A scientific calculator evaluates expressions that go beyond basic arithmetic — trigonometric and inverse-trigonometric functions (sin, cos, tan, asin, acos, atan), hyperbolic functions (sinh, cosh, tanh and their inverses), natural and base-10 logarithms, powers, roots, factorials, absolute value, and constants like π and e.
About this calculator
A scientific calculator evaluates expressions that go beyond basic arithmetic — trigonometric and inverse-trigonometric functions (sin, cos, tan, asin, acos, atan), hyperbolic functions (sinh, cosh, tanh and their inverses), natural and base-10 logarithms, powers, roots, factorials, absolute value, and constants like π and e. It respects order of operations (PEMDAS) automatically, so `2 + 3 × sin(30°)` gives you the right answer without extra parentheses.
Engineers and students use this tool to check textbook problems, derive numeric answers from formulas (impedance, frequency response, projectile motion, signal attenuation), and convert between scientific and engineering notation. Switch between degree and radian mode for trigonometry, use the `2nd` toggle to expose inverse and hyperbolic variants, and use `EE` to enter scientific notation like `1.5 × 10⁻⁶`.
Common uses
- Evaluate engineering formulas with trig, logs, and powers in a single expression
- Convert between degree and radian mode for physics and signal-processing problems
- Compute hyperbolic functions used in transmission lines, suspension cables, and thermodynamics
- Work with very large or very small numbers using engineering (EE) notation
- Check homework for calculus, electromagnetism, mechanics, and chemistry problems
- Calculate probabilities, combinations, and permutations via factorials
Frequently asked questions
How do I switch between degrees and radians?
Use the `DEG`/`RAD` toggle on the keypad. In degree mode, `sin(30)` returns 0.5. In radian mode, `sin(π/6)` returns 0.5. The current mode is always shown on the toggle button, and the answer updates instantly when you switch.
What does the `2nd` button do?
The `2nd` (second function) button swaps the primary functions for their inverses or hyperbolic variants. For example, `sin` becomes `asin` (arcsine), `cos` becomes `acos`, `log` becomes `10ˣ`, `ln` becomes `eˣ`, and `x²` becomes `√x`. Press `2nd` again to switch back.
How do I enter scientific or engineering notation?
Use the `EE` button. Type the mantissa, press `EE`, then type the exponent. For example, to enter Avogadro's number (6.022 × 10²³), type `6.022`, press `EE`, then type `23`. The calculator internally expands this to `6.022 × 10^23` and evaluates correctly.
What is the difference between log and ln?
`log` is the base-10 logarithm — it answers 'what power do I raise 10 to, to get this number?' `ln` is the natural logarithm with base `e` ≈ 2.71828, which shows up in growth, decay, and calculus. `log(1000) = 3` because 10³ = 1000. `ln(e) = 1` because e¹ = e. The calculator also exposes `log₂` for binary-related work.
Are hyperbolic functions useful in engineering?
Yes. `cosh` describes the shape of a hanging cable or chain (a catenary) — used in suspension-bridge and power-line design. `sinh` and `tanh` appear in wave propagation, transmission-line impedance, relativistic velocity addition, and neural-network activations. The inverses (`asinh`, `acosh`, `atanh`) are equally common in signal processing.
How does the calculator handle order of operations?
It follows standard PEMDAS/BODMAS rules: parentheses first, then exponents, then multiplication and division (left-to-right), then addition and subtraction. So `2 + 3 × 4` evaluates to 14, not 20. Use parentheses to override default precedence, for example `(2 + 3) × 4 = 20`.
Can I chain results from one calculation into the next?
Yes. After pressing `=`, the result stays on the display. Press any operator (`+`, `−`, `×`, `÷`, `^`) to start a new expression that begins with that result. You can also tap the history icon to recall any earlier expression and continue from there.