A scientific calculator you can type into
Enter an expression or use the keypad, then choose Calculate. Combine parentheses, powers, roots, logarithms and trigonometry in one line. Degrees (DEG) are selected initially; switch to radians (RAD) for expressions involving π. Calculations run in your browser.
Precedence and formulas
Parentheses and functions are evaluated first, followed by powers, unary signs, multiplication and division, then addition and subtraction. Operators at the same level run left to right, except powers, which associate to the right: 2^3^2 means 2^(3^2) = 512.
| Input | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ^ | Exponentiation | 2^3 = 8 |
| sqrt(x) | Nonnegative square root | sqrt(81) = 9 |
| sin, cos, tan | Trigonometry in DEG or RAD | sin(30) = 0.5 in DEG |
| log, ln | Base-10 and natural logarithms | log(100) = 2 |
| abs, exp | Absolute value and e to a power | abs(-4) = 4 |
| asin, acos, atan | Inverse trigonometric functions | asin(0.5) = 30 in DEG |
| pi, e | Mathematical constants | cos(pi) = -1 in RAD |
Step-by-step example
The initial expression is 2^3 + sqrt(81) + sin(30) in DEG:
- Evaluate the power: 2^3 = 8.
- Find the square root: sqrt(81) = 9.
- Take the sine of 30 degrees: sin(30) = 0.5.
- Add: 8 + 9 + 0.5 = 17.5.
For the same sine in RAD, enter sin(pi/6). Switching modes changes the interpretation of angles, not the numbers in the expression.
Precision and scope
Results display up to 12 significant digits, using floating-point arithmetic. Expect small rounding artifacts, especially near trigonometric zeros or with very large values. Use the fraction tool below for exact rational arithmetic. This calculator works with real numbers only: negative square roots, nonpositive logarithm arguments, division by zero and tan(90) in DEG are rejected. It also treats 0^0 as undefined. Negative bases require integer exponents; to find the real cube root of −8, enter -8^(1/3).
Write multiplication signs explicitly, close every parenthesis, and keep expressions within 256 characters. Scientific notation such as 1e3 is supported. Variables, equation solving, factorials and complex numbers are not. A comma means a decimal separator, never a thousands separator.
Frequently asked questions
Use DEG for angles measured in degrees and RAD for radians. For example, sin(30) in DEG and sin(pi/6) in RAD both return 0.5.
log(x) is base 10; ln(x) is the natural logarithm with base e. Both require a positive argument.
Exponentiation comes before the leading minus: −2^2 means −(2^2). Use (−2)^2 to square the negative base and get 4.
A decimal point or comma is accepted, but thousands separators are not. Include multiplication signs: use 2pi or 2(3+4), not 2pi or 2(3+4).
Related tools
Use the fraction calculator for exact fractions and reduction steps. The percentage calculator handles proportions and discounts; the weighted average calculator handles grades with unequal weights.
Mathematical reference
OpenStax, Algebra and Trigonometry 2e, section 1.1, covers real numbers and order of operations. Chapter 6 covers logarithms; chapters 7 and 8 cover angles and trigonometric functions.