Basic Calculator
Four operations, two numbers, no ambiguity. This exists for the moment a phone calculator app is one swipe further away than this tab, or you want a clean record of exactly what you typed rather than trusting a running total.
Inputs
Result
20
How it works
- 112 + 8 = 20
How the basic calculator works
Add, subtract, multiply or divide two values directly: a + b, a − b, a × b, or a ÷ b.
Division by zero has no defined result — the tool reports it rather than silently returning zero or an error you have to interpret.
Every step is shown as typed, so you can screenshot the exact expression alongside the answer.
Worked example: 12 × 8
- 12 × 8 = 96.
- Swap the operation to ÷ with the same numbers and you get 12 ÷ 8 = 1.5 — the tool re-computes instantly rather than requiring a reset.
Common mistakes to avoid
Expecting order of operations across multiple steps
This tool computes exactly one operation between exactly two numbers. For a multi-step expression like 3 + 4 × 2, use the Scientific Calculator, which can chain functions.
Dividing by zero and expecting a fallback
The result is undefined, not 0 or infinity by convention here. Reformulate the question if you hit this — it usually means one of the two inputs was meant to be something else.
Frequently asked questions
Why does dividing by zero show an error instead of a number?
Division by zero is mathematically undefined, so the tool reports that directly rather than guessing at a convention like 0 or infinity.
Can I chain more than one operation?
Not on this page — it is deliberately a single two-number operation. The Scientific Calculator handles multi-function expressions and powers.
Does it handle negative numbers?
Yes, enter a negative sign directly in either field and the operation applies normally.
How many decimal places does it show?
Results are rounded to 6 decimal places, which is enough precision for virtually any everyday calculation.
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