Scientific Calculator
This scientific calculator evaluates an expression live; memory slots store one running total you can add to, subtract from, recall, or clear. Angle mode applies to sin, cos, tan and their inverses. Related: percentage, exponent, logarithm, quadratic.
What Your Result Means
- Display Value: The current result of the expression you've entered, updated live as you type or press function buttons. It uses JavaScript double-precision floating-point arithmetic (about 15–17 significant digits).
- Expression Line: The running expression above the main display, showing the operators and operands you've entered so far. It helps you track multi-step calculations.
- Memory (M): A single running total you can add to (M+), subtract from (M−), recall (MR), or clear (MC). Memory persists until you clear it or refresh the page.
How This Calculator Works
You build an expression using number buttons, operators, and functions. The display evaluates live as you type. Trig functions use either degrees or radians depending on the mode toggle. Pressing a function button (sin, log, √, etc.) immediately applies that function to the current expression value and replaces the display. The equals button finalizes the current expression.
Quick Questions
How do I switch between degrees and radians?
Use the Degrees / Radians toggle buttons at the top of the calculator. The active mode is highlighted. This affects sin, cos, tan, and their inverse functions.
Why does my result show "Error"?
Error appears when the expression can't be evaluated — usually because of mismatched parentheses, division by zero, or an invalid operation like taking the square root of a negative number. Clear with AC and re-enter.
How does memory work?
M+ adds the current value to the memory total. M− subtracts it. MR recalls the stored total into the display. MC resets the memory to zero. This is useful for running totals across multiple calculations.
Is this accurate enough for engineering work?
The calculator uses JavaScript's 64-bit floating-point numbers, which provide about 15–17 significant decimal digits. This is accurate enough for homework and most practical engineering, but not for applications requiring arbitrary precision.
Sources
- Wikipedia — Scientific Calculator (history, functions, and common button layouts)
- MDN — JavaScript Math Object (the built-in functions powering this calculator)
Method & review
Estimate only. Results reflect your inputs and standard formulas. Double-check important decisions independently.