: 6
Example 4: Custom Base Logarithm
Calculate log₃(81).
Formula:
3ⁿ = 81
n = 4
Result: 4
Example 5: Using Change of Base Formula
Calculate log₅(125).
log₅(125) = log₁₀(125) / log₁₀(5)
≈ 2.0969 / 0.69897 = 3
Result: 3
Relationship Between Logarithms and Exponents
Logarithms and exponents are inverse functions.
If:
aⁿ = b, then logₐ(b) = n
And conversely:
logₐ(b) = n means aⁿ = b
Example:
2³ = 8 ↔ log₂(8) = 3
This relationship is fundamental in solving exponential equations — one operation undoes the other.
Real-World Applications of Logarithms
Logarithms are everywhere — across science, finance, and technology. Here are a few key examples:
1. Science & Engineering
Used to express large scales like sound intensity (decibels), light magnitude, and earthquake energy (Richter scale).
2. Mathematics & Statistics
Essential for solving exponential equations, analyzing growth/decay rates, and simplifying polynomial data.
3. Finance
Used in compound interest, continuous growth, and investment projections using the natural log.
4. Computer Science
Binary logarithms define computational complexity (e.g., O(log n)), data structures, and storage capacity.
5. Chemistry & Biology
Logarithmic scales measure acidity (pH = -log₁₀[H⁺]) and biological growth rates.
6. Data Science & Machine Learning
Logarithmic transformations normalize data, stabilize variance, and improve model accuracy.
Why Use the Digital Calculator Logarithm Calculator?
We’ve built our Logarithm Calculator to combine speed, accuracy, and educational clarity. Here’s why users love it:
- Instant results: Get answers immediately with high precision.
- Flexible base support: Compute logs for base 2, 10, e, or any custom value.
- Step-by-step explanations: Understand how the result is derived.
- Educational design: Perfect for students, teachers, and professionals.
- Mobile-friendly: Use it seamlessly on any device.
Whether you’re solving equations or analyzing exponential growth, our calculator is your trusted digital companion.Try the Logarithm Calculator now — and simplify your work with one click.
Common Logarithmic Values Table
Expression | Result | Explanation |
log₁₀(10) | 1 | 10¹ = 10 |
log₁₀(1000) | 3 | 10³ = 1000 |
ln(e) | 1 | e¹ = e |
ln(7.389) | 2 | e² ≈ 7.389 |
log₂(8) | 3 | 2³ = 8 |
log₃(81) | 4 | 3⁴ = 81 |
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Logarithm Calculator
- Enter the Number (b):
Input the value you need to find the logarithm of. - Enter the Base (a):
Choose from base 10, base e, base 2, or any custom base you prefer. - Click “Calculate”:
The calculator displays the exact logarithmic value in real-time. - View Step-by-Step Solution:
Learn how the result is derived using the formula and rules of logarithms. - Try New Values:
Reset and explore different combinations to deepen your understanding.
Tips for Working with Logarithms
- Remember base restrictions: Base must be positive and not equal to 1.
- The argument must be positive: logₐ(b) is defined only for b > 0.
- Logarithmic scales compress data: They’re perfect for comparing values that vary widely.
- Use ln(x) for continuous growth: Especially in calculus or financial modeling.
- Apply change of base when needed: If your calculator supports only certain bases.
Solving Exponential Equations Using Logarithms
To solve equations involving exponents, apply logarithms to both sides.
Example:
Solve for x in 2ˣ = 64
Step 1: Take log on both sides
log(2ˣ) = log(64)
Step 2: Apply power rule
x × log(2) = log(64)
Step 3: Divide both sides by log(2)
x = log(64) / log(2) = 6
Result: x = 6
Each of these tools is part of the Digital Calculator suite — precise, educational, and built to simplify your digital math experience.