Graphing Calculator

Plot multiple functions, zoom, pan, and explore coordinates directly on the graph.

FUNCTIONS

Symbols & functions

+Addition
-Subtraction / negative values
*Multiplication
/Division
^Power / exponent
( )Grouping and function inputs
sqrt(x)Square root
abs(x)Absolute value
sin(x)Sine
cos(x)Cosine
tan(x)Tangent
exp(x)e raised to x
log(x)Base-10 logarithm
ln(x)Natural logarithm
piπ constant
eEuler’s number
Examples: x^2, sin(x), sqrt(abs(x)), 2*x+3, log(x).
Enter explicit functions of x. You may also type expressions beginning with y=.
x: —   y: —
Enter a function and click Plot functions. Drag the graph to pan; use the mouse wheel or zoom buttons to zoom.
This calculator graphs explicit functions of x (for example, y = x²). Extremely steep or discontinuous functions may appear broken near asymptotes, which is expected.

How to use the graphing calculator

Type up to three functions of x into the boxes, such as x^2, sin(x), or 2*x+3, and press Plot functions. Each function is drawn in its own color. You can also type expressions that start with y=.

To explore the graph:

  • Drag the graph to move around (pan).
  • Use the mouse wheel or the Zoom + / Zoom − buttons to zoom in and out.
  • Move your pointer over the graph to see the x and y coordinates at that spot.
  • Press Reset view to go back to the starting window.

Supported symbols and functions

  • + − * / for the four basic operations. Use * for multiplication: write 2*x, not 2x.
  • ^ for powers, such as x^3
  • ( ) for grouping, such as (x+1)^2
  • sqrt(x) square root, abs(x) absolute value
  • sin(x), cos(x), tan(x) – trigonometric functions, using radians
  • exp(x) e raised to the power x, log(x) base-10 logarithm, ln(x) natural logarithm
  • pi and e for the constants π and Euler’s number

Things to try

  • Compare growth: plot x^2, x^3, and exp(x) together to see how quickly each one grows.
  • Shift a graph: plot x^2, then (x-3)^2, then x^2+2. You’ll see that changes inside the parentheses move the graph left or right, while changes outside move it up or down.
  • Find where two lines meet: plot 2*x+3 and -x+9. They cross at the point (2, 7), which is the solution of the equation 2x + 3 = -x + 9.
  • Waves: plot sin(x) and 2*sin(x) to see how a number in front changes the height of a wave, and sin(2*x) to see how it changes the width.

Reading what you see

Graphs show the shape of a relationship, which is often easier to understand than a table of numbers. A straight line means a steady rate of change. A curve that bends upward means the rate itself is increasing. Points where a graph crosses the x-axis are the roots of the function, the values of x where it equals zero.

Functions like tan(x) or 1/x have asymptotes, places where the value shoots off toward infinity. Near those spots the graph may look broken or show a near-vertical line. That’s expected and not an error.

Common questions

Why doesn’t 2x work?

The calculator needs an explicit multiplication sign. Type 2*x instead.

Can I graph circles or equations like x = y^2?

This tool graphs functions of x, where each x has one y value. A circle can be drawn as two halves: sqrt(9-x^2) and -sqrt(9-x^2).

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