Scientific Calculator
Features of Scientific Calculator
Our free online scientific calculator provides advanced mathematical functions including:
- Trigonometric functions - sin, cos, tan (with degree/radian support)
- Logarithms - log (base 10), ln (natural log)
- Exponents and roots - square, cube, nth roots
- Constants - π (pi), e (Euler's number)
- Advanced operations - factorials, absolute value, reciprocals
Perfect for students, engineers, scientists, and anyone needing advanced mathematical calculations.
How to Use This Scientific Calculator
Basic Operations
Use the number pad and basic operators (+, -, ×, ÷) for standard calculations.
Scientific Functions
Click any scientific function button (sin, cos, log, etc.) either before or after entering your number.
Memory Functions
Store values with M+, recall with MR, clear memory with MC. Memory indicator shows stored value.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Use your keyboard for faster input. Click "Shortcuts" button to see all available keys.
Scientific Calculator FAQs
What's the difference between this scientific calculator and a basic calculator?
This scientific calculator includes advanced mathematical functions beyond basic arithmetic:
Trigonometric functions: sin, cos, tan, asin, acos, atan, sinh, cosh, tanh
Logarithmic functions: log (base 10), ln (natural logarithm)
Exponential functions: x², x³, xʸ, exp, square roots, cube roots
Constants: π (pi), e (Euler's number)
Advanced operations: factorials, absolute value, reciprocals
How do I switch between degrees and radians for trigonometric functions?
Click the "Deg" button in the scientific function row to toggle between degrees and radians. The button will change to "Rad" when in radian mode. This setting affects all trigonometric functions (sin, cos, tan, asin, acos, atan, sinh, cosh, tanh).
How do I calculate exponents and powers?
You have several options for exponent calculations:
x²: Squares the current number
x³: Cubes the current number
xʸ: Raises a number to any power (you'll be prompted for the exponent)
Example: To calculate 2⁵, enter "2", click "xʸ", then enter "5"
What's the difference between log and ln?
log: Base-10 logarithm (common logarithm)
ln: Natural logarithm (base e, where e ≈ 2.71828)
For example, log(100) = 2 (because 10² = 100) and ln(e) = 1
How do I calculate factorials?
Enter a whole number and click the "n!" button to calculate its factorial. Factorials are only defined for non-negative integers. For example, 5! = 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 = 120.
How do the inverse trigonometric functions work (asin, acos, atan)?
These functions calculate the angle given a trigonometric ratio:
asin: Returns the angle whose sine is the given number
acos: Returns the angle whose cosine is the given number
atan: Returns the angle whose tangent is the given number
The result will be in the current angle unit (degrees or radians)
What are the hyperbolic functions (sinh, cosh, tanh)?
Hyperbolic functions are similar to trigonometric functions but based on hyperbolas rather than circles:
sinh(x): Hyperbolic sine = (eˣ - e⁻ˣ)/2
cosh(x): Hyperbolic cosine = (eˣ + e⁻ˣ)/2
tanh(x): Hyperbolic tangent = sinh(x)/cosh(x)
These are commonly used in engineering and physics applications.
How do I use constants like π and e?
Click the "π" button to insert the mathematical constant π (approximately 3.14159) or the "e" button to insert Euler's number (approximately 2.71828). These constants can be used in calculations just like regular numbers.
Why do I get an "Error" message with some calculations?
Common reasons for errors include:
- Division by zero
- Square root of a negative number
- Logarithm of zero or a negative number
- Factorial of a negative number or non-integer
- Inverse trigonometric functions with values outside [-1, 1]
Press "C" to clear the error and start a new calculation.
How do I calculate expressions with multiple operations?
The calculator follows standard mathematical order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS):
1. Parentheses (not directly supported - perform step by step)
2. Exponents and roots
3. Multiplication and division (left to right)
4. Addition and subtraction (left to right)
For complex expressions, it's often best to perform calculations in stages using the memory functions.
Can I use this calculator for complex numbers or matrices?
This calculator handles real numbers only. For complex number calculations or matrix operations, you would need more specialized mathematical software or calculators.
How accurate are the calculations?
The calculator uses JavaScript's built-in Math functions, which provide double-precision floating-point arithmetic (about 15-17 significant digits). This is sufficient for most scientific and engineering applications.
Does the calculator support scientific notation?
While there isn't a dedicated scientific notation button, the calculator can display and calculate very large or very small numbers. Results will be shown in standard decimal format, but you can use the exponentiation functions for scientific notation calculations.