Result
Result reflects the current submitted inputs.
- Risk A
- Reviewed 2026-05-26
- 1 sources
- Supported functions are sqrt, sin, cos, tan, asin, acos, atan, ln, log, abs, and exp.
- Constants are pi and e.
- Degree mode converts trigonometric input angles to radians before calling real-number trig functions.
- Inverse trigonometric functions return values in the selected angle mode.
- Factorial accepts non-negative integers from 0 to 170.
- Complex numbers, graphing, symbolic algebra, and implicit multiplication are out of scope.
Accuracy notes
- Risk level
- A
- Reviewed
- 2026-05-26
- Sources
- 1
- Primary result
- Result
Formula logic is kept in a pure calculator module with fixtures, source notes, and page-visible assumptions.
What the result means
The result follows mathematical order of operations, not left-to-right entry order. Always check the angle mode (radians vs. degrees) before using trig functions, as it changes the result completely.
Use the result this way
- Start with Result, then use supporting outputs for context.
- Verify Expression, Angle mode, and Decimal places before copying the result.
- Check the formula, example, and assumptions before reusing the answer.
User job
How to use this calculator
Use Scientific Calculator when you need result, then use rounded result and angle mode to check the context for quick number work, classwork, spreadsheet checks, and explaining a calculation to someone else.
Best for
- Checking the core numeric relationship
- Comparing the main result with supporting outputs
- Reviewing a default example before entering your own expression and angle mode.
Check before relying
- Confirm sign, decimal, percent, and rounding assumptions before copying the number.
- Supported functions are sqrt, sin, cos, tan, asin, acos, atan, ln, log, abs, and exp.
- Constants are pi and e.
- Source context: OpenStax, reviewed 2026-06-18.
Next useful step
- Basic CalculatorUse next when your task shifts from Scientific Calculator to Basic Calculator.
- Log CalculatorUse next when your task shifts from Scientific Calculator to Log Calculator.
- Exponent CalculatorUse next when your task shifts from Scientific Calculator to Exponent Calculator.
Formula
A scientific calculator extends a basic calculator with: powers (x^y, x^2), roots (sqrt, cube root), trig (sin, cos, tan and their inverses), logarithms (log base 10, ln), the constant pi and e, factorials, and parentheses for grouping. It applies order of operations (PEMDAS): Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction.
- PEMDAS / BODMAS order: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right), Addition and Subtraction (left to right).
- Trig: sin, cos, tan and their inverses (asin/acos/atan). Make sure the angle mode (radians or degrees) matches your expectation.
- Logarithms: log usually means base 10 (common log), ln means base e (natural log). Use change of base for other bases: log_b(x) = ln(x)/ln(b).
- Exponents: x^y for any power. Square root sqrt(x) is x^(1/2). Negative bases with fractional exponents are undefined in real numbers.
- Constants: pi about 3.14159, e about 2.71828. Both are usually built in.
Inputs
Enter expressions using parentheses for clarity. Choose radians or degrees before using trig (default is usually radians in scientific contexts, degrees in everyday use). Use the memory keys to store and reuse intermediate results.
Example
Order of operations: 2 + 3 x 4 = 14 (multiply first), not 20 (which is what a basic calculator would give). Trig: sin(30 deg) = 0.5. Logarithms: log(1000) = 3, ln(e) = 1. Exponents: 2^10 = 1024. Combine: (1 + 0.05)^10 is the growth factor at 5% for 10 periods.
FAQ
What is a scientific calculator?
A scientific calculator handles advanced math: trigonometry (sin/cos/tan), logarithms (log/ln), exponents and roots, factorials, constants like pi and e, and follows order of operations (PEMDAS), unlike a basic calculator.
How is a scientific calculator different from a basic one?
A scientific calculator follows PEMDAS, so 2 + 3 x 4 = 14, while a basic one gives 20. It also adds trig, log, ln, exponents, parentheses, and constants — the math you need above arithmetic.
How do you use a scientific calculator for trigonometry?
Set the angle mode to degrees (or radians) to match your problem, then enter the function and angle: sin(30) in degrees mode gives 0.5; in radians mode it gives about -0.988. Always confirm the mode first.
What is PEMDAS?
An ordering rule for arithmetic: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right), Addition and Subtraction (left to right). Scientific calculators apply it automatically; basic calculators do not.
What is the difference between log and ln?
log usually means base 10 (common log), so log(100) = 2. ln means base e (natural log), where e is about 2.71828, so ln(e) = 1. The two are related: ln(x) = log(x) / log(e).
What should I verify before using scientific calculator?
Verify expression, angle mode, and decimal places, the displayed formula, and the worked example before copying the result into another document or decision.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-05-26
- academicReviewed 2026-06-18College Algebra 2e: Algebraic Operations and Order of OperationsOpenStax. Standard order of operations and use of trig, log, and exponential functions.
Disclaimer
Results follow standard floating-point arithmetic. Trigonometric inputs respect the current angle mode (radians or degrees); set it correctly before using trig.