Scientific Calculator
Trig, powers, roots & logs
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Scientific calculator for real work
Evaluate trigonometric functions, powers, roots and logarithms without leaving your browser. Switch between degrees and radians in a single tap.
Trigonometry
Compute sin, cos and tan in degrees or radians for physics and engineering problems.
Powers & roots
Square, cube, square root, cube root and reciprocal without writing out each step by hand.
Logs & constants
Base‑10 log, natural log, π and e built in for higher‑level maths.
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What makes a calculator “scientific”?
Scientific calculators build on the four basic operations with trigonometry, powers, roots, logarithms and constants, so you can tackle real maths, science and engineering problems.
Who invented the scientific calculator?
The first handheld scientific calculator is widely credited to Hewlett‑Packard. In 1972 the company released the HP‑35, a pocket‑sized calculator that could replace the engineer's slide rule by handling trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential functions.
The HP‑35 used then‑new integrated circuits to squeeze serious maths into a device that fit in a shirt pocket. Modern scientific calculators—physical and online—follow the same goal: bring advanced functions as close to you as a basic calculator.
Milestones in scientific calculators
- 1972 – HP‑35: first handheld scientific calculator.
- Late 1970s–1980s: scientific calculators become standard tools in schools and universities.
- 1985 onwards: graphing and programmable models arrive, adding visuals and custom programs.
- Today: scientific calculators live in web apps like this one alongside dedicated devices.
Core capabilities
In addition to +, −, ×, ÷ and %, this scientific calculator adds functions that show up constantly in physics, engineering and exam questions.
- Trigonometry for angles (sin, cos, tan).
- Powers and roots (x², x³, √x, ³√x, 1/x).
- Logarithms in base 10 and base e (log, ln).
- Built‑in constants like π and e.
When to use a scientific calculator
Use this page whenever a question involves angles, exponents, logs or roots. For simple money or shopping maths, the basic calculator is usually quicker.
Function reference
| Key | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| sin, cos, tan | Trigonometric functions in DEG or RAD mode. | sin(30°) = 0.5 |
| x², x³ | Square or cube the current value. | 5 x² → 25 |
| √x, ³√x | Square root or cube root. | √9 → 3 |
| 1/x | Reciprocal (useful for fractions). | 1/8 → 0.125 |
| log, ln | Base‑10 and natural logarithms. | log(100) = 2 |
| π, e | Mathematical constants. | π ≈ 3.14159 |
Real‑world examples
Find a triangle side
Given hypotenuse 10 and angle 30°, 10 × sin(30°) = 5.
Compound growth
Use powers to estimate growth: 1.05¹⁰ ≈ 1.629 (5% per year for 10 years).
Logarithmic scale
Convert to a log scale: log(1,000) = 3.
Pro tips
- Check that DEG/RAD matches your question before using trig keys.
- Use memory keys to store intermediate values during longer problems.
- Use logs to turn multiplication into addition when working with very large numbers.
Basic vs scientific
Reach for the basic calculator for day‑to‑day totals and the scientific calculator when you see angles, exponents, logs or roots in the question.
Scientific calculator FAQ
- Is this scientific calculator free?
- Yes. No sign‑up, no account and no usage limits.
- Does this calculator support both degrees and radians?
- Yes. Use the DEG/RAD key at the top to switch angle mode before using sin, cos or tan.
- Is this calculator allowed in exams?
- Always check your exam rules. Many exams require specific physical calculators; this online tool is best for practice and everyday work.
Accessibility & privacy
Keyboard input is supported, and calculations run only in your browser. We do not send your key presses or results to a server.
Worked examples
Triangle side (trig)
Find the opposite side when hypotenuse is 10 and angle is 30°:
10 × sin(30) = 5
Exponent via logs
Solve 3ˣ = 81:
x = log(81) ÷ log(3) = 4
Check DEG vs RAD
In DEG: sin(90) = 1. In RAD: sin(π/2) = 1.
Degrees vs radians
Degrees (DEG)
A full circle is 360°. Common values:
- 90° = quarter turn
- 180° = half turn
- 360° = full turn
Radians (RAD)
Based on π. Useful in calculus and many formulas:
- π rad = 180°
- π/2 rad = 90°
- 2π rad = 360°
Quick reference: common values
Trig values (degrees)
| θ | sin θ | cos θ |
|---|---|---|
| 0° | 0 | 1 |
| 30° | 0.5 | 0.866… |
| 45° | 0.707… | 0.707… |
| 60° | 0.866… | 0.5 |
| 90° | 1 | 0 |
Logs & constants
- log(10) = 1, log(100) = 2
- ln(e) = 1, ln(1) = 0
- π ≈ 3.14159
- e ≈ 2.71828
Related calculators on Calculators.digital
Use the scientific calculator when you're deep in maths or physics. For other tasks, these calculators may be a better fit: