How to use the math calculator
Use this calculator for an expression or equation when you want to see the arithmetic and the order of operations. Enter the whole question, including parentheses and exponents, rather than only a list of numbers.
A useful method
- Evaluate parentheses first.
- Work through exponents, multiplication and division, then addition and subtraction.
- Check the result by substituting it back into the original expression when possible.
Worked example
18 ÷ 3 + 2²
- Calculate the exponent: 2² = 4.
- Divide: 18 ÷ 3 = 6.
- Add: 6 + 4 = 10.
Answer: 10
Check your work
Multiplication and division share the same priority; evaluate them from left to right. The same applies to addition and subtraction.
Enter your own problem in the solver above and ask about any step you want explained.