Scientific Calculator Guide: Functions, Modes & Best Practices
From DEG vs RAD to memory functions — practical notes for using a scientific calculator effectively.
1. Degrees vs Radians
Mathematicians use radians; engineers and navigators usually use degrees. Toggle DEG/RAD at any time — all trig functions convert automatically. sin(30°) = 0.5 in DEG mode; in RAD mode you would enter sin(π/6) for the same result.
2. Memory Functions
- M+: Add current result to memory accumulator
- M−: Subtract current result from memory
- MR: Recall stored memory value into the expression
- MC: Clear memory back to zero
3. 2nd Function Mode
Pressing 2nd reveals inverse and secondary functions: sin⁻¹, cos⁻¹, tan⁻¹ (arcsine, arccosine, arctangent), log₂, x² (squaring shortcut), and 10ˣ. These are the most-used secondary functions in engineering and physics.
4. Operator Precedence
- Parentheses — always evaluated first
- Functions (sin, ln, sqrt, etc.)
- Exponentiation (^)
- Multiplication & Division
- Addition & Subtraction
When in doubt, use parentheses. They are cheap and eliminate all ambiguity.
5. Privacy
🔒 Browser-Only Computation
All expressions evaluate using JavaScript's Math engine in your browser. No computation or history entry ever touches a server.