Order of Operations Calculator (PEMDAS) with Steps

Use this free order of operations (PEMDAS) calculator to check an arithmetic expression and follow its reduction steps. It accepts parentheses, powers, decimals and fractions entered with a division sign. Try the calculation by hand first, then compare the first step where your work differs.

Calculate and compare the steps

Open the calculator in full screen → for more room to review a long expression.

What to type

Use + - * / ^ or + − × ÷, with ordinary parentheses ( ). For example, type 3+4*2^2. The superscript ² also works. Include a multiplication sign: write 2*(3+4), rather than 2(3+4). Letters, roots and equations with an equals sign are outside this tool’s scope.

For fractions: type 1/2. Group a whole numerator or denominator: (2+3)/(7-5) means 5 divided by 2, or 2.5. To add one half and one third, type 1/2+1/3. Results use floating-point arithmetic and decimal approximations; this is not an exact-fraction simplifier.

For negative bases: (-2)^2 is 4, while -2^2 is −4 because the power is evaluated before the leading minus. Type 2^(-3) for a negative exponent. Group chained powers explicitly if you want a particular interpretation: (2^3)^2 is 64, while 2^(3^2) is 512.

Worked examples to check

What PEMDAS means

1. Parentheses: simplify inside grouped expressions, starting with the innermost group.
2. Exponents: evaluate powers.
3. Multiplication and division: work from left to right.
4. Addition and subtraction: work from left to right.

The same grouping and priority rules appear in OpenStax’s introduction to the language of algebra.

Keep practicing without the calculator

Read our order of operations lesson and its existing free worksheet. Work a few problems on paper, then use this calculator to check your results. For related review, the Pre-Algebra Online Center connects number skills with the next algebra topics.