Basic Calculator - Algebra & Arithmetic Calculator
Use this free online Basic Calculator for everyday arithmetic and simple algebra calculations. Enter numbers or complete mathematical expressions to calculate addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, decimals and calculations involving parentheses.
The calculator follows the standard order of operations, so multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction unless parentheses change the grouping of an expression.
Keyboard supported: 0–9, +, −, *, /, %, parentheses, Enter and Backspace.
Calculation History
What Is a Basic Calculator?
A basic calculator is an electronic or online tool used to perform common mathematical operations. The four fundamental operations are addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. A modern online basic calculator can also provide features such as percentages, decimal numbers, negative numbers, parentheses and keyboard input.
Basic calculators are useful for quick arithmetic as well as simple algebra preparation. They can help students check calculations, compare numbers, work with measurements, calculate totals and solve everyday numerical problems.
Basic Calculator Operations
| Operation | Symbol | Example | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Addition | + | 25 + 15 | 40 |
| Subtraction | − | 25 − 15 | 10 |
| Multiplication | × | 25 × 15 | 375 |
| Division | ÷ | 30 ÷ 5 | 6 |
| Percentage | % | 20% | 0.20 |
How to Use This Basic Calculator
- Enter a number using the calculator buttons or your keyboard.
- Select an arithmetic operation such as addition, subtraction, multiplication or division.
- Enter the next number or continue building the expression.
- Use parentheses when you need to control the order of a calculation.
- Press the equals button or the Enter key to calculate the result.
- Use AC to clear the current calculation or Backspace to remove the last character.
Basic Algebra Calculator Examples
This calculator can be useful when checking numerical portions of algebra problems. For example:
For a longer expression, parentheses can be used to group part of the calculation.
Order of Operations
When an expression contains several different mathematical operations, the order in which those operations are performed matters. Standard arithmetic rules evaluate grouped expressions first, followed by multiplication and division, and then addition and subtraction.
For example:
The multiplication is completed before the addition:
Then:
If parentheses are added, the result can change:
PEMDAS and BODMAS
PEMDAS and BODMAS are common ways of remembering the order of mathematical operations. Different schools and regions may use different terminology, but the purpose is the same: to establish a consistent order for evaluating expressions.
| Step | Operation |
|---|---|
| 1 | Parentheses or brackets |
| 2 | Exponents or powers, when applicable |
| 3 | Multiplication and division |
| 4 | Addition and subtraction |
This basic calculator focuses on common arithmetic expressions. For more advanced mathematics involving powers, roots, logarithms or trigonometric functions, a scientific calculator is more appropriate.
Basic Calculator With Parentheses
Parentheses are useful when you want a particular part of an expression to be calculated first.
For example:
First calculate 8 + 4:
Without parentheses, an expression such as 8 + 4 × 5 follows standard precedence and produces a different result:
Using Decimals in the Basic Calculator
Decimal numbers can be entered directly using the decimal point. This makes the calculator useful for prices, measurements, distances, weights, percentages and other calculations that do not use whole numbers.
Examples include:
- 12.5 + 7.25
- 15.75 − 3.50
- 4.5 × 2
- 10.5 ÷ 2
Using Negative Numbers
Negative numbers can be used in arithmetic and algebra calculations. A minus sign placed before a number indicates that the number is negative.
For example:
Another example:
Negative numbers are frequently encountered in algebra, temperatures, financial calculations, coordinates and differences between values.
Percentage Calculations
Percentages represent parts per hundred. The percent symbol can be used when working with percentage values.
For example:
To calculate 20% of 500:
For dedicated percentage calculations, use the Percentage Calculator on Smart Unit Calc.
Basic Calculator for Algebra Students
A basic calculator can help with the arithmetic portion of algebra. Algebra problems often require operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division after an equation has been rearranged.
For example, consider:
Subtract 15 from both sides:
The basic calculator can then confirm:
For equations involving variables, fractions, powers or more advanced algebraic manipulation, explore the Algebra Calculators category.
Basic Arithmetic Formulas
For division, the divisor cannot be zero. Division by zero is undefined, so the calculator will display an error instead of returning a numerical result.
Memory Functions
This calculator includes four simple memory controls:
| Button | Function |
|---|---|
| MC | Memory Clear — removes the stored memory value. |
| MR | Memory Recall — places the stored value into the display. |
| M+ | Memory Add — adds the current result to stored memory. |
| M− | Memory Subtract — subtracts the current result from stored memory. |
Common Uses for a Basic Calculator
- Adding shopping totals
- Checking invoices and receipts
- Calculating discounts and percentages
- Working with measurements
- Checking school mathematics
- Performing basic algebra arithmetic
- Calculating differences between numbers
- Multiplying quantities and prices
- Dividing totals into equal parts
- Checking calculations before entering them into a spreadsheet
Basic Calculator vs. Scientific Calculator
| Basic Calculator | Scientific Calculator |
|---|---|
| Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division | Includes advanced mathematical functions |
| Decimals and percentages | Powers and roots |
| Simple expressions | Logarithms and trigonometry |
| Parentheses | More advanced mathematical operations |
If you only need common arithmetic and simple algebra calculations, a basic calculator is generally sufficient. More advanced mathematical problems require additional functions that are normally found in scientific or specialized calculators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a basic calculator?
A basic calculator is a tool for performing common arithmetic operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Online versions may also include percentages, parentheses, decimals and memory functions.
Does this calculator follow order of operations?
Yes. Expressions use standard arithmetic precedence, with parentheses taking priority and multiplication and division being performed before addition and subtraction.
Can I use parentheses?
Yes. Parentheses can be used to group calculations and specify which portion of an expression should be calculated first.
Can I use decimal numbers?
Yes. The calculator accepts decimal values such as 12.5, 7.25 and 0.75.
Can I use negative numbers?
Yes. Negative numbers can be entered with the minus sign and used with the supported arithmetic operations.
Can I use a keyboard?
Yes. You can type numbers and mathematical operators directly from your keyboard. Press Enter to calculate and Backspace to remove the last character.
What happens if I divide by zero?
Division by zero is undefined. The calculator will show an error instead of treating zero as a valid divisor.