Math Calculator

📐 Maths Calculator UK - GCSE & A-Level

Free advanced maths calculator for UK students. Featuring basic arithmetic, scientific functions, percentage calculations, and fraction conversions. Perfect for homework, revision, and everyday calculations. Follows BIDMAS/BODMAS order of operations.

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Calculation History:
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Percentage Calculator

Find X% of a Number

What % is X of Y?

Increase/Decrease by %

Add/Remove VAT (20%)

Fraction Calculator

Add/Subtract Fractions

Simplify Fraction

Fraction to Decimal

Decimal to Fraction

📚 BIDMAS/BODMAS Order of Operations

The correct order to perform mathematical operations:

Letter Meaning Example Result
B Brackets (2 + 3) × 4 20
I/O Indices/Orders (Powers) 2 + 3² 11
D Division 10 + 8 ÷ 2 14
M Multiplication 10 - 2 × 3 4
A Addition 5 + 3 8
S Subtraction 10 - 4 6
💡 Key Rule: Division and Multiplication have equal priority (work left to right). Addition and Subtraction also have equal priority (work left to right).
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📏 Essential GCSE Maths Formulas

Area Formulas

  • Rectangle: A = length × width
  • Triangle: A = ½ × base × height
  • Circle: A = πr²
  • Trapezium: A = ½(a + b) × h
  • Parallelogram: A = base × height

Volume Formulas

  • Cuboid: V = l × w × h
  • Cylinder: V = πr²h
  • Cone: V = ⅓πr²h
  • Sphere: V = ⁴⁄₃πr³
  • Prism: V = area of cross-section × length

Pythagoras & Trigonometry

  • Pythagoras: a² + b² = c²
  • Sin: sin(θ) = opposite/hypotenuse
  • Cos: cos(θ) = adjacent/hypotenuse
  • Tan: tan(θ) = opposite/adjacent

Algebra

  • Quadratic: x = (-b ± √(b²-4ac)) / 2a
  • Gradient: m = (y₂-y₁)/(x₂-x₁)
  • Straight line: y = mx + c
  • Circle: x² + y² = r²

💡 Maths Tips for UK Students

📝 Exam Techniques

  • Always show your working - marks are given for method
  • Check your answers by substituting back
  • Read questions carefully - underline key words
  • Use estimation to check calculator answers
  • Keep track of significant figures

🔢 Quick Mental Maths

  • To multiply by 5: ×10 then ÷2
  • To multiply by 25: ×100 then ÷4
  • To find 10%: move decimal one place left
  • To find 1%: move decimal two places left
  • Square numbers to 15: know them by heart

⚡ Calculator Skills

  • Learn your calculator's fraction button
  • Use ANS to chain calculations
  • Know how to input negative numbers correctly
  • Use brackets liberally to ensure order
  • Check DEG/RAD mode for trigonometry

⚠️ Common Maths Mistakes to Avoid

❌ BIDMAS Errors

Wrong: 2 + 3 × 4 = 20
Right: 2 + 3 × 4 = 14

Always do multiplication and division before addition and subtraction!

❌ Negative Number Errors

Wrong: -3² = 9
Right: -3² = -9 (but (-3)² = 9)

The square only applies to the 3, not the negative sign, unless you use brackets.

❌ Fraction Mistakes

Wrong: ½ + ¼ = ²⁄₆
Right: ½ + ¼ = ²⁄₄ + ¼ = ¾

You must find a common denominator before adding fractions.

❌ Percentage Confusion

Wrong: 50% of 80 = 80 ÷ 50
Right: 50% of 80 = 80 × 0.5 = 40

Convert percentage to decimal (÷100) then multiply.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What calculators are allowed in GCSE maths exams? +
For GCSE maths exams in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, scientific calculators are allowed in Calculator papers (typically Paper 2 and Paper 3). Popular JCQ-approved models include the Casio fx-83GT CW, Casio fx-85GT CW, and Sharp EL-531. Calculators must NOT have symbolic algebra systems (CAS), graphing capabilities (unless specifically allowed), or the ability to communicate with other devices. Check your exam board's specification for specific requirements.
Can I use a calculator in A-Level maths? +
Yes, scientific calculators are permitted in most A-Level maths papers. For A-Level Further Mathematics and some exam board papers, graphical calculators like the Casio fx-CG50 are allowed and often recommended. Always check your specific exam board (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, or CCEA) for approved calculator lists. Some papers may be non-calculator, so verify the requirements for each paper.
How do I calculate percentages without a calculator? +
To find 10%: Divide by 10 (move decimal one place left). To find 5%: Find 10% then halve it. To find 1%: Divide by 100. To find 15%: Find 10% + 5%. To find 25%: Divide by 4 (or find 50% and halve it). Example: 15% of £80 = 10% (£8) + 5% (£4) = £12.
What is the difference between BIDMAS and BODMAS? +
BIDMAS and BODMAS mean the same thing - they're just different ways of remembering the order of operations. BIDMAS: Brackets, Indices, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction. BODMAS: Brackets, Orders (another word for indices/powers), Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction. Some countries use PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction). They all give the same results.
How do I convert fractions to percentages? +
Method 1: Divide the numerator by the denominator, then multiply by 100. Example: ¾ = 3 ÷ 4 = 0.75 × 100 = 75%. Method 2: Make the denominator 100 and the numerator is your percentage. Example: ⅕ = ²⁰⁄₁₀₀ = 20%. Common conversions to know: ½ = 50%, ¼ = 25%, ⅓ ≈ 33.3%, ⅕ = 20%, ⅛ = 12.5%.
What are the square numbers I need to know for GCSE? +
You should memorise the first 15 square numbers: 1² = 1, 2² = 4, 3² = 9, 4² = 16, 5² = 25, 6² = 36, 7² = 49, 8² = 64, 9² = 81, 10² = 100, 11² = 121, 12² = 144, 13² = 169, 14² = 196, 15² = 225. Also know the first few cube numbers: 1³ = 1, 2³ = 8, 3³ = 27, 4³ = 64, 5³ = 125, 10³ = 1000.
How do I work out VAT at 20%? +
To add 20% VAT: Multiply the amount by 1.2. Example: £50 + VAT = £50 × 1.2 = £60. To remove 20% VAT: Divide by 1.2. Example: £60 including VAT = £60 ÷ 1.2 = £50 (the pre-VAT price). To find just the VAT amount: Multiply by 0.2. Example: VAT on £50 = £50 × 0.2 = £10.
What's the difference between factors and multiples? +
Factors are numbers that divide exactly into a given number. Example: Factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12. Multiples are numbers in the times table of a given number. Example: Multiples of 3 are 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18... Memory tip: Factors are Few (finite list), Multiples are Many (infinite list).

🔗 Official UK Maths Resources

Trusted resources for GCSE and A-Level mathematics:

📚 BBC Bitesize

Free GCSE and A-Level maths revision resources with videos, quizzes, and practice questions from the BBC.

Visit BBC Bitesize →

🎓 Corbettmaths

Extensive collection of GCSE maths videos, worksheets, and practice papers. Free for all UK students.

Visit Corbettmaths →

📐 DrFrostMaths

Comprehensive maths resources covering KS3, GCSE, and A-Level with interactive questions and solutions.

Visit DrFrostMaths →

📝 Maths Genie

Free GCSE maths revision including past papers, mark schemes, and topic-based practice from all exam boards.

Visit Maths Genie →

🏫 AQA Maths Resources

Official AQA exam board resources including specifications, past papers, and mark schemes for GCSE and A-Level.

Visit AQA →

📖 Edexcel/Pearson Maths

Official Edexcel resources for GCSE and A-Level maths including practice papers and examiner tips.

Visit Pearson →

About This Maths Calculator

This free maths calculator is designed for UK students studying GCSE, A-Level, or simply needing a reliable calculator for everyday arithmetic. It features multiple modes including basic arithmetic, scientific functions, percentage calculations, and fraction operations.

The calculator follows the BIDMAS/BODMAS order of operations, matching what you learn in UK schools. Whether you're revising for exams, checking homework, or calculating percentages and VAT, this calculator provides accurate, instant results.

Disclaimer: While this calculator is useful for learning and checking work, it is not a substitute for understanding the mathematical concepts. For exam preparation, always practice with a physical calculator approved by your exam board, as exam conditions may differ from using online tools.

💡 Pro Tips for Accurate Results
  • Double-check your input values before calculating
  • Use the correct unit format (metric or imperial)
  • For complex calculations, break them into smaller steps
  • Bookmark this page for quick future access
📊 Understanding Your Results

Our Math Calculator provides:

  • Instant calculations - Results appear immediately
  • Accurate formulas - Based on official UK standards
  • Clear explanations - Understand how results are derived
  • 2025/26 updated - Using current rates and regulations
Common Questions

Is this calculator free?

Yes, all our calculators are 100% free to use with no registration required.

Are the results accurate?

Our calculators use verified formulas and are regularly updated for accuracy.

Can I use this on mobile?

Yes, all calculators are fully responsive and work on any device.

People Also Ask

Yes, our calculators use verified formulas and are regularly updated with current UK rates and regulations. Results are provided for guidance - always consult professionals for major financial decisions.

Absolutely! All our calculators are fully responsive and work perfectly on smartphones, tablets, and desktops. No app download needed.

We update all calculators with new rates as soon as they're announced - typically at the start of each tax year (April) or when significant changes occur.

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Mustafa Bilgic

Financial Calculator Expert & Developer

UK TaxFinancial Planning10+ years experience

✓ Expert Reviewed — This calculator is reviewed by our team of financial experts and updated regularly with the latest UK tax rates and regulations. Last verified: January 2026.

Last updated: January 2026 | Verified with latest UK rates