Frequently Asked Questions
How do you graph a function?
Type the function of x into a row — for example x², sin(x) or 2x + 1 — and it is plotted immediately. To graph a function by hand you would build a table of values and plot the points; this calculator does that for you and joins them into a smooth curve you can pan and zoom.
Can I use sliders for parameters like a and b?
Yes. Type a function such as a·x² + b·x + c, and a slider appears for each letter other than x. Drag a slider and the graph updates instantly, which makes it easy to see how each parameter shapes the curve.
Can I see a table of values?
Yes. Open "Table of values" under the graph and set a from, to and step — the calculator lists x alongside the y value of every function you have entered, so you can read exact coordinates or copy them out.
Is this graphing calculator free?
Yes. It runs entirely in your browser with no sign-up, no app and no limits — plot as many functions as you like.
What functions can I graph?
Polynomials and rational expressions, roots (sqrt, cbrt), exponentials (exp), logarithms (ln, log, log2), the trigonometric and inverse-trig functions, hyperbolic functions, and abs. Use x as the variable.
How do I zoom and pan?
Drag anywhere on the graph to pan, and scroll the mouse wheel — or pinch on a touchscreen — to zoom in and out around the pointer. The + and − buttons zoom about the centre, and Reset restores the default view.
Why does part of my curve disappear?
Where a function is undefined — such as a square root of a negative number, a log of a non-positive number, or a vertical asymptote — the curve breaks instead of drawing a false connecting line.
Is my data sent anywhere?
No. Everything is computed and drawn in your browser with JavaScript; nothing you type is uploaded or stored.
Can I plot 3D graphs (z = f(x, y))?
Yes. Press the 3D button to switch modes, then enter a surface such as z = x² − y² or z = sin(x)·cos(y). Drag to rotate, scroll or pinch to zoom, and use x and y as the two variables — any other letter becomes a slider. Fullscreen gives a closer look.
Can I graph complex functions f(z)?
Yes. Press the f(z) button to switch to the complex plane, then enter a function of z such as z² or 1/z — i is the imaginary unit, and any other letter becomes a slider. The plane is domain-coloured: hue shows the argument of f(z) and brightness its modulus, so zeros appear dark and poles white, and hovering reads off z = a + bi and f(z) = c + di. Only one function is plotted at a time, and angles are always in radians — custom f(x) definitions and the degrees setting do not apply here.
Can I change the grid, axis labels or angle mode?
Yes. Open Graph settings (the gear button on the graph) to switch the grid between Cartesian, polar and off, show or hide the x and y axis labels, choose radians or degrees for the trigonometric functions, and turn on the π grid, which places the x ticks at π/2, π, 3π/2 and so on. High contrast thickens the curves and darkens the grid and labels, and switches on by itself when your system asks for more contrast. Your choices are remembered on this device.
Can I plot polar graphs (r = f(θ))?
Yes. Click the y = label on a row to switch it to r =, or simply use θ in the expression (type theta, or tap θ on the keypad) — for example r = 2 + 2cos(θ) draws a cardioid and r = cos(3θ) a three-petal rose. θ runs from 0 to 12π, so spirals such as r = θ unwind for several turns. Switch the grid to polar in Graph settings to read radii and angles.
Can I define my own functions and reuse them?
Yes. Type a definition such as f(x) = x² + 1 in any row. It is plotted like any other function, and every other row can then use f — for example g(x) = f(x) − 1, f(2x), or f(x) − f(x − 1) to see a difference. Use a single-letter name other than x, y or e; the rows can be in any order, and a function cannot refer to itself.
Does it find roots, intercepts and turning points automatically?
Yes. Each curve's x-intercepts (roots), its y-intercept and its local maxima and minima are marked with small rings in the curve's colour; when there are only a few, their coordinates are written beside them, and hovering near a marker snaps the readout to its exact value and names it. Points where two curves meet get dark dots. Turn the markers off in Graph settings if a busy graph gets crowded.
Can I hear the graph (audio trace)?
Yes. Turn on Audio trace in Graph settings, then move the pointer across the graph: a tone follows the first function, rising in pitch as the curve rises and falling as it falls, over about two octaves across the visible height. It is a quick way to sense the shape of a curve by ear, and it goes silent where the pointer is off the curve.
Can I plot parametric curves x(t), y(t)?
Yes. Type the two coordinates separated by a comma in one row — for example cos(3t), sin(2t) for a Lissajous figure, or t cos(t), t sin(t) for a spiral — and the row becomes parametric, with t running from 0 to 2π by default. Change the range in the small t from … to … fields that appear under the row (π is accepted, such as 4pi). Sliders and your own f(x) definitions work inside parametric rows too.
Can I graph inequalities and shade regions?
Yes. Type an inequality such as y < x² − 1, y ≥ sin(x) or 2x + 1 > y in a row (type <= and >= for ≤ and ≥). The side that satisfies it is shaded in the row's colour — below the curve for <, above for > — with a dashed boundary for a strict inequality and a solid one when it is inclusive. The boundary is still a curve, so its roots, turning points and intersections are marked. Regions are shaded against y only; x < 3 and compound inequalities are not supported yet.