Quick answerA scientific calculator evaluates mathematical expressions with parentheses, powers, roots, logarithms, and trigonometric functions. It follows standard operator precedence so multi-step expressions can be entered on one line.
Entering a scientific expression correctly
Parentheses make the intended order explicit. Powers and functions are evaluated before multiplication and division, which come before addition and subtraction. When an expression is important, adding parentheses is often safer than relying on memory of precedence rules.
Trigonometric results depend on angle mode. The sine of 30 degrees is 0.5, while the sine of 30 radians is a different value. Check the selected degree or radian mode before using sin, cos, or tan.
Functions, domains, and undefined results
Some functions accept only certain inputs in real-number arithmetic. A logarithm requires a positive argument, division by zero is undefined, and an even root of a negative number is not a real number. The calculator reports invalid expressions rather than presenting a misleading numeric result.
Displayed decimals may be rounded even when the internal calculation carries more precision. For a chain of calculations, keep the full result in the expression instead of copying a shortened value from the screen whenever precision matters.
How to use this scientific calculator
- Type an expression or use the keypad.
- Choose degrees or radians before evaluating trigonometric functions.
- The expression updates live and is parsed as mathematics, not as executable code.
Formula and method
Results use IEEE 754 double-precision numbers. Factorials are limited to integers from 0 to 170 to avoid numeric overflow.
Scientific expression example
Evaluate 3 × (4 + 5)². The parentheses are calculated first, giving 9. The power gives 81, and multiplication gives 243. Without the parentheses, 3 × 4 + 5² would instead equal 37.
For sin(30) in degree mode, the result is 0.5. In radian mode, an equivalent familiar angle is π/6, so sin(π/6) is also 0.5.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving out parentheses around a numerator or grouped term.
- Using degree values while the calculator is in radian mode.
- Entering a negative sign ambiguously around an exponent.
- Rounding an intermediate result before completing the expression.
Accuracy and practical limits
The parser applies documented precedence and uses standard JavaScript numeric precision for transcendental functions. Irrational values and many decimals are approximations; symbolic algebra, complex numbers, and arbitrary-precision transcendental math are outside this tool.
Method basis: Standard mathematical definitions and the assumptions stated above. See our editorial and testing standards.
Frequently asked questions
Is 2^3^2 equal to 64 or 512?
Exponentiation is right-associative here, so it is 2^(3^2) = 512.
What is the difference between log and ln?
log is base 10 and ln is the natural logarithm, base e.
Can I type π?
Yes. Both pi and the π character are accepted.