Scientific Calculator
A scientific calculator covering sin, cos, tan, logarithms, exponents, roots, factorials and constants, with a degree and radian switch.
How it works
Expressions are evaluated with standard precedence, so functions and brackets bind before multiplication, which binds before addition. Writing the expression out in full is usually safer than chaining single operations.
The degree and radian switch changes what the trigonometric functions mean, and it is the single most common source of wrong answers. sin(30) is 0.5 in degrees but −0.988 in radians — both correct, only one of them what you meant.
The formula
Trigonometry
sin, cos, tan and their inverses asin, acos, atan
Logarithms
log(x) base 10 · ln(x) natural · log is not ln
Powers and roots
x^y · sqrt(x) · cbrt(x)
Constants
pi ≈ 3.14159 · e ≈ 2.71828
Worked examples
| Scenario | Working | Result |
|---|---|---|
| sin(30) in degrees | Degree mode | 0.5 |
| sin(30) in radians | Radian mode | −0.988 |
| log(1000) | Base 10 | 3 |
When you'd use it
- Coursework in maths, physics or engineering
- Checking a trigonometric result by hand
- Evaluating an expression too long for a basic calculator
- Converting between logarithm bases
Common questions
Why is my sin or cos answer wrong?
Almost always the angle mode. sin(30) is 0.5 in degrees and −0.988 in radians. Check the degree/radian switch before assuming the calculator is at fault — this catches nearly everyone at least once.
What is the difference between log and ln?
log is base 10 and ln is base e (about 2.718). They differ by a constant factor: ln(x) = log(x) × 2.302585. Scientific fields tend to mean ln when they write log, so read the context.
Can I use pi and e?
Yes, type them by name. They carry full double precision rather than a rounded 3.14, which matters once you multiply or raise them to a power.