CalcArcade.

Basic Calculator

Type a calculation such as (12.5 + 7.5) × 3 − 18 ÷ 4. You get the answer and your calculation written back, with the order of operations applied.

Your numbers

Result

How we calculate it

The calculation is read by a small parser that follows the usual order of operations: brackets first, then powers, then multiplication and division from left to right, then addition and subtraction from left to right. A minus sign in front of a number is negation, and a power binds tighter than the minus sign, so −3^2 is −9. Powers are worked from right to left, so 2^3^2 is 2^9 = 512.

You can use + − * / (or × and ÷), ^ for powers, % and brackets. The % sign after a number divides it by 100, so 200 × 15% is 30. For example, (12.5 + 7.5) × 3 − 18 ÷ 4 is 20 × 3 − 4.5 = 55.5.

Assumptions and limits

  • A percent is just divided by 100. 200 + 10% is 200.1, not 220. Use 200 + 200 × 10% for ten percent more.
  • Results are shown to 12 significant digits, so 0.1 + 0.2 shows as 0.3. A divide by zero, an unmatched bracket or a result too large to show gives a message.
  • Only numbers and the symbols above are accepted, up to 200 characters. There is no implied multiplication, so write 2 × (3 + 4) and not 2(3 + 4).

Frequently asked questions

What is the order of operations?

Brackets first, then powers, then multiplication and division, then addition and subtraction. Operations of the same level go from left to right. So 2 + 3 × 4 is 14, not 20.

How do I work out a percentage of a number?

Put the percent sign after the percentage and multiply. 15% of 200 is 200 × 15%, which is 30.

Why is -3^2 equal to -9?

The power is worked out before the minus sign is applied, so it is −(3^2). To square negative three, use brackets: (−3)^2 is 9.

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Worked example (a fixed example using the starting numbers, it does not change as you type)

Inputs: Calculation = (12.5 + 7.5) * 3 - 18 / 4.

  • Result 55.5
  • Expression (12.5 + 7.5) × 3 − 18 ÷ 4

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Last reviewed: . Formulas and assumptions are described on our methodology page. For information only; not professional advice.