Math calculators

Graphing Calculator

Updated Jun 21, 2026 By Jehan Wadia
Formulas

Type any of: y=x^2, sin(x), x^2+y^2=25, y>x+1, r=2+3cos(theta), (cos(t),sin(t)), (3,4), a=2, or add {0<x<5} to restrict domain.

x: 0.00, y: 0.00

Pan: drag to move, scroll/pinch to zoom. Trace: hover a curve, use ← → to step. Select: click a curve to highlight its row. Annotate: click to drop a labeled pin.

No expressions plotted.

Introduction

This free online graphing calculator lets you plot math equations and see them as curves on a graph. Type in functions like y = x², sin(x), or x² + y² = 25 and watch them appear instantly. You can graph lines, parabolas, circles, polar curves, and parametric equations all in one place.

The calculator also includes built-in math tools. Find where two curves cross, draw a tangent line at any point, compute a definite integral, or generate a table of values. Use sliders to change constants and see how your graph shifts in real time. You can pan, zoom, trace along curves, and drop labeled pins on the graph.

Whether you are a student learning algebra or calculus, a teacher building a lesson, or just someone who wants to visualize a math problem, this graphing calculator is built to help. It works on phones, tablets, and computers with no download needed.

How to Use Our Graphing Calculator

Type one or more math expressions into the input fields, and the calculator will instantly plot them on an interactive graph. You can view curves, points, shaded regions, and more all at once.

Expression Input: Type a math expression into any text field on the left panel. You can enter functions like y=x^2, trig functions like sin(x), implicit equations like x^2+y^2=25, inequalities like y>x+1, polar equations like r=2+3cos(theta), parametric curves like (cos(t),sin(t)), or single points like (3,4).

Add or Remove Expressions: Click the + button to add a new expression row. Click the ✕ button on any row to remove it from the graph.

Color and Style: Click the colored square next to an expression to pick a new color. Use the style dropdown below it to switch between solid, dashed, dotted, or dash-dot lines.

Sliders: Type a constant like a=2 to create an adjustable slider. Drag the slider to change the value in real time and watch your graph update. Press the play button to animate it automatically.

Visibility and Derivative: Click the eye icon to show or hide a graph line. Click the f' button to overlay the derivative of that function on the graph.

Domain Restrictions: Add curly braces at the end of any expression to limit where it draws. For example, y=x^2 {0<x<5} only plots the curve between x = 0 and x = 5.

Graph Controls: Drag the graph to pan around. Scroll or pinch to zoom in and out. Use the + and − buttons on the graph to zoom. Click the house icon to reset the view, or click the expand icon to fit all curves on screen.

Interaction Modes: Choose Pan to drag the view, Trace to hover over a curve and read exact coordinates, Select to click a curve and highlight its expression, or Annotate to drop labeled pins on the graph.

Find Intersections (Tools tab): Select two functions from the dropdowns and click Find Intersections. The calculator will show you the exact points where the two curves cross. For systems with multiple equations, you may also want to try our system of equations calculator.

Tangent Line (Tools tab): Pick a function and enter an x value. Click Draw Tangent to see the tangent line at that point, along with the slope and equation.

Definite Integral (Tools tab): Choose a function, set a lower bound and upper bound, then click Compute Area. The calculator will shade the region and display the approximate area under the curve. For step-by-step integration, see our dedicated integral calculator.

Table of Values (Tools tab): Select a function and set an x range with a step size. Click Generate Table to see a list of x and y values for that function.

Settings: Click the gear icon on the graph to change angle units between radians and degrees, switch between Cartesian and polar grids, adjust line thickness, or change the background color.

Calculate and Reset: Press Calculate to re-plot all expressions at once. Press Reset to clear your work and start over with the default examples.

What Is a Graphing Calculator?

A graphing calculator is a tool that turns math equations into pictures. You type in an equation like y = x², and the calculator draws the shape of that equation on a grid called a coordinate plane. This makes it much easier to see how numbers and variables relate to each other.

How Graphing Works

Every point on the graph has two values: an x value (left or right) and a y value (up or down). When you enter an equation, the calculator plugs in hundreds of x values, finds the matching y values, and plots them as points. Connected together, those points form a line or curve. This curve is called the graph of the function. You can also measure the distance between any two plotted points or find the midpoint of a segment connecting them.

Types of Equations You Can Graph

There are several kinds of equations this tool supports:

  • Explicit functions like y = sin(x) or y = x² - 3, where y depends on x. You can use the quadratic formula calculator to find exact roots of parabolas, or find the turning point with our vertex calculator.
  • Implicit equations like x² + y² = 25, which draw shapes such as circles. To compute properties of these shapes, try our circle area calculator.
  • Polar equations like r = 2 + 3cos(θ), which use angles and distances instead of x and y. You can calculate related curve measurements with the arc length calculator.
  • Parametric equations like (cos(t), sin(t)), where both x and y depend on a third variable.
  • Inequalities like y > x + 1, which shade an entire region of the graph.

Why Graphing Equations Is Useful

Graphs help you find important information fast. You can spot where two lines intersect, see where a curve reaches its highest or lowest point, or understand how changing a number in the equation changes the shape. Analyzing the rate of change of a curve at any point connects directly to understanding derivatives, while computing the area under a curve ties into integrals and the limits that make calculus work.

Students use graphing to study algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. It turns abstract math into something you can actually see and explore. Beyond graphing, having a strong grasp of supporting concepts like slope, logarithms, exponents, and polynomials will help you build and interpret equations with confidence.

Formulas used

Numerical Derivative (Central Difference)
f'(x) \approx \frac{f(x+h) - f(x-h)}{2h}
Tangent Line at a Point
y = f'(x_0)(x - x_0) + f(x_0)
Definite Integral (Simpson's Rule)
\int_a^b f(x)\,dx \approx \frac{h}{3}\left[f(x_0) + 4f(x_1) + 2f(x_2) + \cdots + 4f(x_{n-1}) + f(x_n)\right],\quad h = \frac{b-a}{n}
Intersection Finding (Bisection Root Search)
f(x) - g(x) = 0
Polar to Cartesian Conversion
x = r\cos\theta, \quad y = r\sin\theta
Degree to Radian Conversion
\theta_{\text{rad}} = \theta_{\text{deg}} \cdot \frac{\pi}{180}

Frequently asked questions

What types of equations can I graph with this calculator?

You can graph explicit functions like y=x^2, implicit equations like x^2+y^2=25, polar equations like r=2+3cos(theta), parametric curves like (cos(t),sin(t)), inequalities like y>x+1, and single points like (3,4).

Is this graphing calculator free to use?

Yes. This graphing calculator is 100% free. There is no sign-up, no download, and no hidden cost. It runs right in your web browser.

Does the graphing calculator work on my phone?

Yes. The calculator works on phones, tablets, and computers. The layout adjusts to your screen size. You can pinch to zoom and drag to pan on touch screens.

How do I type an exponent like x squared?

Use the ^ symbol. For example, type x^2 for x squared or x^3 for x cubed. You can also use the virtual keyboard by clicking the keyboard icon.

How do I graph a circle?

Type the equation of the circle as an implicit equation. For example, type x^2+y^2=25 to graph a circle with radius 5 centered at the origin.

How do I switch between radians and degrees?

Click the gear icon on the graph to open settings. Then change the Angle Units dropdown from Radians to Degrees or vice versa.

Can I graph more than one equation at the same time?

Yes. Click the + button to add more expression rows. Each equation gets its own color, and all of them show on the graph together.

How do I find the exact coordinates of a point on a curve?

Switch to Trace mode using the mode bar below the graph. Then hover over or tap a curve. The calculator will show the exact x and y values at that point. Use the left and right arrow keys to step along the curve.

What math functions does the calculator support?

It supports sin, cos, tan, asin, acos, atan, sinh, cosh, tanh, log (base 10), ln (natural log), sqrt, cbrt, abs, floor, ceil, round, exp, min, max, and pow.

How do I use a slider to change a value in my equation?

Type a constant like a=2 in one expression row. Then use a in another equation, like y=a*x^2. A slider will appear that lets you drag to change the value of a and see the graph update live.

How do I shade a region on the graph?

Use an inequality instead of an equation. For example, type y>x+1 to shade every point above the line y = x + 1. The boundary line will appear dashed.

Can I undo a mistake?

Yes. Click the undo button (curved left arrow) or press Ctrl+Z on your keyboard. To redo, click the redo button or press Ctrl+Y.

How do I restrict the domain of a function?

Add curly braces at the end of your expression. For example, y=x^2 {0<x<5} only draws the curve for x values between 0 and 5.

How do I change the color of a graph line?

Click the colored square to the left of the expression input. A color picker will appear with several options. Click any color to apply it.

How do I enter the variable theta for polar equations?

Type the word theta in your expression, like r=2+3cos(theta). You can also click the θ button on the virtual keyboard.

How do I zoom into a specific area of the graph?

Scroll your mouse wheel over the area you want to zoom into. On a touchscreen, use a pinch gesture. The zoom centers on your cursor or finger position. You can also use the + and − buttons on the graph.

How do I use fullscreen mode?

Click the expand icon (arrows pointing outward) in the top-right corner of the graph. The graph will fill your entire screen. Press Esc to exit fullscreen.

What does the f' button do?

The f' button draws the derivative of that function on the graph as a dashed overlay. This shows you the slope of the original curve at every point.

Can I save or share my graph?

The calculator does not have a built-in save or share feature. You can take a screenshot of your graph to save or share it.

What does the Compute Area tool do?

It calculates the definite integral of a function between two x values. This gives you the area between the curve and the x-axis. The region is shaded on the graph, and the numerical result is shown below.

How do I graph a parametric equation?

Type the x and y parts as a pair in parentheses using the variable t. For example, type (cos(t),sin(t)) to graph a circle. The default range for t is 0 to 2π.

Why does my graph look wrong or show nothing?

Check your expression for typos. Make sure you use * for multiplication and ^ for exponents. If the curve is outside the visible area, click the fit button (expand arrows) to auto-zoom to show all curves.

How do I show a polar grid instead of a regular grid?

Click the gear icon on the graph to open settings. Change the Grid Style dropdown from Cartesian to Polar. Circles and radial lines will replace the square grid.

What is the difference between log and ln?

log is the base-10 logarithm. ln is the natural logarithm (base e, where e ≈ 2.718). Use whichever one your math problem calls for.

Can I use this calculator for calculus homework?

Yes. You can graph functions, view derivatives, compute definite integrals, find tangent lines, and generate tables of values. These are all common tasks in calculus courses.