PEMDAS / BODMAS Calculator
Order of Operations Calculator With Steps
Solve math expressions in the correct order and see each step clearly. Use this calculator to understand parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction.
Best for students who get confused about what to solve first in mixed math expressions.
Example Order
8 + 4 × (6 - 2)
Step 1: Solve inside parentheses first.
6 - 2 = 4
Step 2: Multiply before addition.
4 × 4 = 16
Step 3: Add the remaining number.
8 + 16 = 24
Order of Operations Solver
Enter an expression and see what gets solved first
Type a mixed math expression and this calculator will show the solving order using parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction.
Rule used
Parentheses first, then exponents, then multiplication and division from left to right, then addition and subtraction from left to right.
Step-by-Step Order
Ready to solve
Enter an expression and click “Show Order Steps” to see which operation comes first.
Need a simpler arithmetic calculator? Try the Basic Calculator That Shows Work. For broader math questions, use the Calculator That Shows Work.
Meaning
What is order of operations?
Order of operations is the rule that tells you which part of a math expression to solve first. Without this rule, the same expression can give different answers.
Why the order matters
In an expression like 24 + 36 × 2, multiplication must be solved before addition. That is why the answer is 96, not 120.
The basic rule
Solve parentheses first, then exponents, then multiplication and division, then addition and subtraction. Multiplication/division and addition/subtraction are solved from left to right.
Use a calculator that shows the order
This calculator shows which operation should come first, so you can understand the work instead of only seeing the final answer.
PEMDAS vs BODMAS
PEMDAS and BODMAS mean almost the same thing
PEMDAS and BODMAS are memory shortcuts for order of operations. They use slightly different words, but both help you solve expressions in the correct order.
PEMDAS
Common in the US
P = Parentheses
E = Exponents
MD = Multiplication and Division from left to right
AS = Addition and Subtraction from left to right
BODMAS
Common in India and the UK
B = Brackets
O = Orders
DM = Division and Multiplication from left to right
AS = Addition and Subtraction from left to right
Important rule
Multiplication does not always come before division, and addition does not always come before subtraction. Multiplication and division are solved from left to right. Addition and subtraction are also solved from left to right. For a focused PEMDAS tool, use the PEMDAS Calculator That Shows Work.
Step-by-Step Examples
Order of operations examples with answers
These examples show how expressions are solved when parentheses, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction appear in the same problem.
Example 1
24 + 36 × 2
Step 1: Multiplication comes before addition.
Step 2: 36 × 2 = 72.
Step 3: 24 + 72 = 96.
Answer: 96
Example 2
8 + 4 × (6 - 2)
Step 1: Solve inside parentheses first.
Step 2: 6 - 2 = 4.
Step 3: Multiply before adding: 4 × 4 = 16.
Step 4: 8 + 16 = 24.
Answer: 24
Example 3
100 - 25 × 2 + 10
Step 1: Multiplication comes before subtraction and addition.
Step 2: 25 × 2 = 50.
Step 3: Now solve left to right: 100 - 50 = 50.
Step 4: 50 + 10 = 60.
Answer: 60
Example 4
(18 + 6) ÷ 3
Step 1: Parentheses come first.
Step 2: 18 + 6 = 24.
Step 3: Divide after parentheses: 24 ÷ 3 = 8.
Answer: 8
Want a focused arithmetic calculator? Use the Basic Calculator That Shows Work. For broader math questions, try the Calculator That Shows Work.
Solving Rules
Rules used by this order of operations calculator
This calculator follows the standard order used in PEMDAS and BODMAS. The important point is that multiplication and division are solved from left to right, and addition and subtraction are also solved from left to right.
01
Parentheses first
Any expression inside parentheses or brackets should be solved before the rest of the expression.
02
Exponents next
Powers or orders are solved after parentheses and before multiplication, division, addition, or subtraction.
03
Multiplication and division
Multiplication and division have the same priority, so solve them from left to right.
04
Addition and subtraction
Addition and subtraction have the same priority, so solve them from left to right after multiplication and division.
05
Left to right matters
Do not solve all multiplication before all division blindly. If division comes first from the left, solve division first.
06
Final simplification
After applying the rules, simplify the remaining expression until one final answer is left.
Quick reminder
If you only need simple arithmetic steps, use the Basic Calculator That Shows Work. If your expression is part of a broader equation or word problem, use the Calculator That Shows Work.
Order of Operations FAQs
Questions about order of operations calculator with steps
Here are simple answers about PEMDAS, BODMAS, solving order, and how this calculator shows the work.
What is an order of operations calculator with steps?
An order of operations calculator with steps solves a math expression in the correct order and explains what should be solved first. It helps you understand parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction.
What is the correct order of operations?
The correct order is parentheses first, then exponents, then multiplication and division from left to right, and finally addition and subtraction from left to right.
Is PEMDAS the same as BODMAS?
PEMDAS and BODMAS are very similar. PEMDAS uses Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction. BODMAS uses Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction. Both follow the same main idea of solving grouped parts first, then powers, then multiplication/division, then addition/subtraction.
Does multiplication always come before division?
No. Multiplication and division have the same priority. You solve them from left to right based on which one appears first in the expression.
Does addition always come before subtraction?
No. Addition and subtraction have the same priority. After solving parentheses, exponents, multiplication, and division, you solve addition and subtraction from left to right.
Can this calculator help students learn PEMDAS?
Yes. This calculator is useful for students because it shows which operation comes first and explains the solving order step by step. For a focused PEMDAS page, use the PEMDAS Calculator That Shows Work.
When should I use this instead of a basic calculator?
Use this calculator when your expression has mixed operations and you need to know what to solve first. For simple arithmetic only, use the Basic Calculator That Shows Work.
Solve in the Right Order
Stop guessing what comes first in a math expression
Use this order of operations calculator to understand parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction with clear step-by-step work.
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