Scientific Calculator
Write the calculation the way you would on paper, such as 2 * (3 + 4)^2 / sqrt(16). The answer updates as you type, and the function keys add brackets for you.
Use * for times, / for divide and ^ for powers. 50% means 0.5, and ans is your last answer. Results are shown to 12 significant figures, so 0.1 + 0.2 gives 0.3.
Worked examples
A bracketed sum
2*(3+4)^2/sqrt(16)
24.5
3 + 4 is 7, squared is 49, times 2 is 98, divided by 4 is 24.5.
Rounding hidden
0.1+0.2
0.3
The tiny error computers make with 0.1 is hidden by rounding to 12 significant figures.
About Scientific Calculator
A scientific calculator does more than the four basic operations. It handles brackets, powers, roots, logarithms, factorials and the trigonometric functions, which are needed from GCSE maths through to university science. This one reads a whole line of working in one go, so you can type 2 * (3 + 4)^2 / sqrt(16) and see 24.5 without pressing equals after each step.
It follows the standard order of operations, so brackets come first, then powers, then multiplication and division, then addition and subtraction. Results are rounded to 12 significant figures, which hides the tiny errors that computers make with decimals, so 0.1 + 0.2 shows as 0.3. Use the function keys to add brackets for you, switch between degrees and radians for sine, cosine and tangent, and keep earlier lines in the history so you can reuse your last answer with ans.
How to use Scientific Calculator
- Type your calculation into the box, using * for times, / for divide and ^ for powers.
- Use the function keys for sin, cos, tan, logs and roots, which insert the name and an opening bracket.
- Choose Degrees or Radians before using any trigonometry.
- Tap Add to history, or press Enter, to keep the line, then write ans to use the answer in the next calculation.
Common uses
- Checking homework and exam practice answers
- Working out a formula with several steps in one go
- Trigonometry for surveying, DIY and woodwork angles
- Quick logarithms and powers for science coursework
Frequently asked questions
Does it follow the order of operations?
Yes. Brackets are done first, then powers and roots, then multiplication and division from left to right, then addition and subtraction. A minus sign in front of a power is applied after the power, so -2^2 gives -4.
How do I do a logarithm to a different base?
Write log(8, 2) for the logarithm of 8 to base 2. Writing log(100) with one number gives the logarithm to base 10, and ln is the natural logarithm to base e.
Why does sin(30) give 0.5 here?
The calculator starts in degrees, and the sine of 30 degrees is exactly 0.5. Switch to radians if your angle is in radians, for example sin(pi/6), which is also 0.5.
What does the percent sign do?
It divides the number before it by 100, so 50% is 0.5 and 200 * 15% is 30. For the remainder after division, write mod, as in 17 mod 5.
Can I use fractions and constants?
You can write pi and e for the constants and divide with a slash, as in 3/4. Factorials are written with an exclamation mark, so 5! is 120.