What Is a Scientific Calculator?
A scientific calculator is a type of electronic calculator designed to perform mathematical operations beyond basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It handles trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, tangent), logarithms, exponents, square roots, factorials, and more. These functions are essential for students, engineers, scientists, and anyone working with advanced mathematics.
Unlike a standard calculator that can only process simple arithmetic, a scientific calculator understands operator precedence (multiplication before addition), supports parentheses for grouping, and can work with mathematical constants like π (pi) and e (Euler's number). This online version provides the same functionality as a physical scientific calculator, accessible from any device with a browser.
How to Use This Online Scientific Calculator
This calculator works like a physical scientific calculator. Here is how to use its main features:
Basic Arithmetic
Enter numbers and operations using the buttons. The expression appears in the top line of the display, and the result appears below. For example, type 15 + 27 and press = to get 42.
Trigonometric Functions
Select DEG or RAD mode first, depending on whether your angle is in degrees or radians. Then click the function (sin, cos, tan) followed by the angle value. For example, in DEG mode, sin(30) returns 0.5. The inverse functions (sin⁻¹, cos⁻¹, tan⁻¹) convert a ratio back to an angle.
Logarithms and Exponents
log computes the base-10 logarithm (log₁₀). ln computes the natural logarithm (logₑ). The xʸ button raises any base to any power. 10ˣ and eˣ are shorthand for raising 10 or e to the current value.
Memory Functions
Use M+ to add the current result to memory, M− to subtract from memory, MR to recall the stored value, and MC to clear memory. A small "M" indicator appears when memory holds a value.
Key Functions Explained
| Button | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| sin, cos, tan | Trigonometric functions | sin(30°) = 0.5 |
| sin⁻¹, cos⁻¹, tan⁻¹ | Inverse trigonometric | sin⁻¹(0.5) = 30° |
| log | Base-10 logarithm | log(1000) = 3 |
| ln | Natural logarithm (base e) | ln(e) = 1 |
| √ | Square root | √(144) = 12 |
| ∛ | Cube root | ∛(27) = 3 |
| x² | Square | 5² = 25 |
| xʸ | Power / exponent | 2^10 = 1024 |
| n! | Factorial | 5! = 120 |
| π, e | Math constants | π ≈ 3.14159, e ≈ 2.71828 |
| 1/x | Reciprocal | 1/4 = 0.25 |
| |x| | Absolute value | |-7| = 7 |
Common Formulas and Examples
Example 1: Compound Interest
Formula: A = P × (1 + r/n)^(n×t)
Find the future value of ₹10,000 invested at 8% annual interest, compounded quarterly, for 5 years:
10000 × (1 + 0.08/4)^(4×5) = 10000 × 1.02^20 = ₹14,859.47
On this calculator: type 10000 * 1.02 ^ 20 and press =.
Example 2: Height of a Building Using Trigonometry
Formula: height = distance × tan(angle)
Standing 50 metres away from a building, the angle of elevation to the top is 60°:
50 × tan(60°) = 50 × 1.7321 = 86.60 metres
On this calculator (in DEG mode): type 50 *, click tan, type 60, press =.
Example 3: Decibel Calculation
Formula: dB = 10 × log₁₀(P₂/P₁)
If the power ratio is 1000: 10 × log(1000) = 10 × 3 = 30 dB
Example 4: Permutations
Formula: P(n, r) = n! / (n - r)!
How many ways to arrange 3 items from a set of 5? 5! / 2! = 120 / 2 = 60
Benefits of Using an Online Scientific Calculator
- Always available: Access from any device with a browser — no need to carry a physical calculator or install software.
- Free and instant: No cost, no sign-up, no downloads. Open the page and start calculating immediately.
- Expression display: See the full expression before evaluating, reducing input errors compared to calculators that only show one number at a time.
- Exam preparation: Practice using scientific functions before exams where physical calculators are provided. The button layout and functions mirror standard models.
- Mobile-friendly: Works on phones and tablets with responsive button sizing, useful when you need quick calculations on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this online scientific calculator free to use?
Yes, completely free with no registration or download required. It runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript, so your calculations never leave your device.
What is the difference between DEG and RAD mode?
DEG (degrees) measures angles where a full circle is 360°. RAD (radians) measures angles where a full circle is 2π (approximately 6.2832). Most everyday problems use degrees (a right angle is 90°), while calculus, physics, and engineering often use radians (a right angle is π/2). Always check which mode is active before using trigonometric functions.
How do I calculate a square root?
Click the √ button, enter the number, then press =. For example, √144 = 12. For cube roots, use the ∛ button. For other roots like the 4th root, use the power function: type the number, press xʸ, type 0.25 (since the 4th root is the same as raising to the power of 1/4).
Can I use parentheses for complex expressions?
Yes. Use the ( and ) buttons to group operations and control evaluation order. For example, (5 + 3) × 2 = 16 is different from 5 + 3 × 2 = 11. You can nest parentheses as deeply as needed.
What does the factorial (n!) button do?
The factorial function multiplies a whole number by every positive integer below it. So 5! = 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 = 120. Factorials grow extremely fast: 10! = 3,628,800 and 20! = 2,432,902,008,176,640,000. This calculator supports factorials for integers from 0 to 170 (170! is the largest factorial that fits in a standard floating-point number).
Does this calculator follow order of operations (BODMAS/PEMDAS)?
Yes. The calculator uses a proper expression parser that respects mathematical operator precedence: parentheses first, then exponents, then multiplication and division (left to right), then addition and subtraction (left to right). This matches the BODMAS/PEMDAS rules taught in schools.