vmbo havo vwo
Online calculator
Quick answer
Order: parentheses first, then powers, then × and ÷ left to right, then + and −. 12 + 8 × 2 = 28, not 40.
Basic is only + − × ÷. Standard adds parentheses and powers. Sin, log and graphs live on other pages.
Calculator
Type or tap an expression. A Dutch decimal comma or a point both work. Under the answer you see the intermediate steps in the order they were done.
What is an online calculator?
This is the general expression tool for Dutch secondary school — vmbo (more practical track), havo (middle) and vwo (university-preparatory): add, subtract, multiply and divide, with visible steps. In standard mode you may use parentheses and powers, such as 2(3+4) or 2^3. The expression is parsed, then evaluated step by step — not via eval.
| Step | Operation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Parentheses | (3 + 4) first |
| 2 | Powers (standard) | 2^3 = 8 |
| 3 | × and ÷, left to right | 8 × 2 = 16 |
| 4 | + and −, left to right | 12 + 16 = 28 |
A common English mnemonic is PEMDAS: parentheses, exponents, multiplication and division, addition and subtraction. M and D share a level; A and S share a level. Work each level left to right.
Do not use this page for sin, cos, tan, √, log or π — that is the scientific calculator. For a graph of f(x): graphing calculator. For quotient and remainder of whole numbers: division with remainder. Percentages of an amount: percentage calculator.
Examples by level
The tabs reuse the Dutch track names above. The order of operations stays the same; only the expressions get denser.
12 + 8 × 2. What is the value?
- Order× comes before +
- Multiply8 × 2 = 16
- Add12 + 16 = 28
If you add 12 + 8 first you get 40. That is the usual trap with mixed expressions.
2(3+4) in standard mode.
- Parentheses3 + 4 = 7
- Implied multiply2 × 7
- Answer14
A number next to a parenthesis means multiply. That is allowed in standard mode, not in basic. Same result as 2 × (3 + 4).
2^3^2. How does this calculator read it?
- AssociationPowers stack right to left: 2^(3^2)
- Inner power3^2 = 9
- Outer power2^9 = 512
(2^3)^2 would be 64. Write parentheses if that is the reading you want.
Common mistakes
Wrong
12 + 8 × 2 left to right as 20 × 2 = 40
Right
× and ÷ before + and −: 12 + 16 = 28
Wrong
24 ÷ 4 × 2 as 24 ÷ 8 = 3 (× before ÷)
Right
× and ÷ share a level: left to right, 6 × 2 = 12
Wrong
Division by 0, for example 5 ÷ 0
Right
Division by 0 is not defined. The tool reports an error.
Wrong
Typing sin(30) or √9 here and expecting it to work
Right
Open the scientific calculator for those functions.
Practice
vmbo Calculate 15 − 3 × 4.
3
First 3 × 4 = 12, then 15 − 12 = 3.
havo Calculate 0,5 × 4 in the calculator.
2
Comma or point is fine: 0,5 and 0.5 are the same input.
havo Calculate 24 ÷ 4 × 2.
12
Left to right: 24 ÷ 4 = 6, then 6 × 2 = 12.
vwo What is 2^3^2 according to this tool?
512
Powers associate to the right: 2^(3^2) = 2^9 = 512.
In class
On vmbo, havo and vwo the same order of operations applies. This page is an expression tool with steps, not a list of allowed exam aids. What may go into the Dutch central exam is on Examenblad.nl and in which calculator may go to the exam.
Learning path
- Related: Scientific calculator · Division with remainder
Frequently asked questions
How does an online calculator work?
Type or tap an expression. Parentheses first, then powers, then × and ÷ left to right, then + and −. 12 + 8 × 2 is 28, not 40.
Do comma and point both work?
Yes. 0,5 and 0.5 are the same. Dutch school work usually writes a comma; the tool accepts both.
What is the difference between basic and standard mode?
Basic is only + − × ÷. Standard adds parentheses and powers, for example 2(3+4) or 2^3.
How is this different from a scientific calculator?
Here only arithmetic operations. Sin, cos, tan, √, log, ln and π belong on the scientific calculator. Graphs of f(x) on the graphing calculator.
Where are sin, log and graphs?
Sin, log and π: scientific calculator. Plot f(x): graphing calculator. Quotient and remainder: division with remainder.
Related tools
Scientific calculator
Sin, cos, tan, √, log, ln and π — degrees or radians.
Graphing calculator
Plot f(x) in a window, with a table of points.
Division with remainder
Integer division: quotient and remainder, plus a check.
Percentage calculator
Share, change and BTW (Dutch VAT) — a separate tool, not this keypad.