What is a Scientific Calculator?
A scientific calculator is an electronic calculator that handles advanced mathematical operations beyond basic arithmetic — including trigonometric functions, logarithms, exponents, scientific notation, and statistics. Scientific calculators are required for high school algebra, geometry, trigonometry, precalculus, chemistry, and physics, as well as for standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, and AP exams. Our free online scientific calculator works on any device with a browser and is permitted in any test that allows scientific calculators.
Scientific Calculator Functions Available
- Trigonometry: sin, cos, tan, csc, sec, cot, plus all inverse functions (sin⁻¹, cos⁻¹, tan⁻¹)
- Logarithms: log (base 10), ln (natural log), and log_b for any base
- Exponents: x², x³, xʸ, eˣ, 10ˣ
- Roots: √, ³√, ʸ√
- Fractions: mixed numbers, improper fractions, and decimal-fraction conversion
- Statistics: mean, standard deviation, sum, sum of squares
- Constants: π, e, and physical constants via the catalog
- Memory: store values in 27 variables (A–Z plus θ)
How to Use Trigonometric Functions Online
Before computing any trig function, set the angle mode. Press MODE and select either RADIAN or DEGREE. For most U.S. high school problems, degree mode is the default; for calculus, radian mode is standard. Once the mode is set, type your expression — for example, sin(30) in degree mode returns 0.5, while sin(π/6) in radian mode also returns 0.5. To compute an inverse trig function, press 2nd followed by the function key (sin⁻¹, cos⁻¹, tan⁻¹).
Scientific Calculator for Students and Professionals
Students at every level — from middle school pre-algebra to graduate-level engineering — rely on scientific calculators for daily problem-solving. Engineers and scientists use them for quick estimates, unit conversions, and verifying complex spreadsheet calculations. Our online tool is ideal for both audiences because it loads in seconds, works during commutes (on phones), and never runs out of battery. Save the page to your home screen for one-tap access on iOS or Android.
Scientific Calculator vs Graphing Calculator — Which Do You Need?
The difference comes down to graphing. Both calculators handle trig, logs, exponents, and fractions identically. A graphing calculator can additionally plot functions, run regression analysis on data sets, store programs, and display results in color. If your class only requires solving expressions and equations — pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, basic chemistry — a scientific calculator is sufficient and significantly cheaper. If your class involves analyzing functions visually, calculus, or statistics with regression, you'll need a graphing calculator like the TI-84.