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Choose the right mode in Calculator on Mac
Calculator has several different modes that are each useful for different kinds of calculations and conversions.
![A calculator in scientific mode with a menu open and Math Notes selected.](http://222.178.203.72:19005/whst/63/=gdkozZookdzbnl//assets/66EB2D93D8C3BD635E04A0A9/66EB2D97D8C3BD635E04A0AF/en_US/e7ca1812a92210fcb9a2d1c2bcce6ba1.png)
Go to the Calculator app
on your Mac.
Choose an option from the View menu:
Basic: Perform simple arithmetic operations. See Use the basic calculator.
Scientific: Use memory functions and perform advanced calculations involving fractions, powers, roots, exponents, logarithms, trigonometry, and more. See Use the scientific calculator.
Programmer: Perform binary, octal, decimal, hexadecimal, and bitwise calculations. You can also view the ASCII and Unicode characters represented by the current value. See Use the programmer calculator.
RPN Mode: See Enter expressions using Reverse Polish Notation (RPN).
Convert: Turn on unit conversions to change units or currency in the basic and scientific calculators. See Convert units or currency.
Open Math Notes: Evaluate expressions and assign variables in any Math Notes made on an iPhone or iPad. Choose View > Open Math Notes in the menu bar, or press Command-Option-M. See Solve math in Notes.
Tip: To quickly access other modes in the basic, scientific, or programmer calculator, click .