Perform basic calculations and prepare for advanced statistical analysis
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Our Basic Calculator is designed for quick everyday calculations without distractions. Whether you’re adding expenses, checking discounts, splitting a bill, or verifying homework totals, it provides instant, precise results with an intuitive layout that works on any device. This in-depth guide explains how to use the calculator efficiently, how the order of operations affects your answers, common pitfalls (like rounding and percent keys), and practical workflows you can apply at home, work, or school. We also link to related tools—like the Percentage Calculator, Scientific Calculator, Fraction Calculator, Unit Converter, and Time Calculator—so you can jump to the exact tool you need.
Need square roots, exponents, or scientific notation? Open the Scientific Calculator. Handling ratios or complex fractions? Try the Fraction Calculator. For discounts, margins, and GST/VAT-like operations, the Percentage Calculator is your friend.
a + b% means a + (a × b / 100). Likewise, a − b% means a − (a × b / 100). For of calculations (e.g., “15% of 320”), enter 320 × 15%.Use memory keys for multi-item bills: add each line, press M+ to store the running total, and recall with MR at checkout. If you’re adding taxes or discounts, jump to the Percentage Calculator to avoid manual percent math.
120 − 15% → 102..+ / - / * / /= or EnterEsc (AC), Backspace (CE/Undo last)% (if supported by the keyboard listener)
The calculator displays results with sensible defaults. For currency math, we recommend rounding to two decimals.
For deep numeric precision (scientific work, long chains), open the
Scientific Calculator, which supports larger digit buffers, parentheses, and functions like √, x², and exponents.
Items: 19.99, 8.50, 4.25; discount 10%; tax 7.5% on discounted subtotal.
19.99 + 8.50 + 4.25 = → 32.74− 10% → 29.466+ 7.5% → 31.57695 (round to 31.58)If you want a dedicated flow for discounts, margins, GST/VAT, try the Percentage Calculator.
After you have the total, divide by the number of people: 125.40 ÷ 3 = → 41.80 each (rounded). For trips and per-person totals, use the
Trip & Cost Calculator.
If your values arrive in different units (e.g., inches and centimeters), convert first with the Unit Converter, then continue your sum in consistent units to avoid rounding surprises.
For “3h 45m + 1h 50m”, either convert to decimal hours (3.75 + 1.8333 ≈ 5.5833) and multiply by rate, or use the Time Calculator to normalize hh:mm:ss precisely.
For ratios, mixed numbers, or simplifying fractions, the Fraction Calculator provides exact fraction arithmetic, while the Algebra Calculator helps verify expressions and evaluate variables.
Money calculations often require banker’s rounding or round half up to two decimals. If a chain of percentages produces 31.57695, you’ll typically show 31.58 on receipts. For long chains where rounding at every step matters (e.g., tax per line item before subtotal), compute each line separately, round to cents, then sum. Our Percentage Calculator can help you compare rounding strategies.
a × b% for “b percent of a”, and a ± b% for discounts/markups on a.Add items with M+, apply promo codes as percentages, then calculate tax. For compounded offers (e.g., “extra 5% off after 10%”), apply sequential percentages, not a simple sum.
Sum daily sales, subtract refunds, and compute fees as percentages. For recurring monthly calculations, switch to the Compound Interest Calculator or Loan Calculator as needed.
Use the basic calculator for fast totals. For statistics topics, check the Standard Deviation Calculator and Stats Calculator.
Jump straight to specialized calculators when your problem goes beyond four-function math:
See everything in one place at our Calculator Hub.
In most cases, a + b% is interpreted as a + (a × b/100). Likewise, a − b% is a − (a × b/100), and a × b% returns a × (b/100). Use the Percentage Calculator for advanced scenarios like margins or compound discounts.
Yes—set your preferred precision in the calculator settings (if available). For currency, two decimals are standard. If you need very high precision, switch to the Scientific Calculator.
CE clears the current entry only, C often clears the current line, and AC (All Clear) resets everything (including memory in some models). Our tool shows clear labels for each action.
Differences usually come from rounding modes, internal precision, or percent-key conventions. For consistent business results, define rounding rules and stick to one tool or use our Percentage and Scientific calculators for strict control.
The Basic Calculator focuses on four-function math and fast entry. For parentheses, roots, exponents, powers of ten, and trigonometry, use the Scientific Calculator.
Get quick answers for everyday math. When you need specialized features, jump to a related tool in one click.
Learning math basics? Read our Algebra Basics and Student Calculator Guide.