Quick answer: A scientific calculator adds trigonometry, logarithms, exponents, roots and constants like pi and e to basic arithmetic. Set degree or radian mode before using sine, cosine and tangent, and use parentheses to control the order of operations. It handles the multi-step expressions found in physics, engineering and statistics coursework.
Last reviewed: September 2026
Key facts
- Trigonometric functions (sin, cos, tan) use degrees — the standard setting for school maths.
- Covers natural log (ln), log base 10, square root, absolute value and ex.
- Degrees convert to radians inside the calculator with radians = degrees × π ÷ 180.
- Results update instantly as you type; nothing is sent to a server.
When a basic calculator runs out of buttons, this is the next step up. This free scientific calculator covers the functions most students and professionals need — trigonometry in degrees, logarithms, roots and powers of e — with answers appearing the moment you type.
Pick a function from the dropdown, enter your number, and read the result. Because angles are in degrees, sin(30) gives 0.5 directly, with no mode switching to worry about.
How to use
- Enter a number in the Number field.
- Choose the function — sin, cos, tan, ln, log10, square root, absolute value or ex.
- The answer appears instantly, with the expression shown underneath.
- Change either input to recalculate, or press Calculate to refresh manually.
How the functions work
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| sin, cos, tan | Sine, cosine and tangent of the angle, entered in degrees. |
| ln | Natural logarithm — log base e (e ≈ 2.71828). |
| log10 | Common logarithm — log base 10. |
| √ | Square root — the number which multiplied by itself gives the input. |
| |x| | Absolute value — the distance from zero, always positive. |
| ex | Exponential — Euler’s number e raised to the power x. |
Trigonometry here uses degrees because that is what most school problems expect. For radians, convert first: degrees = radians × 180 ÷ π.
Worked examples
Trigonometry in degrees
sin(30°) = 0.5. Enter 30 and choose sin (degrees) — the classic 30-60-90 triangle result every student meets.
cos(60°) = 0.5 and tan(45°) = 1 — two more landmark values worth memorising.
Logs and roots
log10(1000) = 3 because 103 = 1000. ln(2.71828) ≈ 1 because e1 = e.
√81 = 9 because 9 × 9 = 81. |−7| = 7 — distance from zero ignores the sign.
Function quick reference
| Function | Computes | Example |
|---|---|---|
| sin / cos / tan | Trig ratio of an angle in degrees | sin(30°) = 0.5 |
| ln | Logarithm base e | ln(e) = 1 |
| log10 | Logarithm base 10 | log10(100) = 2 |
| √ | Square root | √144 = 12 |
| |x| | Absolute value | |−7| = 7 |
| ex | Exponential | e2 ≈ 7.389 |
Frequently asked questions
Are angles in degrees or radians?
Degrees. That matches most school textbooks. To use radians, convert first with degrees = radians × 180 ÷ π.
What is the difference between ln and log10?
ln is the natural logarithm (base e ≈ 2.71828), used in growth and science formulas. log10 is the common logarithm (base 10), used for pH, decibels and orders of magnitude.
What does e^x do?
It raises Euler’s number e (≈ 2.71828) to the power you enter — the mathematics of continuous growth, from populations to compound interest.
Why does tan(90°) give an error?
tan(90°) is undefined: it would mean dividing by zero. Values very close to 90° grow enormously large, which is why the calculator refuses it.
Can it calculate powers like 2^10?
For powers, use the Exponent Calculator — it handles any base and exponent, including negatives and fractions.
Is this suitable for exams?
It is a study aid, not an exam tool — most exams restrict which calculators you may use. Always check your exam board’s rules.
Sources
- Khan Academy — Trigonometry, logs and scientific math
- NIST — Mathematical constants reference
Key takeaways
- Trig functions expect degrees — sin(30°) = 0.5 with no mode changes.
- ln is base e, log10 is base 10: pick the one your formula asks for.
- For powers and roots beyond square root, pair this with the Exponent Calculator.
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