Basic & Scientific Calculators
Solve everyday math problems instantly with our free basic and scientific calculators. From quick percentage calculations and random number generation to advanced trigonometric and logarithmic functions, our tools cover the full spectrum of mathematical operations for students, professionals, and anyone who needs fast, accurate answers.
Basic Calculator
Perform basic arithmetic operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Scientific Calculator
Perform advanced mathematical calculations including trigonometry, logarithms, and exponents.
Fraction Calculator
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions with step-by-step solutions.
Percentage Calculator
Calculate percentages, percentage changes, and percentage differences between values.
Percent Error Calculator
Calculate the percent error between an experimental value and a known theoretical value.
Big Number Calculator
Perform arithmetic operations on extremely large numbers beyond standard calculator limits.
Average Calculator
Calculate the mean, median, mode, and range of a set of numbers quickly.
Rounding Calculator
Round numbers to any decimal place or significant figures with clear step-by-step explanation.
Ratio Calculator
Simplify ratios, solve proportions, and scale ratios up or down for any application.
Long Division Calculator
Perform long division with remainder and see each step of the division process.
How to Choose the Right Calculator
Start with the basic calculator for everyday arithmetic like adding up expenses, splitting bills, or quick multiplication. It handles addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with a clean, familiar interface.
Use the percentage calculator when you need to find discounts, calculate tips, determine grade percentages, or figure out percentage changes between two values. It handles the three most common percentage questions: "What is X% of Y?", "X is what percent of Y?", and "What is the percentage change from X to Y?"
The scientific calculator is designed for students, engineers, and professionals who need advanced functions like trigonometry, logarithms, exponents, and roots. If your calculation involves sin, cos, tan, log, or powers, this is the right tool. The random number generator is ideal for anyone who needs unbiased random selections for games, sampling, simulations, or decision-making.
Understanding Basic and Scientific Mathematics
Mathematics is the foundation of science, engineering, finance, and countless everyday decisions. Basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) form the building blocks upon which all higher mathematics is built. Mastery of these fundamentals is essential for success in more advanced mathematical concepts.
Percentages are one of the most frequently used mathematical concepts in daily life. A percentage represents a fraction of 100, making it easy to compare proportions across different quantities. Understanding percentages is crucial for evaluating discounts (a 30% off sale), calculating tips (15% to 20% of a restaurant bill), interpreting statistics (unemployment rose by 2 percentage points), and understanding financial returns (an 8% annual investment gain).
Scientific calculations extend basic arithmetic into the realm of advanced mathematics. Trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, tangent) describe relationships between angles and sides of triangles, with applications in physics, engineering, navigation, and computer graphics. Logarithms, the inverse of exponentiation, are essential in fields ranging from earthquake measurement (Richter scale) to sound intensity (decibels) to information theory (bits).
Random number generation plays a vital role in mathematics, statistics, cryptography, and computer science. True randomness is difficult to achieve computationally, so modern random number generators use sophisticated algorithms called pseudorandom number generators (PRNGs) that produce sequences statistically indistinguishable from truly random ones. For most applications, including games, simulations, and sampling, these generators provide excellent results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate a percentage of a number?
To find X% of a number Y, multiply Y by X and divide by 100. For example, 15% of 200 is (200 x 15) / 100 = 30. Alternatively, convert the percentage to a decimal (15% = 0.15) and multiply: 200 x 0.15 = 30. Our percentage calculator handles all common percentage calculations instantly.
What is the difference between a basic and scientific calculator?
A basic calculator handles the four fundamental operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. A scientific calculator adds advanced functions including trigonometry (sin, cos, tan), logarithms (log, ln), exponents and powers, square roots and nth roots, factorials, and constants like pi and e. Use a scientific calculator for algebra, geometry, physics, engineering, and higher-level math courses.
Are online random number generators truly random?
Most online random number generators use pseudorandom number generators (PRNGs) that produce sequences based on mathematical algorithms. While not truly random in the mathematical sense, high-quality PRNGs like those used in modern browsers produce output that passes rigorous statistical tests for randomness. For everyday uses like games, drawings, and sampling, they are more than adequate. For cryptographic applications, specialized cryptographically secure random number generators (CSPRNGs) are used.
How do I calculate percentage change between two numbers?
Percentage change is calculated as ((New Value - Old Value) / Old Value) x 100. For example, if a stock price goes from $50 to $65, the percentage change is ((65 - 50) / 50) x 100 = 30%. A positive result indicates an increase, while a negative result indicates a decrease. Our percentage calculator computes this automatically when you enter the original and new values.
What order of operations should I follow in calculations?
The standard order of operations, remembered by the acronym PEMDAS, is: Parentheses first, then Exponents, followed by Multiplication and Division (left to right), and finally Addition and Subtraction (left to right). For example, in the expression 3 + 4 x 2, you multiply first (4 x 2 = 8) then add (3 + 8 = 11). Our calculators follow this standard mathematical convention automatically.