Quick answer: type or tap the whole expression and press =: 2 + 3 × 4 gives 14 because multiplication comes first. Trig functions use degrees by default (sin 30 = 0.5) – tap DEG to switch to radians. Use brackets to group: (2 + 3) × 4 = 20, and xʸ for powers: 2^10 = 1024.
Order of operations
The calculator follows the standard order (often taught as BODMAS or PEMDAS): brackets first, then powers and roots, then multiplication and division from left to right, then addition and subtraction. A minus in front of a power applies after the power, so −2² = −4, while (−2)² = 4.
What each key does
| Key | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| sin, cos, tan | Trig functions (DEG or RAD) | sin(30) = 0.5 in degrees |
| sin⁻¹, cos⁻¹, tan⁻¹ | Inverse trig – gives an angle | tan⁻¹(1) = 45° |
| log / ln | Base-10 / natural logarithm | log(1000) = 3, ln(e) = 1 |
| x², xʸ, √ | Square, any power, square root | 2^10 = 1024, √(144) = 12 |
| n! | Factorial | 5! = 120 |
| % | Divide by 100 | 240 × 15% = 36 |
| Ans | The previous result | Ans × 2 |
| MC / MR / M+ | Memory clear, recall, add | Keep a running total |
Degrees or radians?
School geometry and most everyday angles use degrees; calculus and physics often use radians (π radians = 180°). If sin(30) shows −0.988, you’re in radian mode – tap the DEG/RAD key. The setting also changes what the inverse functions return.
Keyboard shortcuts
On a computer, type straight into the display: * for ×, / for ÷, ^ for powers, words like sqrt(, pi, ln(. Press Enter for the result and Esc to clear. You can also write numbers in scientific notation, like 6.02e23.
For everyday maths there are quicker tools: the fraction calculator for mixed numbers, the percentage calculator for percent questions and the compound interest calculator for savings and loans.
How to use the scientific calculator
- Enter the expression. Tap the keys or type with your keyboard. A preview of the result appears as you go.
- Use brackets for groups. Brackets control the order: (2 + 3) × 4 = 20.
- Choose degrees or radians. Tap DEG/RAD before using sin, cos or tan.
- Press = and reuse. The result goes to history; use Ans or memory keys in the next calculation.
Worked examples you can type
| Problem | Type this | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Hypotenuse of a 3–4–5 triangle | √(3^2+4^2) | 5 |
| Savings: 10,000 at 8% monthly for 10 years | 10000×(1+0.08/12)^120 | 22196.40… |
| Angle whose tangent is 0.75 | tan⁻¹(0.75) | 36.87° (DEG) |
| Combinations of 5 from 10 | 10!÷(5!×5!) | 252 |
| Half-life decay: 100 g after 3 half-lives | 100×0.5^3 | 12.5 |
Common calculator mistakes
- Wrong angle mode – sin(30) gives −0.988 in RAD mode.
- Missing brackets – 1/2×3 is 1.5, while 1/(2×3) is 0.1667.
- log vs ln – log is base 10, ln is base e.
- Negative powers – write (−2)^2 when you mean the square of −2.
Frequently asked questions
Is this scientific calculator free?
Yes – no ads in the calculator, no sign-up and no limits. It also works offline once loaded.
How do I switch between degrees and radians?
Tap the DEG key in the top-left; it changes to RAD. Trig and inverse trig results follow the setting.
How do I calculate a power or exponent?
Use xʸ (^). 2^10 = 1024. For a square, tap x²; for a root, use √ or a fractional power like 27^(1/3).
What is the difference between log and ln?
log is base 10 (log 100 = 2); ln is the natural log, base e (ln e = 1).
Why does −2² give −4?
Powers are calculated before the minus sign. Write (−2)² to square a negative number.
Can I see my previous calculations?
Yes. Results appear in the history list; tap an entry to put it back on the display.
How do I calculate a square root?
Tap √ and type the number, then close the bracket: √(144) = 12. For other roots use a fractional power: 27^(1/3) = 3.
Can I use the scientific calculator on my phone?
Yes. The keypad is designed for touch screens and the phone keyboard stays hidden, so it works like a real calculator.