Introduction
This free online basic calculator lets you add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers right in your browser. You can also use it to find square roots, work with exponents, and calculate percentages. It stores your past calculations in a history list so you can look back at your work. A built-in memory feature lets you save a number and recall it later. Just click the buttons or type on your keyboard to get started. The calculator shows your full expression and result at the same time, so you always know what you typed. It works on both desktop and mobile screens.
How to Use Our Basic Calculator
Type in numbers and pick an operation to get your answer right away. The top line shows your expression, and the bottom line shows the result.
Number buttons (0–9): Press any digit to add it to your expression.
Decimal point (.): Press the dot to enter a decimal number like 3.5 or 0.75.
Add (+): Press the plus sign to add two numbers together.
Subtract (−): Press the minus sign to take one number away from another.
Multiply (×): Press the times sign to multiply two numbers.
Divide (÷): Press the divide sign to split one number by another.
Exponent (x^y): Press this to raise a number to a power, like 2^3 to get 8. For more advanced exponent work, try our dedicated Exponent Calculator.
Square root (√x): Press this to find the square root of the last number you entered. For additional options, see our Square Root Calculator.
Pi (π): Press this to insert the value of pi (3.14159…) into your expression. This is especially useful when calculating measurements like circumference or circle area.
Percent (%): Press this to turn a number into a percent or to find a percent of another number. You can also use our Percentage Calculator for more detailed percentage work.
Negate (+/−): Press this to switch the last number between positive and negative.
Backspace (Back): Press this to erase the last character you typed.
Clear (AC/CE): Press once to clear the current entry. Press again to reset the whole calculator.
Equals (=): Press this or the Calculate button to see your final answer. Press it again to repeat the last operation.
Ans: Press this to reuse the result from your last calculation in a new expression.
Memory Add (M+): Press this to add the current value to memory.
Memory Subtract (M−): Press this to subtract the current value from memory.
Memory Recall (MR): Press this to place the stored memory value into your expression.
Memory Clear (MC): Press this to erase the value stored in memory.
Round to whole (R0 / RND): Press either button to round the current result to the nearest whole number. For more rounding options, try our Rounding Calculator.
Round to 2 decimals (R2): Press this to round the current result to two decimal places.
Reset: Press the Reset button to clear everything, including memory and history.
Display Size: Use this dropdown to switch the calculator between small, medium, and large text.
Layout: Use this dropdown to switch between a desktop view and a narrower mobile view.
Keyboard support: You can also type numbers and operators on your keyboard. Press Enter to calculate, Backspace to delete, and Escape to clear.
What Is a Basic Calculator?
A basic calculator is a tool that helps you solve math problems quickly. You can add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers without doing the work by hand. This calculator also lets you use exponents, square roots, and the number pi (π). If you need to work with fractions, logarithms, or scientific notation, we offer dedicated tools for those as well.
How Basic Math Works
Math uses four main operations: addition (+), subtraction (−), multiplication (×), and division (÷). These operations follow a set order. Multiplication and division are always done before addition and subtraction. This rule is called the order of operations. For example, in the problem 3 + 4 × 2, you multiply 4 × 2 first to get 8, then add 3 to get 11. For division problems that require step-by-step work, our Long Division Calculator can help you see the full process.
Extra Features You Can Use
Exponents let you multiply a number by itself. For example, 5^2 means 5 × 5, which equals 25. A square root does the opposite — it finds what number multiplied by itself gives you the original number. The square root of 25 is 5. You can also find cube roots using our dedicated tool.
The percent button (%) turns a number into its decimal form or finds a percent of another number. This is useful for tips, discounts, and taxes. If you need to find the percent change or percent difference between two values, we have specialized tools for those calculations.
Memory buttons let you save a number and use it later. Press M+ to store a value, MR to bring it back, and MC to clear it. The Ans button recalls your last answer so you can use it in a new problem without retyping it.
Rounding buttons let you shorten long decimal answers. R0 rounds to a whole number, and R2 rounds to two decimal places. This is helpful when you need a clean, simple answer. For precise rounding rules, including significant figures, check out our specialized rounding tools. If you need to convert a decimal result into a fraction, try the Decimal to Fraction Calculator.