Order of Operations Calculator
Evaluate math expressions using the correct order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS). Enter an expression and see the step-by-step result.
Supports: + - * / ^ ( ) and numbers
Enter an expression to evaluate.
Order of Operations (PEMDAS)
Parentheses → Exponents → Multiplication & Division → Addition & Subtraction
Mathematical expressions are evaluated following a strict order of operations to ensure a consistent result. The standard order is:
- Parentheses (Brackets) — evaluate inner expressions first
- Exponents (Powers and roots)
- Multiplication and Division — left to right
- Addition and Subtraction — left to right
Example: 2 + 3 × (4 − 1)²
Step 1: Parentheses → (4 − 1) = 3
Step 2: Exponents → 3² = 9
Step 3: Multiplication → 3 × 9 = 27
Step 4: Addition → 2 + 27 = 29
Step 1: Parentheses → (4 − 1) = 3
Step 2: Exponents → 3² = 9
Step 3: Multiplication → 3 × 9 = 27
Step 4: Addition → 2 + 27 = 29
BODMAS vs PEMDAS
Both acronyms describe the same rules:
- PEMDAS — Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction
- BODMAS — Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction
Multiplication and division share the same precedence (evaluate left to right), as do addition and subtraction.
FAQ
Does multiplication always come before division?
No. Multiplication and division have equal precedence and are evaluated left to right. For example, 6 ÷ 2 × 3 = 9 (not 1).
How do nested parentheses work?
Evaluate the innermost parentheses first, then work outward. For example, 2 × (3 + (4 × 2)) → 2 × (3 + 8) → 2 × 11 = 22.
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Last updated: 2026-08-08