Calculator input methods

There are various ways in which calculators interpret keystrokes. These can be categorized into two main types:

  • On a single-step or immediate-execution calculator, the user presses a key for each operation, calculating all the intermediate results, before the final value is shown.[1][2][3]
  • On an expression or formula calculator, one types in an expression and then presses a key, such as "=" or "Enter", to evaluate the expression.[4][5][6] There are various systems for typing in an expression, as described below.
  1. ^ Microsoft's Windows Operating System Calculator Accessory; 2001. Available on a Windows PC at: Start/All Programs/Accessories/Calculator.
  2. ^ MotionNET Calculator page on the Internet Archived 2009-05-01 at the Wayback Machine; 2006.
  3. ^ Flow Simulation Ltd Virtual Calc98 page on the Internet; 2008.
  4. ^ Formula Calculators Pty Ltd [Home page on the Internet]; 2009.
  5. ^ Moisey Oysgelt JavaScript Formula Calculator page on the Internet; 2000.
  6. ^ Haxial Software Pty Ltd Calculator Product page on the Internet Archived 2009-04-28 at the Wayback Machine; 2001