Like most people, I’ve been using search engines to do math for some time now. It’s just ridiculously easy for basic calculations or unit and currency conversions, especially because I’m almost always using a web browser when I’m on my PC. However, I recently opened the Calculator app on Windows 11 and discovered that it can do a lot more than just simple calculations. The app can perform unit conversions, currency conversions, and even calculate the difference between any two dates. Since Calculator is far more lightweight than the web browser (and doesn’t come with any distractions besides typing 80085), you should try all these features out and see if it might be a better option—you might be surprised by what you find.
Use a scientific calculator on your PC
Credit: Pranay Parab
First and foremost, if you need an advanced calculator, you can still use the Windows calculator app. Open the app and click the three-lines button in the top-left corner of the Calculator window. This reveals all the app’s hidden features. Here, select any of the following modes for more detailed calculations:
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Scientific
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Graphing
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Programmer
The programmer’s calculator is made for computer scientists and programmers, while the graphing calculator can plot graphs and solve equations. For most people, the scientific calculator will be the most useful, since it can perform basic arithmetic along with more advanced functions such as trigonometry.
Use your calculator app for unit conversions
Credit: Pranay Parab
Once again, click the three-lines menu in the top-left corner of the Windows 11 Calculator app’s window and you’ll be able to see all of its unit conversion features. The following are listed under the Converter section:
These features are self-explanatory: I use them a lot to understand imperial units. As someone who’s used to the metric system, there’s no way I’d be able to manage if I had to use mental math for imperial unit conversions. Even if you don’t need unit conversions, the currency converter is a godsend in today’s globalized economy.
See the difference between any two dates
Credit: Pranay Parab
The Windows 11 calculator has an interesting mode called Date calculation. You can use this to calculate the difference between any two dates. This is great if you have to know for sure if a certain number of days has passed or not. For example, I need to pay some bills every 28 days and renew a couple of certifications every 180 days. This date calculation allows me to quickly check when the next payment or renewal is coming up. Find this under the three-lines menu in the app’s top left corner.
