MySQL LOG2() Function

The LOG2() function in MySQL calculates and returns the logarithm of a number to base-2.

Syntax

LOG2(number)

Definition and Usage

• The LOG2() function is used to compute the logarithm of a specified number using base-2.
• The input number must be greater than 0.
• Commonly used in mathematical and computational scenarios, especially when working with binary systems.

Parameter Values

Technical Details

• Introduced in: MySQL 4.0
• Return Value: A floating-point value representing the base-2 logarithm of the input.

Examples

Example 1: Calculate the base-2 logarithm of 6

SELECT LOG2(6);

Output:

2.584963

Example 2: Base-2 logarithm of a power of 2

SELECT LOG2(64);

Output:

6

Explanation: 2^6 = 64.

Example 3: Base-2 logarithm of another number

SELECT LOG2(256);

Output:

8

Explanation: 2^8 = 256.

Related Functions

• LOG(): Calculates the logarithm of a number to a specified base or natural logarithm if the base is omitted.
• LOG10(): Computes the base-10 logarithm of a number.
• LN(): Returns the natural logarithm (base e) of a number.
• EXP(): Calculates e raised to the power of the specified number.

Notes

• The LOG2() function is especially useful in computer science and information theory for applications involving binary logarithms, such as analyzing algorithms or understanding data structures.