Apple’s Calculator app on iOS may look simple at first glance, but it has several hidden features that can make calculations quicker and more versatile. Here are 8 hidden features you might not know about:
1. Swipe to Delete a Digit
If you make a mistake while entering numbers, you don’t need to clear the entire calculation. Simply swipe left or right on the number display to delete the last digit.
2. Scientific Calculator
Rotate your iPhone to landscape mode (ensure portrait orientation lock is off), and the calculator transforms into a scientific calculator. This adds functions like exponents, logarithms, trigonometry, and more.
3. Copy and Paste
Long-press the number display to reveal options for copying the result. You can paste a value into the calculator by long-pressing the input area.
4. Use Siri for Quick Calculations
If you’re multitasking, you can ask Siri to perform calculations. For example, say, “Hey Siri, what’s 243 times 17?” to get an instant answer.
5. Access Previous Results
Though the app doesn’t have a history feature directly, you can copy a result and paste it into apps like Notes to save your calculations for later.
6. Percent Key
The % key in the calculator isn’t just for converting numbers to percentages. It can also calculate percentages of a number. For example:
- Input:
50 + 10% - Output:
55(as it adds 10% of 50 to 50).
7. Hidden Exponential Functions
In the scientific calculator, long-press some functions (like the ln key) to reveal additional exponential functions or alternate modes like e^x.
8. Quick Access via Control Center
You can add the calculator to the Control Center for instant access. Swipe down (or up, depending on your model) to open Control Center, then tap the calculator icon. You can even 3D Touch or Haptic Touch it to copy your last result directly.
These features make the Calculator app much more versatile than it appears. Next time you use it, try these tricks to streamline your calculations!
The Calculator app on your iPhone can be used for more than simple calculations or figuring out the tip. It also has a scientific version, stores a history of past calculations, and can convert currency. Plus, with iPadOS 18, you can finally use the app on your iPad, draw formulas with an Apple Pencil, and use Math Notes to store equations.
To tap into all of these features, make sure you’re running iOS 18 or higher on your iPhone and iPadOS 18 or higher on your iPad by going to Settings > General > Software Update. If there’s an update available, allow the latest version of the OS to install.
Change Values
You don’t have to start from scratch to turn a positive number into a negative one. Simply tap the +/- button after you’ve typed the number, and it will change. The same can be done with percentages. After entering a number, press the % symbol to turn the number into a percentage.
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