Scientific Calculator
A fast, free online scientific calculator for homework, exam prep and everyday math. It handles trigonometry in degrees or radians, logarithms, exponents, roots, factorials and scientific notation, and you can type straight from your keyboard.
How to Use This Scientific Calculator
Click the buttons or simply type into the display. The online scientific calculator understands normal math notation:
- Type an expression such as
2(3+4)^2orsin(30)+log(100). A preview appears as you type. - Press = or Enter to evaluate. The result is saved as Ans for your next calculation.
- Choose DEG or RAD before using trigonometry. Most school problems use degrees, while calculus uses radians.
- Use EXP for scientific notation:
6.022E23means 6.022 × 10²³. - Click any history line to reuse an earlier calculation.
Missing closing parentheses are added automatically, and implied multiplication like 2π or 3(4+1) works the way it does on paper.
Scientific Calculator Functions Explained
| Button | What it does | Example |
|---|---|---|
| sin, cos, tan | Trigonometric functions of an angle | sin(30) = 0.5 (DEG) |
| sin⁻¹, cos⁻¹, tan⁻¹ | Inverse trig: finds the angle | sin⁻¹(0.5) = 30° |
| log | Base-10 logarithm | log(1000) = 3 |
| ln | Natural logarithm (base e) | ln(e) = 1 |
| x², x³, xʸ | Powers and exponents | 2^10 = 1024 |
| √, ∛ | Square and cube roots | √(144) = 12 |
| 10ˣ, eˣ | Exponential functions | e^2 ≈ 7.389 |
| n! | Factorial | 5! = 120 |
| |x| | Absolute value | abs(−7) = 7 |
| 1/x | Reciprocal | 4^(−1) = 0.25 |
| % | Percent (divides by 100) | 15% × 80 = 12 |
| π, e | Mathematical constants | π ≈ 3.14159 |
Order of Operations (PEMDAS)
Like any proper scientific calculator, ours follows the standard order of operations:
- Parentheses
- Exponents (powers and roots), evaluated right to left, so 2^3^2 = 2^9 = 512
- Multiplication and Division, left to right
- Addition and Subtraction, left to right
So 3 + 4 × 2 = 11, not 14. Note that −3^2 = −9 because the exponent applies before the negative sign. Write (−3)^2 to get 9. When in doubt, add parentheses.
Scientific Notation Calculator Mode
Scientific notation writes very large or very small numbers as a value between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of 10. The speed of light is about 3 × 10⁸ m/s, and a hydrogen atom is about 1.2 × 10⁻¹⁰ m wide.
- To enter one, use EXP:
3E8= 300,000,000. - To see results in scientific notation, tick the “Scientific notation” box above the display.
- Results larger than one trillion or smaller than 0.0000001 switch to scientific notation automatically.
Example: (6.022E23) × 2 = 1.2044 × 10²⁴, the number of molecules in 2 moles of a substance.
Degrees vs Radians
A full circle is 360° or 2π radians, so 180° = π radians. If sin(90) returns 0.894 instead of 1, your calculator is in radian mode. Switch to DEG. To convert by hand, multiply degrees by π/180, or multiply radians by 180/π.
Everyday Uses for Trig, Logs and Exponents
- Chemistry: pH = −log[H⁺], mole conversions with Avogadro’s number, and gas law calculations.
- Physics: resolving forces with sine and cosine, projectile motion, and exponential decay of radioactive isotopes.
- Finance: exponents drive growth and loan formulas, and logarithms tell you how long an investment takes to reach a target.
- Construction and design: roof pitch, ramp angles and the Pythagorean theorem with square roots.
- Statistics: factorials for permutations and combinations, such as 10! ÷ (3! × 7!) = 120.
Tips for Exams and Homework
Check the mode
Wrong DEG/RAD mode is the most common trig mistake on tests.
Use parentheses
Write fractions like (a+b)/(c+d) with brackets around both parts.
Estimate first
A rough mental estimate helps you catch typing errors fast.
Need a calculator for the exam room itself? Many standardized tests only allow approved handheld models, so practice on the same type you’ll use on test day. For grades rather than equations, try our grade calculator.
Scientific Calculator FAQs
What is a scientific calculator?
A scientific calculator handles more than basic arithmetic: trigonometry, logarithms, exponents, roots, factorials and scientific notation. That makes it essential for algebra, chemistry, physics and engineering.
How do I use a scientific calculator for fractions?
Type the fraction with a division sign and parentheses, for example (3/4)+(5/6). The result appears as a decimal.
How do I do scientific notation on a calculator?
Use the EXP key: 4.5E−6 means 4.5 × 10⁻⁶. Tick “Scientific notation” to display answers in that form.
Why does sin(90) not equal 1?
Your calculator is in radian mode. Switch to DEG and sin(90) returns 1.
Is this online scientific calculator free?
Yes. It’s completely free, needs no download, and works on phones, tablets and computers with full keyboard support.