Scientific Calculator - Free Online Scientific Calculator with Trigonometric Functions | Advanced Math Calculator
Keyboard supported: 0-9, +, -, *, /, Enter, Esc, Backspace
Master Scientific Calculations
Scientific Calculator Functions
Trigonometric Functions
sin, cos, tan for angle calculations. Essential for geometry, physics, and engineering. Remember to set correct angle mode (DEG/RAD).
Logarithmic Functions
log (base 10) and ln (base e). Used in chemistry (pH), sound (decibels), earthquakes (Richter), and exponential growth problems.
Exponential Functions
e^x, 10^x, x², x³ for growth calculations, compound interest, and scientific notation. Powers of any base available.
Special Functions
√x (square root), 1/x (reciprocal), n! (factorial), |x| (absolute value), % (percent), and constants π & e.
Common Use Cases
- 📐Trigonometry:
Calculate angles, sides of triangles, wave functions, circular motion
- 🧪Chemistry:
pH calculations, equilibrium constants, half-life decay, concentration
- ⚡Physics:
Force vectors, energy calculations, wavelengths, projectile motion
- 💰Finance:
Compound interest, exponential growth, logarithmic charts, NPV calculations
- 📊Statistics:
Standard deviation, probability distributions, exponential models
Degrees vs Radians
When to Use DEGREES (DEG):
- • Everyday angle measurements
- • Navigation and surveying
- • Geometry problems in school
- • Architecture and construction
- • When angles given as 30°, 45°, 90°, etc.
When to Use RADIANS (RAD):
- • Calculus and advanced mathematics
- • Physics formulas (angular velocity, etc.)
- • Programming and computer graphics
- • Trigonometric identities
- • When angles given as π, π/2, 2π, etc.
Quick conversion: 180° = π radians | 360° = 2π radians | 90° = π/2 radians
Calculator Tips & Tricks
💡 Use Memory for Complex Calculations
Store intermediate results with M+ instead of writing them down. Saves time and reduces errors!
💡 Check Your Angle Mode
#1 mistake: using wrong angle mode. sin(30°)≠sin(30 rad). Always verify DEG/RAD indicator!
💡 Use Parentheses Wisely
Complex expressions need parentheses: 1/(2+3) ≠ 1/2+3. Group operations clearly.
💡 Leverage History Feature
View past calculations to spot patterns, reuse results, or check your work. Click any result to reuse it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a scientific calculator used for?
A scientific calculator is used for complex mathematical calculations beyond basic arithmetic. It handles trigonometric functions (sin, cos, tan), logarithms (log, ln), exponentials (e^x, 10^x), roots, powers, and factorials. Essential for students in algebra, trigonometry, calculus, physics, chemistry, and engineering. Also used by professionals in science, finance, and technical fields for statistical analysis, scientific notation, and complex formulas.
What's the difference between DEG and RAD mode?
DEG (degrees) and RAD (radians) are angle measurement modes. Degrees divide a circle into 360 parts, while radians use π (about 3.14159) as the unit—a full circle is 2π radians (about 6.28). Use DEG for everyday angles (90°, 180°, 270°) and geometry problems. Use RAD for calculus, physics formulas, and advanced math. Example: sin(90°) in DEG mode = 1, sin(π/2) in RAD mode = 1 (same angle, different units). Always check your mode before calculating!
How do memory functions (M+, M-, MR, MC) work?
Memory functions store numbers for later use in complex calculations. MC (Memory Clear) resets memory to 0. MR (Memory Recall) displays the stored value. M+ (Memory Add) adds the current display to memory. M- (Memory Subtract) subtracts the current display from memory. Example workflow: Calculate 5×3 (=15), press M+ to store 15, calculate 8×2 (=16), press M+ to add 16 to memory (now 31), press MR to see 31 (15+16). Perfect for multi-step calculations!
What's the order of operations in scientific calculations?
Scientific calculators follow PEMDAS/BODMAS order: Parentheses/Brackets first, then Exponents/Orders (powers, roots), then Multiplication & Division (left to right), finally Addition & Subtraction (left to right). Special functions like sin, cos, log are evaluated first. Examples: 2+3×4 = 14 (not 20), because multiplication comes before addition; sin(30°)+5 = 5.5, because sin(30°) is calculated first (=0.5), then added to 5. Always use parentheses for clarity in complex expressions: (2+3)×4 = 20.
When should I use log vs ln?
log (logarithm base 10) and ln (natural logarithm base e≈2.71828) serve different purposes. Use log for: pH calculations in chemistry, decibels in sound, Richter scale for earthquakes, and general science where base-10 is standard. Use ln for: exponential growth/decay problems, compound interest calculations, calculus (especially derivatives/integrals), and when working with the natural base e. Examples: log(100)=2 because 10²=100; ln(e)=1 because e¹=e. Both functions are available on our calculator—choose based on your problem's context.
Can this scientific calculator replace a physical calculator?
Yes, for most purposes! Our online scientific calculator offers the same core functions as physical calculators: trig functions, logs, exponentials, memory, and calculation history. Advantages: always accessible on any device, completely free, keyboard support for faster input, automatic history tracking, no batteries needed, and no risk of loss. However, standardized tests (SAT, ACT, AP exams) often require specific approved physical calculators. For homework, projects, professional work, and general calculations, our online calculator is perfect and actually more convenient than physical ones.