Scientific Calculator
Full scientific calculator with trig functions, logarithms, exponents, and calculation history.
A scientific calculator follows order of operations (PEMDAS / BODMAS): brackets and exponents first, then ×/÷, then +/−. Use it for sin, cos, tan, log, ln, √, and powers. Set the angle mode to match your task — degrees are standard for everyday geometry, while radians are used in calculus and most scientific work worldwide.
How to Use
Use +, −, ×, ÷ for basic operations. Use % for percentages — e.g. 150×20% gives 30.
sin(30), cos(45), tan(60) — switch between Degrees and Radians using the DEG/RAD toggle.
log(100) = 2 (base 10), ln(e) = 1 (natural log). Critical for finance, science, and engineering.
√(25) = 5. For positive cube roots, use a fractional power: 27^(1/3) = 3. Use parentheses around the exponent.
x² squares the current value. x^y lets you enter any base^exponent, e.g. 2^10 = 1024.
π = 3.14159265… (pi). e = 2.71828182… (Euler's number). Both can be used in expressions.
Reference: Scientific Functions
| Function | What It Does | Example | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| sin(x) | Sine of angle x | sin(30) = 0.5 | Geometry, physics, waves |
| cos(x) | Cosine of angle x | cos(60) = 0.5 | Navigation, engineering |
| tan(x) | Tangent of angle x | tan(45) = 1 | Slopes, angles |
| log(x) | Base-10 logarithm | log(1000) = 3 | pH, decibels, Richter scale |
| ln(x) | Natural logarithm (base e) | ln(e) = 1 | Finance, growth models |
| √(x) | Square root | √(144) = 12 | Geometry, statistics |
| x² | Squaring a number | 5² = 25 | Area, Pythagorean theorem |
| x^y | Exponentiation | 2^10 = 1024 | Compound interest, binary |
| n! | Factorial | 5! = 120 | Combinations, permutations |
Scientific calculator questions
How do I enter powers and square roots?
Use ^ for a power and sqrt(...) or √(...) for a square root. For example, (2+3)^2 gives 25 and sqrt(144) gives 12. Use brackets around fractional exponents: 27^(1/3) gives 3.
Should I use degrees or radians?
Choose DEG when the angle is given in degrees and RAD when it is given in radians. For example, sin(30) in DEG mode is 0.5, while sin(π/2) in RAD mode is 1.
What is the difference between log and ln?
log is the base-10 logarithm; ln is the natural logarithm with base e. For example, log(1000) is 3 and ln(e) is 1. For real-number results, logarithm inputs must be greater than zero.
How are brackets and negative powers handled?
Brackets control grouping. Powers are evaluated before a leading minus, so -2^2 is -4 while (-2)^2 is 4. Chained powers group from the right: 2^3^2 is 2^(3^2), or 512. Use explicit brackets when in doubt.
Why does the calculator show an error?
Check for missing brackets, a missing multiplication sign, division by zero, or a function outside its real-number domain. Factorials require whole numbers from 0 to 170. This calculator returns real numbers and does not calculate complex-number results.
Can I type an expression using my keyboard?
Yes. Type an expression in the input field and press Enter to calculate. Use * for multiplication, / for division, ^ for powers, and ! for factorial. Results display up to 12 significant digits; a new operator continues from the displayed result.
Sources & Methodology
Expressions use arithmetic precedence and real-number functions. Multiplication must be explicit (2 * π). Results use browser floating-point arithmetic and display up to 12 significant digits. Values outside the supported range produce an error.