Use the basic calculator on Mac
You can perform simple arithmetic calculations with a basic calculator.
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Tip: To learn a key’s function, hold the pointer over the key to see its help tag.
Switch to the basic calculator
Go to the Calculator app
on your Mac.Do one of the following:
Choose View > Basic in the menu bar.
While using the scientific or programmer calculator, click
, then choose Basic.Press Command-1.
Clear digits, numbers, or the display
Go to the Calculator app
on your Mac.Enter a digit or calculation.
Do one of the following:
Delete the last digit: If you make a mistake when you enter a number, click
.Delete the entire number you last entered: Click the Clear (C) key.
Delete the expression: Click the All Clear (AC) key, or click and hold
or the Clear (C) key.
Repeat the last operation
Do one of the following after completing an operation:
Apply the last operation to the current result: Click the equal sign.
For example, if you enter “1 × 2 =”, your result is 2. Each time you click the equal sign, the currently displayed answer is multiplied by 2, producing these results: 4, 8, 16, 32, and so on.
Apply the last operation to a new number: Enter a new number, then click the equal sign.
For example, if you enter “100 + 15% =”, the result is 115. Then, if you enter “150 =”, the result is 150 + 15%, or 172.5.
Round results or increase precision
When you round your results, Calculator stores the full value and displays the rounded value.
Go to the Calculator app
on your Mac.Choose View > Decimal Places in the menu bar, then choose the number of digits you want to show after the decimal.
Trailing zeros never appear.
Note: Use caution when rounding, as your results may not be as precise as they should be. For example, the calculator returns 10 (rather than 9.9) when you enter “99 ÷ 10 =” with decimal places set to zero.
Show commas in large numbers
Go to the Calculator app
on your Mac.Choose View > Show Thousands Separator in the menu bar.
Tip: You can also perform calculations—and dictate them—in Spotlight.