Scientific Calculator
A scientific calculator extends basic arithmetic with the functions needed for algebra, trigonometry, calculus preparation, and science coursework: sine, cosine, tangent, logarithms, exponents, roots, and factorials. This online version runs entirely in your browser and supports keyboard input, so you can type expressions quickly instead of clicking every button. It handles parentheses and operator precedence correctly, evaluating multiplication and division before addition and subtraction, just like a physical calculator in algebraic mode.
Trigonometric functions can be evaluated in degrees or radians, which matters enormously: sin(30) equals 0.5 in degree mode but about -0.988 in radian mode. The calculator also includes natural logarithm (ln, base e ≈ 2.71828), common logarithm (log, base 10), powers, square roots, the constant π, and factorial (n!). Because everything is computed locally, results appear instantly and no data ever leaves your device — useful for exams practice, homework checking, and engineering estimates.
How it works
The calculator parses your expression and evaluates it following standard operator precedence (parentheses, then exponents, then multiplication/division, then addition/subtraction). Trigonometric functions use Taylor-series-based implementations from the JavaScript Math library: in degree mode the input is first converted with radians = degrees × π/180. Logarithms use ln(x) and log₁₀(x) = ln(x)/ln(10); factorial is computed iteratively as n! = n × (n−1) × … × 1, defined for non-negative integers.
Use cases
- Solving trigonometry homework involving sin, cos, and tan in degrees or radians
- Evaluating logarithms and exponentials in chemistry (pH) and physics problems
- Computing factorials and powers for combinatorics and probability exercises
- Quick engineering estimates with square roots, π, and nested parentheses
Frequently asked questions
How do I switch between degrees and radians on a scientific calculator?
Use the DEG/RAD toggle before evaluating trigonometric functions. In degree mode, sin(30) = 0.5; in radian mode the same input is treated as 30 radians and gives roughly -0.988. Degrees are typical for geometry problems, while radians are standard in calculus and physics.
What is the difference between log and ln?
log usually refers to the common logarithm with base 10, so log(100) = 2. ln is the natural logarithm with base e ≈ 2.71828, so ln(e) = 1. They are related by log₁₀(x) = ln(x)/ln(10), and each is standard in different fields — base 10 in chemistry and engineering, base e in calculus.
Can I use my keyboard to type into an online scientific calculator?
Yes. This calculator accepts digits, operators (+, −, ×, /), parentheses, and Enter to evaluate directly from your keyboard. Typing is usually much faster than clicking buttons, especially for long expressions with nested parentheses.
Why does my calculator give a different answer than expected for 6 ÷ 2(1+2)?
Ambiguous expressions like this depend on how implicit multiplication is interpreted. Following strict left-to-right precedence, 6 ÷ 2 × (1+2) = 9, but treating 2(1+2) as a single grouped factor gives 1. To avoid ambiguity, always add explicit parentheses: write (6/2)×(1+2) or 6/(2×(1+2)).
What is a factorial and how large can it get?
The factorial n! multiplies all positive integers up to n: 5! = 5×4×3×2×1 = 120. It grows extremely fast — 20! already exceeds 2.4 quintillion, and 171! overflows standard double-precision floating point, which is why calculators show an error or infinity beyond that point.