Scientific Calculator

A scientific model extends basic arithmetic with the functions used in algebra, trigonometry, chemistry and physics. Typical keys include sin, cos, tan, log, ln, powers, roots, factorials and a key for entering numbers in powers of ten. It also follows the standard order of operations, so you can type whole expressions. Most schools require one from middle school onward.

It sits between a four-function calculator and a graphing calculator. It cannot draw graphs or solve equations symbolically, but it evaluates any formula you give it. Popular handheld examples include the TI-30XS and Casio fx-991 series. This page offers the same everyday functions without batteries or a price tag.

Check the angle mode first, since it decides every trigonometry result. DEG is the default and suits most school geometry, while RAD is used in calculus and physics. Type expressions with the keypad or your keyboard, then press = or Enter.

Functions take their argument in brackets, so type sin(30) rather than 30 sin. Use EXP to enter powers of ten, such as 3.2 EXP -4 for 3.2 × 10^-4, and Ans to reuse the last result. The a b/c key enters fractions, and S⇔D switches any result between fraction and decimal form.

Degrees split a full turn into 360 parts, radians into 2π and gradians into 400. The calculator converts your input to radians internally, then applies the function. When the true answer is 0, 0.5 or 1, as with sin(30) or tan(45), it returns that exact value from a lookup table. That is why sin(30) returns 0.5 exactly and tan(45) returns 1.

Functions bind tighter than multiplication, and powers bind tighter than functions applied to them. So 2sin(30) means 2 × sin(30), and sin(30)^2 squares the result. Factorials apply to the number just before the ! sign, and nPr and nCr take the two numbers on either side of them. Log means the base-10 logarithm, and ln means the natural logarithm.

These examples cover trigonometry, logarithms, growth, counting and fractions. Each lists the keys to press, the result and what the answer means.

Try them on the keypad above and keep an eye on the angle mode indicator. Show Steps confirms which mode and which function produced each value.

Most programming languages work in radians only, so Math.sin(30) in JavaScript returns the radian result. To use degrees, multiply by π and divide by 180 first. Even then, floating-point math gives 0.49999999999999994 instead of 0.5 and a tiny value instead of 0 for cos(90°).

The calculator on this page removes those artifacts by using exact values for special angles and rounding results to 12 significant digits. Python's math module adds exact combinatorics with comb, perm and factorial. For logarithms, both languages name the natural log log, which is a frequent source of confusion.

// Math.sin expects radians
console.log(Math.sin(30));                // -0.9880316240928618
console.log(Math.sin(30 * Math.PI / 180)); // 0.49999999999999994

// Floating point leaves tiny errors at exact angles
console.log(Math.cos(Math.PI / 2));       // 6.123233995736766e-17

console.log(Math.log(Math.E));  // 1, natural log
console.log(Math.log10(1000));  // 3, common log

import math

print(math.sin(math.radians(30)))  # 0.49999999999999994
print(math.log10(1000))            # 3.0
print(math.comb(49, 6))            # 13983816 combinations
print(math.factorial(10))          # 3628800

Arithmetic, powers with whole-number exponents, factorials and combinations are computed exactly. Transcendental functions such as sin, ln and eˣ use double-precision math and are rounded to 12 significant digits, which hides floating-point noise. Special angles and values within 10^-15 of zero are snapped to their exact results. Answers built on rounded values are marked approximate in the steps panel.

Function names follow ISO 80000-2, the international standard for mathematical notation, and floating-point behavior follows IEEE 754. Every calculation runs in your browser, so no expression is sent to a server. Once the page has loaded, the keypad keeps working even if your connection drops.

Some inputs have no real answer, and the calculator says so instead of printing NaN or Infinity. Common cases are tan(90) in degree mode, the logarithm of zero or a negative number, and sin⁻¹ above 1. The table explains each message and the fix.

Mode mistakes are not errors to the calculator, but they are the top cause of wrong answers. If a trigonometry result looks strange, check whether DEG or RAD is highlighted. The steps panel repeats the active mode on every trigonometry line.

A basic calculator handles arithmetic, percentages and square roots, which is enough for shopping and budgets. A graphing calculator draws functions, solves equations and runs programs, and many exams require a specific model. Between them sits the tool most students use daily, with functions but no graphs.

For homework, science labs and engineering formulas, this scientific calculator covers the functions you need without installing anything. Use the table to see where each type fits. The calculator for everyday totals is simpler, and huge or tiny values convert cleanly with the scientific notation calculator.