What functions does a scientific calculator include?

A scientific calculator includes standard arithmetic operations plus trigonometric functions (sin, cos, tan and their inverses), logarithms (log base 10 and natural log), exponentials, square roots, powers, factorials, and constants like π and e.

How do I calculate sin, cos, and tan?

Enter the angle value, select degrees or radians mode, then press the sin, cos, or tan button. For example, sin(30°) = 0.5. Make sure your calculator is in the correct angle mode (degrees vs radians) to get accurate results.

What is the difference between log and ln?

log (or log₁₀) is the base-10 logarithm. ln is the natural logarithm with base e (≈2.718). For example, log(100) = 2 (because 10² = 100), while ln(e) = 1. Natural logarithms are widely used in calculus and science.

How do I calculate exponents and powers?

Use the x^y or ^ button to raise a number to a power. For example, 2^10 = 1024. For square roots, use the √ button. For cube roots and other roots, use x^(1/n), for example 27^(1/3) = 3.

Scientific Calculator - Advanced Math Functions

How to Use This Scientific Calculator

Click the buttons or use your keyboard to enter numbers and operations. Toggle between Deg and Rad for angle mode. Use M+/M-/MR for memory, AC to clear all, and Back to delete the last digit.

0

DEG

You can also use your keyboard to type numbers and operators.

About Scientific Calculators

A scientific calculator is a type of electronic calculator, usually but not always handheld, designed to calculate problems in science, engineering, and mathematics. They have almost completely replaced slide rules in traditional applications, and are widely used in both education and professional settings.

Scientific calculators are distinguished from ordinary calculators by their ability to handle a wide range of mathematical functions. They include trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, tangent and their inverses), logarithmic functions (natural log and base-10 log), exponential functions, and roots.

Key features of this calculator: Degree/Radian mode for angle calculations, memory functions (M+, M-, MR) to store and recall values, the Ans key to reuse the last result, EXP for scientific notation, RND for random numbers, and n! for factorial calculations.

Back to All Calculators

Related Calculators

Fraction Calculator

Percentage Calculator

Triangle Calculator

Standard Deviation Calculator

Random Number Generator

BMI Calculator

Mortgage Calculator

Button Reference

ACClear all

BackDelete last digit

AnsRecall last answer

M+/M-/MRMemory operations

EXPScientific notation (e.g. 1.5e+3)

RNDRandom number 0–1

n!Factorial

xʸx to the power of y

ʸ√xy-th root of x

What Is a Scientific Calculator?

A scientific calculator is an electronic calculator designed to calculate problems in science, engineering, and mathematics. Unlike a basic calculator that only handles addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, a scientific calculator includes functions for trigonometry, logarithms, exponentials, factorials, and statistical operations. Scientific calculators are standard equipment in high school and university mathematics and science courses worldwide.

Key Functions Explained

Understanding the core functions of a scientific calculator helps you use it effectively for coursework, exams, and professional work.

Trigonometric Functions (sin, cos, tan)

Trigonometric functions relate the angles of a right triangle to the ratios of its sides. Sine (sin) is the ratio of the opposite side to the hypotenuse, cosine (cos) is adjacent over hypotenuse, and tangent (tan) is opposite over adjacent. These functions are essential in physics, engineering, navigation, and architecture. Always check whether your calculator is in degrees or radians mode before computing trig functions.

Logarithms and Exponentials

The natural logarithm (ln) is the inverse of the exponential function e^x, where e ≈ 2.71828. The common logarithm (log) uses base 10. Logarithms are used extensively in chemistry (pH calculations), acoustics (decibels), and finance (compound growth). The exponential function e^x appears in probability distributions, radioactive decay, and population growth models.

Order of Operations

Scientific calculators follow the standard mathematical order of operations: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right), Addition and Subtraction (left to right) — often remembered as PEMDAS or BODMAS. Always use parentheses to make your intended order of operations explicit when entering complex expressions.

Degrees vs. Radians

One of the most common mistakes when using a scientific calculator is having it in the wrong angle mode. Degrees are the familiar unit where a full circle is 360°. Radians are the mathematical standard where a full circle is 2π radians (approximately 6.283). For most everyday problems and school exams, you will use degrees. For calculus and advanced mathematics, radians are standard. Our online scientific calculator defaults to degrees and clearly displays the current mode.