How to use the Scientific Calculator
- Tap a function key such as sin, ln or √ to insert it with its opening bracket.
- Enter the argument and close the bracket.
- Use xʸ for arbitrary powers and x² as a shortcut for squaring.
- Press = to evaluate the whole expression at once.
How the calculation works
Trigonometric functions here take radians, the mathematical default used by every programming language and by calculus itself. To work in degrees, convert first: multiply degrees by pi ÷ 180. This is the single most common source of wrong answers on scientific calculators — a value of sin(30) is 0.5 in degree mode and −0.988 in radian mode, and nothing on screen warns you which one you are in.
The two logarithm keys serve different purposes. ln is the natural log to base e, which appears wherever continuous growth or decay is modelled — compound interest, radioactive half-life, RC circuits. log is base 10, used for orders of magnitude: pH, decibels, the Richter scale. Converting between them is a single division: log_b(x) = ln(x) ÷ ln(b), which is how you evaluate any other base with these two keys.
Powers use exponentiation, evaluated after brackets but before multiplication. Because exponentiation is right-associative in mathematics, nested powers should be bracketed explicitly when you mean anything other than the innermost pairing.
log_b(x) = ln(x) / ln(b) ; radians = degrees × π / 180 ; ⁿ√x = x^(1/n)Source: Standard mathematical definitions of trigonometric and logarithmic functions; IEEE 754 floating-point arithmetic.
Worked example
Finding the height of a building from a 34° elevation angle measured 50 m away.
- Convert the angle: 34 × pi / 180 = 0.5934 radians.
- Enter tan(0.5934) → 0.6745.
- Multiply by the distance: 0.6745 × 50.
About 33.7 m tall, plus the height of your eye above the ground.
Frequently asked questions
Does it work in degrees or radians?+
Radians. Multiply degrees by pi/180 before entering an angle.
How do I calculate a cube root?+
Raise to the reciprocal power: 27^(1/3) returns 3.
What is the difference between ln and log?+
ln is base e and describes continuous growth; log is base 10 and describes orders of magnitude.
Can I use pi and e?+
Yes — pi is on the keypad and typing e inserts Euler's number.
How precise are the results?+
Around 15 significant digits, the limit of double-precision floating point.
Last reviewed September 1, 2026. We review this page whenever the underlying formula, tax year, published rate or standard changes.