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Basic calculator
Add, subtract, multiply, divide, power, remainder and percent of, for two numbers.
Quick answer
The basic calculator does one operation on two numbers: add, subtract, multiply, divide, power, remainder or percent of, with the working shown. Formula: Add, subtract, multiply, divide: the usual operations on the two numbers. For example, 1,250 × 12 = 15,000.
Read the guide: How to use the basic calculator: sums, remainders, percent
1250 × 12
15,000
How is a basic sum calculated?
Type the two numbers, pick the operation and the answer updates straight away.
Decimals and negative numbers work. Division by zero is not allowed, and the calculator tells you so instead of showing a wrong answer.
For longer sums with brackets, use the scientific calculator, which takes a whole expression such as (2 + 3) × 4.
What is the formula for a basic sum?
- Add, subtract, multiply, divide: the usual operations on the two numbers
- Power: a ^ b means a multiplied by itself b times
- Remainder: what is left after dividing a by b as many whole times as possible
- Percent of: a% of b = a ÷ 100 × b
Can you show a worked example of a basic sum?
1,250 × 12 = 15,000. And 15% of 2,400 = 15 ÷ 100 × 2,400 = 360; 17 mod 5 = 2, because 17 = 3 × 5 + 2.
What do the basic operations give?
Examples of each operation the calculator offers.
| Operation | Example | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Add | 125 + 75 | 200 |
| Subtract | 10 − 4 | 6 |
| Multiply | 1,250 × 12 | 15,000 |
| Divide | 1 ÷ 3 | 0.333333333333 |
| Power | 2 ^ 10 | 1,024 |
| Remainder | 17 mod 5 | 2 |
| Percent of | 15% of 2,400 | 360 |
Common questions
How do I add two numbers?
Enter them, choose + add, and read the answer. 125 + 75 = 200.
What does mod mean?
It is the remainder after dividing. 17 mod 5 = 2, because 5 goes into 17 three times with 2 left over.
Can I use negative numbers or decimals?
Yes. Type a minus sign for a negative number and a point for a decimal, for example -3.5.
How do I work out a longer sum like 2 + 3 × 4?
Use the scientific calculator. It follows the usual order of operations, so 2 + 3 × 4 = 14.