Online Scientific Calculator
Perform a wide array of mathematical calculations with our versatile online Scientific Calculator. From basic arithmetic to complex trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential functions, this tool is designed for students, professionals, and anyone needing quick and accurate computations.
Note: This calculator uses JavaScript's built-in math functions and evaluates expressions. While it aims for accuracy, for critical scientific or engineering calculations requiring extreme precision or specific rounding rules, always verify results with a dedicated, professional-grade calculator or software. Ensure correct DEG/RAD mode for trigonometric functions.
How to Use the Scientific Calculator
- Input Numbers & Operators: Use the number buttons (0-9) and basic operator buttons (+, −, ×, ÷) to build your expression. The current number or result appears in the main display, and the ongoing expression is shown above it.
- Scientific Functions: Click buttons for functions like sin, cos, tan, log, ln, √ (square root), xy (power), x2 (square), n! (factorial), etc. Most functions will insert the function name followed by an open parenthesis, e.g., "sin(". You then enter the argument and close the parenthesis ")".
- Parentheses: Use "(" and ")" to group operations and control the order of calculation.
- DEG/RAD Mode: Select "DEG" (Degrees) or "RAD" (Radians) mode at the top for trigonometric functions. The active mode is highlighted. This is crucial for correct angle calculations.
- Constants: Use the "π" and "e" buttons to insert these mathematical constants.
- Equals (=): Press "=" or Enter on your keyboard to evaluate the current expression. The result will appear in the main display.
- Clear Buttons:
- C (Clear All): Clears the entire expression and current input. (Keyboard: Esc)
- CE (Clear Entry): Clears the last number or operator entered.
- ← (Backspace): Deletes the last character from the current input. (Keyboard: Backspace)
- ± (Toggle Sign): Changes the sign of the current number being entered or the result.
- 1/x (Reciprocal): Calculates the reciprocal of the current number.
- abs (Absolute Value): Calculates the absolute value of the number or expression that follows.
Understanding Key Functions
- Trigonometric (sin, cos, tan): Calculate sine, cosine, or tangent. Ensure DEG/RAD mode is set correctly for your angle input.
- Inverse Trigonometric (sin-1, cos-1, tan-1): Calculate arcsine, arccosine, or arctangent. The result's unit (degrees or radians) depends on the active DEG/RAD mode.
- Logarithms (log, ln): "log" calculates the base-10 logarithm. "ln" calculates the natural logarithm (base e).
- Powers (xy, x2): "xy" allows you to raise a base (x) to a power (y). "x2" squares the current number.
- Factorial (n!): Calculates the product of all positive integers up to n (e.g., 5! = 5×4×3×2×1 = 120). Defined for non-negative integers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does the calculator handle the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS)?
The calculator attempts to follow the standard mathematical order of operations. When you press '=', the expression string is evaluated by JavaScript's math engine, which respects this order (Parentheses/Brackets, Exponents/Orders, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction). You can use parentheses () to explicitly control the order of calculations for complex expressions.
What happens if I enter an invalid expression?
If you enter an expression that is mathematically incorrect (e.g., division by zero, mismatched parentheses, invalid function syntax), the calculator will typically display "Error" in the main display. You can then use "C" or "CE" to clear it and try again.
Is there a limit to the size of numbers or the length of the expression?
JavaScript numbers have precision limits (about 15-17 decimal digits). Very large or very small numbers might be displayed in scientific notation (e.g., 1.23e+20). Extremely long expressions might become difficult to manage in the display, but the calculator should handle reasonably complex inputs.
Are my calculations stored or sent anywhere?
No. All calculations are performed locally in your web browser using JavaScript. No data or expressions are sent to any server. Your calculations are private to your current browser session on this page.