Tip: Use keyboard for faster input (0-9, +, -, *, /, Enter, Esc)
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Practice Order of Operations
Test your understanding of PEMDAS
Practice with 6 problems to test your understanding.
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?How to Use This Basic Calculator
A basic calculator performs standard arithmetic operations: addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (x), and division (/). Enter numbers using the keypad or keyboard, press an operator, enter the second number, and press equals (=) or Enter to calculate. Use C to clear all or CE to clear the current entry. Supports keyboard shortcuts for faster input.
What is a Basic Calculator?
A basic calculator is a device or application that performs fundamental arithmetic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It is used for everyday mathematical computations such as budgeting, shopping, cooking measurements, and simple math problems. Basic calculators follow standard order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS) when evaluating expressions.
Key Facts About Basic Calculators
- Basic arithmetic operations: addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (x), division (/)
- Order of operations (PEMDAS): Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction
- Keyboard shortcuts: number keys 0-9, operators +, -, *, /, Enter for equals, Escape to clear
- Percent (%) divides the current number by 100
- C clears all entries; CE clears only the current entry
- Division by zero is undefined and returns an error
- Calculation history shows previous operations for reference
- Works on any device with a web browser - no installation required
Quick Answer
A basic calculator performs standard arithmetic operations: addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (x), and division (/). Enter numbers using the keypad or keyboard, press an operator, enter the second number, and press equals (=) or Enter to calculate. Use C to clear all or CE to clear the current entry. Supports keyboard shortcuts for faster input.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use this calculator?
Enter numbers and operations using the buttons or your keyboard. Press = or Enter to calculate. Use C to clear all or CE to clear the current entry. The display shows your expression and result in real-time.
What is the order of operations?
This calculator follows standard order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS): Parentheses first, then Exponents, then Multiplication and Division (left to right), finally Addition and Subtraction (left to right).
Can I use keyboard shortcuts?
Yes! Use number keys (0-9), operators (+, -, *, /), Enter or = for equals, Backspace to delete, Escape or C to clear. Period (.) for decimal point.
What does % do?
The percent button divides the current number by 100. For example, pressing 50 then % gives 0.5. It's useful for calculating percentages in expressions.
Why do I get "Error"?
Error appears for invalid operations like dividing by zero, invalid expressions, or syntax errors. Press C to clear and start over. Check that your expression is complete and properly formatted.
Last updated: 2026-01-15
How this works
Formulas follow standard definitions from the NIST Digital Library of Mathematical Functions and classical textbook derivations. Calculations run entirely in your browser. Where a closed-form solution exists, it is used; where an iterative or numerical method is required, the implementation is named on the page.
Sources
- [1]NIST Digital Library of Mathematical FunctionsAcademicdlmf.nist.govAccessed Apr 21, 2026
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