# LN
URL: https://docs.valsight.ai/ln/
Description: Returns the natural logarithm of a number (logarithm with base e ~2.718), while retaining all dimensions. Use when you need a natural logarithm transformation for positive numeric values.
**Category:** [Math & numeric](/math-numeric/)

## Overview

The **LN** function **returns the natural logarithm of a number** (logarithm with base e \~2.718), while retaining all dimensions.

Use this function when you need a natural logarithm transformation for positive numeric values.

## Syntax

`LN('Node')`

## Parameters

| Parameter | Description                                                                  | Type           | Required |
| --------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------- | -------- |
| **Node**  | Input node, specified using the node name in single quotes (e.g. `'Profit'`) | Node reference | Yes      |

## Example

### Natural logarithm of integer and decimal values

This example shows the natural logarithm computed for a node with integer and decimal values.

**Input node:** `'A'`

| Year | Value |
| ---- | ----- |
| 2025 | 2     |
| 2026 | 3     |
| 2027 | 4.5   |

**Formula:** `LN('A')`

| Year | LN Result |
| ---- | --------- |
| 2025 | 0.69      |
| 2026 | 1.10      |
| 2027 | 1.50      |

## Related

| Function     | When to use instead                                                              |
| ------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [LOG](/log/) | When you need a logarithm with a specific base instead of the natural logarithm. |
| [EXP](/exp/) | When you need exponentiation with base e, or the inverse operation of `LN`.      |