Three Calculator Tips for Physics

Let’s be honest: no one has ever properly taught you how to use a calculator. Most people don’t even know how to use all of its functions. In physics class, these powerful tools can feel more like oversized TVs than something built to support your learning. Worse yet, they often aren’t set up correctly for the calculations you’ll encounter.

But don’t worry—with a little effort, you can make your calculator your best friend in physics. Let’s break down three simple tips to help you use it effectively.

Do You Even Need a Calculator?

Before diving into tips, it’s worth asking: do you always need a calculator? Surprisingly, the answer is no. On the AP Physics test, for example, you can earn a top score of 5 on the free-response questions (FRQs) without providing a calculator-based answer—as long as you show all your work, your reasoning is correct, and you follow the College Board’s guidelines.

A calculator should never be a crutch that keeps you from demonstrating your understanding and mastery of physics. Use it wisely and efficiently.

Tip #1: Set Your Calculator to Degree Mode

One of the most common errors in physics is forgetting to check your calculator’s mode. Many physics problems involve trigonometric functions, and if your calculator is set to radians instead of degrees, your answers will be completely wrong.

Here’s how to fix that:

1. Tap [Mode].

2. Scroll down to Degrees and highlight it.

3. Press [Enter].

To double-check, type in sin(30). If the result is 0.5, you’re all set.

Tip #2: Use the “EE” Key for Scientific Notation

Using the caret symbol (^) for scientific notation is a common source of mistakes. Instead, you should use the EE function. Why? The EE key tells the calculator to treat numbers as powers of 10, which eliminates formatting errors.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Press [Shift], then [EE] (the button above the 7 key, usually marked as a comma).

2. Enter your exponent.

For example, to input 3.0 x 10^8, you’d type 3.0 [EE] 8. This method ensures accuracy and reduces the risk of calculation errors.

Tip #3: Minimize the Use of the [Enter] Key

Every time you hit [Enter], you increase the chances of making an error. With modern calculators, you can usually see the entire equation on the screen. Instead of solving equations step by step and pressing [Enter] repeatedly, try typing the whole equation in one go. This minimizes rounding errors and ensures that your calculations are consistent.

For example, instead of calculating parts of F=q1q2/(r^2) separately, enter the complete formula into the calculator and press [Enter] just once. You’ll not only save time but also improve your accuracy.

Conclusion: Practice Makes Better

These three tips—checking your mode, using the EE key, and minimizing [Enter] key presses—can make a huge difference in your physics performance. But like anything in physics, practice is key. Spend time familiarizing yourself with your calculator’s functions; soon enough, these techniques will become second nature.

If you need extra help or have specific questions about using your calculator or solving physics problems, I’m here to help! Contact me at Kevin@doyletutor.com to schedule a tutoring session. Together, we’ll build your confidence and set you up for success in physics.