What this calculator can do
A scientific calculator goes beyond adding and multiplying. You use one for algebra, geometry, trigonometry, physics, chemistry, engineering and finance, from middle school through college. This online version supports:
| Function | Type | Example | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exponent | ^ | 2^10 | 1,024 |
| Square root | √ or sqrt | sqrt(144) | 12 |
| Cube root | cbrt | cbrt(27) | 3 |
| Sine, cosine, tangent | sin cos tan | sin(30) | 0.5 (degrees) |
| Inverse trig | asin acos atan | atan(1) | 45 (degrees) |
| Common log (base 10) | log | log(1000) | 3 |
| Natural log | ln | ln(e) | 1 |
| Exponential | exp | exp(1) | 2.7182818285 |
| Factorial | ! | 5! | 120 |
| Percent | % | 200*15% | 30 |
| Absolute value | abs | abs(-3) | 3 |
| Constants | pi, e | pi*2^2 | 12.5663706144 |
Use a decimal point for decimals: 2.5*4 gives 10.
Order of operations
The calculator follows the standard order of operations, taught in the US as PEMDAS ("Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally") and in the UK as BIDMAS or BODMAS:
- Parentheses (brackets)
- Exponents (indices, orders) and roots
- Multiplication and Division, left to right
- Addition and Subtraction, left to right
Example: 12 × (3 + 4) − 2^3. Brackets first: 3 + 4 = 7. Then the exponent: 2^3 = 8. Then multiply: 12 × 7 = 84. Finally subtract: 84 − 8 = 76.
A classic trap is 8 ÷ 2 × 4. Division and multiplication have equal priority, so you work left to right: 8 ÷ 2 = 4, then 4 × 4 = 16, not 1. When in doubt, add brackets.
Degrees or radians?
For sine, cosine and tangent you need to know the unit of the angle. Geometry in school usually works in degrees (a full circle is 360°). Calculus and physics often use radians (a full circle is 2π). That is why sin(30) gives 0.5 in degrees but −0.988 in radians. If an answer looks strange, check this setting first; it is the most common calculator mistake.
To convert: radians = degrees × π ÷ 180, so 90° = π/2 ≈ 1.5708 rad.
Handy examples
- Hypotenuse of a right triangle:
sqrt(3^2+4^2)= 5. For more triangle work, use the Pythagorean theorem calculator. - Compound growth:
1000*1.03^10= 1,343.92 ($1,000 at 3% for 10 years). - pH: at a concentration of 0.001 mol/L the pH is
-log(0.001)= 3. - Roof pitch angle: a roof rising 6 inches per 12 inches of run has an angle of
atan(6/12)≈ 26.57°. - Combinations: the number of ways to choose 2 of 5 is
5!/(2!*3!)= 10. See also the probability calculator.
Calculators in class and on tests
Exams set their own rules. The SAT and ACT allow most scientific and graphing calculators, and the digital SAT has a built-in graphing calculator; AP exams and UK GCSE and A-level papers publish their own lists. An online calculator like this one is not allowed during tests, but it is perfect for checking homework or doing a quick calculation without a handheld device. For exact answers with fractions, use the fraction calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I type an exponent?
Use the caret ^. 2^8 means 2 to the power of 8 = 256. Roots can be written as powers too: 16^0.5 = 4.
Why doesn't sin(30) equal 0.5?
The calculator is probably set to radians. Choose "degrees (DEG)" under Angles in and you get 0.5.
What is the difference between log and ln?
log is the logarithm to base 10 (log(100) = 2). ln is the natural logarithm to base e ≈ 2.71828 (ln(e) = 1).
Can I use a comma as a thousands separator?
Leave out thousands separators and type 2500 rather than 2,500. Use a point for decimals.
How do I calculate a factorial?
Put an exclamation mark after the number: 6! = 720. Factorials work for whole numbers from 0 to 170.
Does it follow PEMDAS?
Yes. Brackets come first, then exponents, then multiplication and division from left to right, then addition and subtraction from left to right.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. Results are estimates for information only.