The iOS Calculator app is not as simple as it seems.
At first glance, the default iOS Calculator app looks very simple. But there are a few tricks to the Calculator app.
The Calculator app is one of the most basic default apps available on the iPhone. However, the app that infamously never found its way to the iPad isn’t the only interesting thing to know about it. As with most apps directly from Apple, there are many hidden utilities in the Calculator app.
When you open the app, you’ll be greeted with a basic numeric keypad as well as the most basic calculator functions available. Hidden behind this minimal interface are a number of options that make the Calculator app much more than basic.
Deleting minor errors
Touchscreens can be amazing input devices, but touchscreens can also allow you to make the tiniest of input mistakes. In the Calculator app, you may be tempted to simply press the “C” button after you make a mistake and start typing a number over.
Deleting a digit does not mean you have to delete the whole number.
However, you have another option. If you happen to make a minor mistake while entering a number, you can simply swipe left or right over the number to delete the last digit. No matter which direction you cross, it will do the same thing. You just need to swipe on or above the number.
Access to a scientific calculator
Perhaps one of the most famous iOS calculator tricks is accessing the scientific calculator functions in the app. It’s as easy as flipping your phone to landscape while in the app.
The Scientific Calculator view can be useful for many functions.
In addition to accessing buttons for pi, exponents, and more, going into the landscape version of the Calculator app will also let you enter more digits. While in portrait mode, the iOS calculator will only allow you to enter nine digits. When in landscape, the app will allow you to enter sixteen digits.
Copying and pasting
Often the calculation you’re doing is just one part of something you’re working on. In such cases, it may be convenient to copy the results or paste the number into the calculator. Fortunately, both functions are possible.
Copying numbers from your calculator can be a lifesaver for longer strings of digits.
By simply holding your finger on the calculated result or where it would be, you can copy the current number or paste a new number. When you copy the result, you don’t even need to enter the Calculator application itself.
In the app library or on the home screen, you can simply long press the Calculator app. The resulting menu will allow you to copy the last result from your calculator. It copies everything displayed in your Calculator app, so if the last thing you did was type 5, the function will simply copy that 5.
Change your accessibility settings
If you need or want some changes to the appearance of the Calculator application, such changes can be made by changing the accessibility settings of the application. Changing the settings simply requires you to set a per-app settings profile for Calculator in the accessibility settings.
Changing accessibility settings can give your calculator a radically different look.
- Open it settings application
- choose Accessibility.
- choose Settings per application.
- choose Add application.
- choose Calculator.
- choose Calculator once more.
When you enter the Per-App Settings menu for Calculator, you’ll be able to visually modify the app with settings like bold text or increased contrast. Additionally, you’ll be able to make any accessibility changes you want in the Calculator app.
With these quick tweaks and commands in your arsenal, Calculator can become a much more useful utility on your iPhone.