What is a scientific calculator?
A scientific calculator evaluates mathematical expressions that go beyond basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. This online version supports parentheses, powers, square roots, logarithms, trigonometric functions, constants such as pi and e, and a last-answer value. Type an expression directly or use the keypad, then press the equals button or Enter to calculate it.
The calculator runs entirely in your browser. Your expressions and results are not uploaded, stored or shared. It uses a purpose-built expression parser rather than running the text you enter as code, so it only understands the supported mathematical syntax.
How to use the scientific calculator
- Type numbers and operators such as +, -, *, / and ^ into the expression field.
- Use parentheses to control the order of operations.
- Use functions such as sin(, cos(, tan(, log(, ln(, sqrt( and abs( with an argument inside parentheses.
- Choose Degrees for ordinary angle measurements or Radians for radian-based trigonometry.
- Press = or Enter to calculate; use ans in a later expression to reuse the last result.
For example, in degree mode, sin(30)+2^3 produces 8.5. The sine function returns 0.5 for 30 degrees, and two to the power of three is 8. Parentheses are important for more complex expressions, such as sqrt(16+9) or (2+3)^4.
Supported functions and order of operations
The calculator follows standard precedence: parentheses are evaluated first, powers are handled before multiplication and division, then addition and subtraction. Unary minus is supported, so -2^2 is interpreted as negative four. The log function is base 10, while ln is the natural logarithm. The inverse trigonometric functions asin, acos and atan return angles in the selected mode.
Functions require an opening and closing parenthesis. For example, write cos(pi) rather than cos pi. The constants pi and e can be used without parentheses. The ans constant starts at zero and changes to the most recent successful result.
Limits of an online calculator
Results use standard floating-point numbers, so very large, very small or repeating decimal values can be rounded. The calculator reports common problems such as division by zero, an unmatched parenthesis or a logarithm of a non-positive number. It is useful for study and routine calculations, but it does not replace specialist software where certified precision, symbolic algebra, units or advanced statistics are required. Check important results independently and use the required method for assessed, financial, scientific or safety-critical work.