Scientific Calculator

Last Updated: June 2026

Full scientific calculator — trigonometry, log, ln, powers, roots, constants, and memory. Works entirely in your browser.

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📐 Key Scientific Calculator Functions

sin/cos/tan = trigonometric functions (use DEG or RAD mode). log = log base 10. ln = natural log (base e). x² = square. √x = square root. xⁿ = power. EE or ×10ˣ = scientific notation. π = 3.14159... e = 2.71828...

Sources & Methodology

Calculations are based on the most current publicly available data from authoritative government and industry sources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.When should I use DEG vs RAD mode?▼

Use DEG (degrees) for everyday geometry and when angles are given in degrees (90°, 180°, 360°). Use RAD (radians) for calculus and physics. Always check your mode before trig calculations — sin(90) in RAD gives approximately 0.894, not 1.

Q.What is the order of operations on a scientific calculator?▼

BODMAS/PEMDAS: Brackets first, then Orders (powers/roots), then Division and Multiplication left to right, then Addition and Subtraction left to right. Use parentheses to control the order explicitly.

Q.What is the difference between log and ln?▼

log is logarithm base 10 — log(100) = 2. ln is the natural logarithm base e — ln(e) = 1. In calculus and physics, ln is more commonly used. In everyday calculations, log base 10 is standard.

Q.What is the order of operations in math (PEMDAS)?▼

PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division (left to right), Addition/Subtraction (left to right). Example: 2 + 3 × 4² = 2 + 3 × 16 = 2 + 48 = 50 (not 80 or 200). The common mistake is doing addition before multiplication. BODMAS (UK) and BEDMAS (Canada) are equivalent systems with different acronyms.

Q.What is the difference between sin, cos, and tan?▼

In a right triangle: sin(θ) = opposite ÷ hypotenuse; cos(θ) = adjacent ÷ hypotenuse; tan(θ) = opposite ÷ adjacent (or sin ÷ cos). Memory aid: SOH-CAH-TOA. Use DEG mode for angles in degrees, RAD mode for radians (used in calculus). sin(90°) = 1, cos(0°) = 1, tan(45°) = 1.

How to Use a Scientific Calculator

A scientific calculator extends basic arithmetic with functions used in mathematics, science, and engineering. The key functions and their uses:

Function	What it Does	Example
sin / cos / tan	Trigonometric ratios of an angle	sin(30°) = 0.5
sin⁻¹ / cos⁻¹ / tan⁻¹	Inverse trig — find the angle from a ratio	sin⁻¹(0.5) = 30°
log	Logarithm base 10	log(1000) = 3
ln	Natural logarithm (base e)	ln(e) = 1
x²	Square a number	5² = 25
xʸ	Raise x to the power of y	2^10 = 1024
√	Square root	√144 = 12
π	Pi constant (3.14159…)	Area = π × r²

DEG vs RAD — Which Mode Should I Use?

Degrees (DEG): Use for everyday angle calculations, geometry, and when angles are given in degrees (90°, 180°, 360°). Most people use DEG mode by default.

Radians (RAD): Use for calculus, physics, and higher mathematics. One radian = 180°/π ≈ 57.3°. A full circle is 2π radians. Always check your mode before trig calculations — sin(90) in RAD gives sin(90 radians) ≈ 0.894, not 1.

Order of Operations (BODMAS/PEMDAS)

Scientific calculators follow standard mathematical order of operations:

Brackets / Parentheses first: (2+3)×4 = 20, not 14
Orders / Exponents: powers and roots
Division and Multiplication (left to right)
Addition and Subtraction (left to right)

Common Scientific Calculator Mistakes to Avoid

Wrong mode (DEG vs RAD) for trig functions
Forgetting to close brackets — every ( needs a matching )
Misreading the display: 1.5E3 means 1,500 (scientific notation)
Division before completing numerator: for 5/(2+3), use 5÷(2+3), not 5÷2+3
Squaring a negative: (−3)² = 9, but −3² = −9 on most calculators

When to Use Scientific Notation

Scientific notation (e.g. 6.022 × 10²³ for Avogadro's number) is the standard for very large or very small values in science and engineering. On a scientific calculator, enter this using the EE or EXP key: 6.022 EE 23. The calculator displays it as 6.022e23. For everyday percentage or financial calculations, scientific notation is rarely needed — but it is essential for physics, chemistry, and astronomy where values span many orders of magnitude.