Calculator with Paper Tape

Updated November 2026 · free, works in your browser

A calculator with a paper tape records every number and operation you enter, together with the running total after each step, just like a printing calculator or an adding machine. Type a number, press +, −, × or ÷, and the line appears on the tape so you can check your work at any time. The calculator also has sin, cos and tan with a degrees or radians switch.

How to use

1. Type a number in the "Number to enter" field. Decimals and negative numbers are accepted.
2. Press an operation button (+, −, × or ÷), or press Enter to add the number. The entry and the new total are printed on the tape.
3. Repeat for every figure you need. The total always shows the latest result.
4. For angles, choose Degrees or Radians, then press sin, cos or tan to apply the function to the current total. The conversion buttons turn the total from degrees to radians or back.
5. Use "Undo last" to remove the latest line, "Clear tape" to start again, "Copy tape" to paste the record into a document, or "Copy link" to share the tape.

How it is calculated

Each line follows the same rule: new total = old total ∘ number, where ∘ is addition, subtraction, multiplication or division. The tape starts at 0, so the first entry becomes the first total. Operations are applied in the order you enter them, as on a basic printing calculator, with no operator precedence.

The trigonometric keys use the current total as the angle. In degrees mode the angle is first converted with radians = degrees × π / 180, because the standard sine, cosine and tangent functions work in radians. The reverse conversion is degrees = radians × 180 / π. The radian is the SI unit for plane angles, defined so that a full turn is 2π radians, or 360 degrees.

Results are rounded to 12 significant digits to remove binary floating-point noise, so 0.1 + 0.2 shows as 0.3, and displayed with up to 8 decimals. Division by zero and undefined tangents, such as tan of 90 degrees, show a message instead of a number.

Common angles

FAQ

What is a calculator with a paper tape?

It is a calculator that prints or lists each entry and result on a strip of paper. This online version keeps the same list on screen, so you can scroll back, check every step and copy the whole record.

Why does it not follow the order of operations?

A printing or adding-machine calculator applies each operation to the running total right away. Entering 2 + 3 × 4 gives 20, because 2 + 3 is 5 and then 5 × 4 is 20. Enter the steps in the order you want them applied.

Should I use degrees or radians?

Use degrees for everyday angles such as 90 for a right angle. Use radians for calculus, physics and most programming languages. If your answer looks wrong, check which unit is selected.

Why does tan of 90 degrees show a message?

Tangent is not defined at 90 degrees or 270 degrees, because cosine is zero there. The calculator reports this instead of showing a huge meaningless number.

Is the tape saved anywhere?

No. Everything stays in your browser and disappears when you close the page. To keep a record, copy the tape or copy the link, which stores the entries in the address itself.

A running tape is also handy when you plan a trip. Listing nightly room rates, taxes, transfers and meals line by line shows how the budget grows with each choice, and it helps you compare accommodation options by destination before you book.