How to use the scientific calculator
- Build an expression with numbers, parentheses, operators, functions, π, e, or Ans. Close every opening parenthesis.
- Choose DEG or RAD before trigonometry. SHIFT reveals inverse functions; ALPHA selects the small secondary labels.
- Use M+ and M− to update memory, MR to insert it, and MC to clear it. ENG switches engineering notation.
- Press = to calculate, then S⇔D to switch an eligible result between decimal and an exact simple fraction.
In DEG mode, sin(30) is 0.5. RAD interprets the same input as radians. Inverse trigonometric results also follow the selected unit.
What is a scientific calculator?
A scientific calculator extends ordinary arithmetic with functions used in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, science, and engineering. Calcora combines those controls in a portrait device with a clear expression screen and labeled secondary functions. The parser respects parentheses and operation priority, accepts only supported mathematical tokens, and never uses JavaScript eval(). You can enter a complete expression such as sqrt(144)+2^3 and review it before calculating.
The scientific page is independent from the standard calculator and has its own saved local history. No registration is required. Calculations run in the browser, while only the history you generate is kept in that browser's LocalStorage; it is not presented as cloud or account storage.
Functions, powers, roots, and factorials
The sin, cos, and tan keys insert visible function notation, while log is base ten and ln is the natural logarithm. √ inserts sqrt( and ∛ inserts cbrt(. Use x² or x³ for immediate powers and xʸ for any exponent. The reciprocal key inserts 1/(, |x| inserts abs(, and n! appends a factorial operator. Factorials accept non-negative integers within the finite supported range; invalid domains and non-finite results produce an explanatory error.
The constants π and e can be combined with other terms. EXP enters scientific notation after a mantissa: 1.2, EXP, 3 means 1.2×10³. Very large and small finite results automatically use readable exponential formatting. Ans inserts the last successful result so a later expression can continue without manual retyping.
SHIFT, ALPHA, and trigonometric modes
SHIFT selects the small inverse labels: sin⁻¹, cos⁻¹, and tan⁻¹. It also turns log into 10ˣ and ln into eˣ. ALPHA selects the hyperbolic labels sinh, cosh, and tanh. The active modifier resets after the chosen function is inserted, which prevents an accidental alternate function on the next key. The small labels remain visible so the keypad can be learned without opening a separate manual.
DEG and RAD change how sine, cosine, and tangent interpret their arguments and how inverse trigonometric results are returned. For example, sin(30) in DEG is 0.5, while sin(π÷6) in RAD gives the same mathematical value. tan is numerically sensitive near its undefined angles, so always inspect both the angle unit and the expression.
Memory, fractions, and engineering notation
M+ adds the current value to memory and M− subtracts it. MR inserts the memory value into an expression, and MC resets memory to zero. The M indicator appears when memory is non-zero. These controls help with repeated intermediate values without replacing the visible expression history.
After a result, S⇔D attempts an exact simple-fraction representation within a conservative denominator and tolerance. Thus 1/2+1/4 displays 0.75 and can switch to 3/4. If no suitably exact fraction is available, the decimal remains and a status message explains why. ENG toggles engineering notation, whose exponent is a multiple of three, making values such as 12,345 easier to read as 12.345×10³.
Scientific examples you can try
| Expression | Result | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| sin(30) · DEG | 0.5 | Sine of thirty degrees. |
| cos(60) · DEG | 0.5 | Cosine of sixty degrees. |
| tan(45) · DEG | 1 | Tangent of forty-five degrees. |
| sqrt(144) | 12 | The principal square root. |
| 5^2 + 2^3 | 33 | The square is 25 and the cube is 8. |
| log(100) + ln(e) | 3 | The two logarithms equal 2 and 1. |
| 5! | 120 | Factorial multiplies 5×4×3×2×1. |
| 1/2 + 1/4 | 0.75 = 3/4 | Use S⇔D for the fraction view. |
Frequently asked questions
What do SHIFT and ALPHA do?
SHIFT selects inverse trigonometric functions and exponential alternatives. ALPHA selects the hyperbolic functions printed as secondary labels. The modifier resets after use.
When should I use DEG or RAD?
Use DEG when angles are written in degrees and RAD for radians. The setting affects trigonometric inputs and inverse trigonometric outputs.
How does S⇔D handle fractions?
It switches a result to a fraction only when a suitably exact simple representation is found. Otherwise it keeps the numerical result and reports that no exact simple fraction is available.
Does the calculator support memory and last answer?
Yes. M+, M−, MR, and MC control memory, while Ans inserts the last successful result into the current expression.
Is the scientific history an online account?
No. It is a separate LocalStorage history in this browser. It does not synchronize across devices and can be removed by clearing browser data.