Free Online Scientific Calculator
Evaluate arithmetic, trigonometry, inverse trigonometry, logarithms, roots, powers, factorials, percentages and scientific notation. Choose DEG or RAD mode, type an expression, then calculate without sending your entries to a server.
Last Updated: July 25, 2026
Scientific Calculator
Enter a full expression or use the buttons. Default angle mode is degrees.
How to Use This Scientific Calculator
- Choose DEG for angles measured in degrees or RAD for angles measured in radians.
- Type an expression in the display or select the number, operator and function buttons.
- Close each parenthesis you open. For example, enter
sin(30), not onlysin(30. - Select = or press Enter. The calculator applies standard operation precedence.
- Review the result and any error message. Select a history item to load its expression again.
You can use normal keyboard symbols such as * for multiplication, / for division and ^ for powers. The tool also accepts implicit multiplication in expressions such as 2pi, 2(3+4) and 3sin(30). Use Ans to include the last successful answer in a new calculation.
sin(30)+log(1000)*2^3, choose DEG mode. The result is 24.5 because sin(30°) = 0.5, log10(1000) = 3 and 2³ = 8.What This Online Scientific Calculator Calculates
A basic calculator handles everyday arithmetic. A scientific calculator adds functions needed in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, science, engineering, finance and statistics. This tool evaluates complete expressions instead of forcing you to calculate every part separately.
The calculator operates in the real-number system. It does not solve equations symbolically, draw graphs, manipulate algebraic expressions or return complex-number answers. For instance, sqrt(-1) returns a domain error instead of the imaginary number i. These limits keep each result clear and predictable.
| Function or key | Meaning | Example | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| +, −, ×, ÷ | Arithmetic operations | 18/3+4 | 10 |
| xʸ and x² | Powers and squares | 2^8 | 256 |
| √ and ∛ | Square root and cube root | cbrt(-27) | −3 |
| sin, cos, tan | Trigonometric functions in the selected angle mode | cos(60) in DEG | 0.5 |
| sin⁻¹, cos⁻¹, tan⁻¹ | Inverse trigonometric functions | atan(1) in DEG | 45 |
| log and ln | Base-10 and natural logarithms | ln(e) | 1 |
| n! | Factorial of a non-negative integer | 6! | 720 |
| % | Postfix percentage, x% = x ÷ 100 | 250*12% | 30 |
| EE | Power-of-ten exponent inside a number | 2.5E4 | 25,000 |
| mod | Mathematical modulo | -5 mod 2 | 1 |
Scientific Calculator Formulas
The calculator applies established mathematical definitions. It keeps the unrounded value during a calculation and formats the final display to a practical number of significant digits.
Powers, roots and reciprocals
Square root: √x = x^(1/2)
Cube root: ∛x = cbrt(x)
Reciprocal: 1/x
A square root requires x ≥ 0 in real-number mode. A cube root accepts negative values, so ∛−8 = −2. A reciprocal and division operation require a non-zero denominator.
Logarithms
ln(x) = logₑ(x)
log_b(x) = ln(x) ÷ ln(b)
Both log and ln require a positive input. The logarithm of zero or a negative real number is undefined in this calculator. Use log(1000) for base 10 and ln(e) for base e.
Factorials and percentages
0! = 1
x% = x ÷ 100
Factorial accepts whole numbers from 0 through 170. The browser number format cannot represent 171! as a finite value. Percentage follows a transparent postfix rule. Therefore, 50% equals 0.5 and 200+10% equals 200.1. To add 10% of 200, enter 200+200*10%, which equals 220.
Worked Scientific Calculator Example
Evaluate sin(30°) + log₁₀(1000) × 2³. Start by selecting DEG mode because the angle is written in degrees.
| Step | Calculation | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluate the sine | sin(30°) | 0.5 |
| Evaluate the logarithm | log₁₀(1000) | 3 |
| Evaluate the power | 2³ | 8 |
| Multiply first | 3 × 8 | 24 |
| Add the remaining term | 0.5 + 24 | 24.5 |
The final result is 24.5. This example also shows why operation order matters. Multiplication occurs before the final addition. Parentheses let you override the normal order when your formula requires a different grouping.
DEG vs RAD Mode
Angles may be expressed in degrees or radians. A full turn equals 360 degrees or 2π radians. DEG mode treats sin(30) as the sine of 30 degrees. RAD mode treats the same entry as the sine of 30 radians, which produces a different result.
Degrees = Radians × 180 ÷ π
The selected mode affects sin, cos, tan and their inverse functions. Inverse results also follow the selected mode. For example, asin(0.5) returns 30 in DEG mode and approximately 0.523598775598 in RAD mode. Constants, logarithms, powers and factorials do not change when you switch angle modes.
Tangent is undefined where cosine is zero. In DEG mode, examples include 90°, 270° and every angle separated from them by 180°. The calculator identifies these singularities instead of showing a huge misleading value created by floating-point approximation.
Order of Operations and Parentheses
This calculator evaluates parentheses and functions first, then postfix factorial or percentage, powers, unary signs, multiplication or division, and addition or subtraction. Powers associate from right to left, so 2^3^2 means 2^(3²) and equals 512.
2+3*4= 14 because multiplication comes before addition.(2+3)*4= 20 because parentheses change the grouping.-2^2= −4 because the power is evaluated before the leading negative sign.(-2)^2= 4 because the negative base is inside parentheses.8/2*(2+2)= 16 because multiplication and division have equal precedence and proceed left to right.
When a formula is important, use explicit parentheses even if you know the precedence rules. Clear grouping makes the expression easier to review and reduces data-entry mistakes.
How to Enter Scientific Notation
Scientific notation writes a number as a coefficient multiplied by a power of 10. The EE key inserts the exponent marker inside a numeric literal.
aE−n = a × 10^(−n)
For example, 1.5E3 equals 1,500 and 2.4E-5 equals 0.000024. The exponent marker is different from the constant e. Select the e key when you need Euler’s number, such as ln(e) or e^2. Incomplete entries such as 1E or 1E+ return a syntax error.
Domain Errors, Undefined Results and Overflow
A domain error means the entered value is outside the real-number inputs accepted by a function. An overflow means the mathematical result exceeds the largest finite browser number. The calculator provides a short message instead of exposing NaN, Infinity or a technical error.
| Expression | Why it fails | Message |
|---|---|---|
7/0 | Division by zero has no finite real result | Division by zero |
sqrt(-4) | Negative input to a real square root | Domain error |
log(0) | Logarithms require x > 0 | Domain error |
asin(2) | asin and acos require −1 ≤ x ≤ 1 | Domain error |
3.5! | Factorial requires a non-negative integer | Factorial requires an integer |
171! | The result exceeds the supported finite range | Result too large |
tan(90) in DEG | Tangent is undefined at this angle | Undefined tangent |
Basic vs Scientific vs Graphing Calculator
| Calculator type | Best for | Typical features | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic calculator | Shopping, budgets and simple arithmetic | +, −, ×, ÷ and percentage | Limited advanced functions |
| Scientific calculator | Algebra, trigonometry, powers, roots, logs and scientific notation | Functions, constants, parentheses, DEG/RAD and expression precedence | No visual graph or symbolic solution |
| Graphing calculator | Exploring equations, curves, intercepts and numerical patterns | Plots, tables, windows and advanced equation tools | More setup and a steeper learning curve |
Accuracy, Precision and Calculator Limits
The calculator uses JavaScript Number arithmetic, based on IEEE 754 binary floating-point. This format offers about 15 to 17 significant decimal digits, but many decimal fractions do not have an exact binary representation. A raw computer calculation for 0.1 + 0.2 may contain extra digits. The display rounds sensibly and shows 0.3.
Rounding the display does not change the internal answer used by Ans or memory. Still, more displayed digits do not guarantee more real-world accuracy. Your measurement resolution, input quality, units, formula choice and assumptions often matter more than the last decimal place.
- Keep units consistent before combining values.
- Choose the correct angle mode before using trigonometry.
- Use parentheses to match the written formula.
- Retain extra digits during intermediate work and round the final result.
- Verify high-stakes engineering, laboratory, tax or financial work with the required standard and a qualified reviewer.
Privacy and Calculation Method
Your expression, memory and recent history remain in the current browser page. This tool does not submit calculator entries to 1Dollars or store them in a user account. Reloading the page clears the session history and memory.
The expression engine uses a defined tokenizer and operation list rather than executing entered text as code. It validates parentheses, functions, numeric notation, domains, division by zero and non-finite results. The implementation was reviewed against the ECMAScript language specification, the MDN JavaScript Math reference and NIST guidance on expressing numerical values. Report a repeatable issue through the 1Dollars contact page with the expression, mode and result shown.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a scientific calculator?
A scientific calculator evaluates arithmetic plus advanced functions such as trigonometry, logarithms, powers, roots, factorials and scientific notation. It also follows operation precedence and supports grouped expressions with parentheses.
What is the difference between DEG and RAD mode?
DEG mode treats angle inputs and inverse-trig outputs as degrees. RAD mode uses radians. Since 180 degrees equals π radians, selecting the wrong mode changes trigonometric results.
How do I calculate sin, cos and tan?
Select the correct angle mode, choose sin, cos or tan, enter the angle inside parentheses and calculate. In DEG mode, sin(30) = 0.5 and tan(45) = 1.
What is the difference between log and ln?
Log means the base-10 logarithm in this calculator. Ln means the natural logarithm with base e. For example, log(1000) = 3 and ln(e) = 1.
How do I enter scientific notation?
Use E or the EE key inside a number. Enter 1.5E3 for 1,500 or 2.4E-5 for 0.000024. Do not confuse the exponent marker with Euler’s number e.
Does the calculator follow order of operations?
Yes. It evaluates parentheses and functions, postfix operations, powers, unary signs, multiplication or division, then addition or subtraction. Use parentheses whenever you want to make the grouping explicit.
Why does factorial reject negative numbers or decimals?
This calculator defines n! for non-negative integers only. It accepts values from 0 through 170. Negative integers, decimals and 171 or higher return a controlled error.
Why do some answers contain rounding differences?
Browser arithmetic uses finite binary floating-point. Some decimal values cannot be stored exactly, so the calculator rounds the display to useful significant digits. Important work should follow the precision rules required for the task.
What causes a domain error or undefined result?
Common causes include a negative real square root, a non-positive logarithm, an asin or acos input outside −1 to 1, division by zero, a non-integer factorial or tangent at an undefined angle.
Are my calculations stored or sent to a server?
No. Calculator entries, memory and history stay in the current browser page. Reloading the page clears them. Standard website analytics may still record a page visit, but not the expression entered into this calculator.
Financial and educational disclaimer: This calculator provides general mathematical estimates from the values you enter. It is not financial, engineering, laboratory, tax, legal or professional advice. Verify important formulas, units, source data, precision requirements and results before making a decision.