PEMDAS Math Solver
PEMDAS Calculator That Shows Work
Solve math expressions using PEMDAS and see each step clearly. This calculator helps you understand parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction in the correct order.
Best for students who want to learn the PEMDAS rule with step-by-step work instead of guessing which operation comes first.
PEMDAS Example
6 + 3 × (8 - 4)²
P: Solve parentheses first.
8 - 4 = 4
E: Solve exponent next.
4² = 16
MD: Multiply before adding.
3 × 16 = 48
AS: Add the remaining number.
6 + 48 = 54
PEMDAS Step Solver
Enter an expression and solve it using PEMDAS
Type a math expression and this calculator will show how PEMDAS applies step by step: parentheses, exponents, multiplication/division, then addition/subtraction.
PEMDAS rule
Parentheses → Exponents → Multiplication and Division left to right → Addition and Subtraction left to right.
PEMDAS Work
Ready to solve
Enter an expression and click “Show PEMDAS Work” to see the correct solving order.
Need a broader explanation of PEMDAS and BODMAS? Use the Order of Operations Calculator With Steps. For broader math questions, try the Calculator That Shows Work.
PEMDAS Meaning
What does PEMDAS mean?
PEMDAS is a shortcut that helps you remember the correct order for solving math expressions. It tells you what to solve first, second, third, and last.
Parentheses
Solve anything inside parentheses first, such as (8 - 4) or (18 + 6).
Exponents
Solve powers after parentheses, such as 4², 3³, or 2^5.
Multiplication and Division
Multiplication and division have the same priority. Solve them from left to right based on which appears first.
Addition and Subtraction
Addition and subtraction also have the same priority. Solve them from left to right after multiplication and division.
PEMDAS Rules
PEMDAS rules explained step by step
PEMDAS helps you solve an expression in the correct order. The most important rule is that multiplication and division are solved from left to right, and addition and subtraction are also solved from left to right.
01
Solve parentheses first
If the expression has parentheses, solve the part inside them before doing anything else.
02
Solve exponents next
After parentheses, solve powers or exponents such as 4², 3³, or 2^5.
03
Multiply and divide left to right
Multiplication does not always come before division. Solve whichever appears first from the left.
04
Add and subtract left to right
Addition does not always come before subtraction. Solve whichever appears first from the left.
05
Rewrite after each step
After solving one part, rewrite the expression with the new value so the next step becomes clear.
06
Finish with one final answer
Keep simplifying until only one final answer remains. That final value is the result of the expression.
Quick rule to remember
PEMDAS means Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, and Addition/Subtraction. For broader BODMAS and order rules, use the Order of Operations Calculator With Steps.
PEMDAS Examples
PEMDAS examples with step-by-step work
These examples show how PEMDAS works when an expression has parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction together.
Example 1
3 + 4 × 2
Step 1: There are no parentheses or exponents.
Step 2: Multiply before adding: 4 × 2 = 8.
Step 3: Add the remaining number: 3 + 8 = 11.
Answer: 11
Example 2
6 + 3 × (8 - 4)²
P: Solve parentheses first: 8 - 4 = 4.
E: Solve the exponent: 4² = 16.
MD: Multiply: 3 × 16 = 48.
AS: Add: 6 + 48 = 54.
Answer: 54
Example 3
20 ÷ 5 × 2
Step 1: Division and multiplication have the same priority.
Step 2: Solve from left to right: 20 ÷ 5 = 4.
Step 3: Now multiply: 4 × 2 = 8.
Answer: 8
Example 4
30 - 12 + 4
Step 1: Addition and subtraction have the same priority.
Step 2: Solve from left to right: 30 - 12 = 18.
Step 3: Now add: 18 + 4 = 22.
Answer: 22
Need a broader order explanation with BODMAS too? Use the Order of Operations Calculator With Steps. For simple arithmetic, try the Basic Calculator That Shows Work.
Common Mistakes
Common PEMDAS mistakes to avoid
Most PEMDAS mistakes happen when students solve operations in the wrong order or treat multiplication as always more important than division.
Mistake 1
Adding before multiplying
In 3 + 4 × 2, some students add 3 + 4 first. That is wrong because multiplication comes before addition.
Correct: 4 × 2 = 8, then 3 + 8 = 11.
Mistake 2
Multiplication before division every time
Multiplication and division have equal priority. You solve whichever comes first from the left.
Correct: 20 ÷ 5 × 2 = 4 × 2 = 8.
Mistake 3
Addition before subtraction every time
Addition and subtraction also have equal priority. After PEMDAS higher operations are done, solve addition and subtraction from left to right.
Correct: 30 - 12 + 4 = 18 + 4 = 22.
Mistake 4
Ignoring parentheses
Parentheses must be solved first. Skipping them changes the answer and breaks the PEMDAS rule.
Correct: In 8 + 4 × (6 - 2), solve 6 - 2 first.
Best way to avoid PEMDAS mistakes
Rewrite the expression after every step. If the full expression feels confusing, use the PEMDAS calculator above or use the broader Order of Operations Calculator With Steps.
PEMDAS vs Order of Operations
Is PEMDAS the same as order of operations?
PEMDAS is one way to remember the order of operations. Order of operations is the actual math rule. PEMDAS is the shortcut students use to remember that rule.
PEMDAS
A memory shortcut
Helps students remember the solving order.
Stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction.
Commonly used in the United States.
Order of Operations
The actual solving rule
Tells you which part of an expression to solve first.
Also includes BODMAS, BIDMAS, and other regional shortcuts.
Simple difference
Use this PEMDAS calculator when you specifically want PEMDAS-style steps. Use the Order of Operations Calculator With Steps when you want broader PEMDAS and BODMAS explanation.
PEMDAS FAQs
Questions about PEMDAS calculator that shows work
Here are simple answers about PEMDAS, solving order, common mistakes, and how this calculator shows the work step by step.
What is a PEMDAS calculator that shows work?
A PEMDAS calculator that shows work solves math expressions using the PEMDAS rule and explains each step. It shows how parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction are handled in the correct order.
What does PEMDAS stand for?
PEMDAS stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction. It is a shortcut for remembering the correct order of operations.
Does multiplication always come before division in PEMDAS?
No. Multiplication and division have the same priority. You solve them from left to right based on which operation appears first in the expression.
Does addition always come before subtraction in PEMDAS?
No. Addition and subtraction have the same priority. After parentheses, exponents, multiplication, and division are handled, solve addition and subtraction from left to right.
Is PEMDAS the same as order of operations?
PEMDAS is a memory shortcut for the order of operations. Order of operations is the actual math rule, while PEMDAS helps students remember that rule.
Can this calculator help students avoid PEMDAS mistakes?
Yes. This calculator shows the solving order step by step, which helps students avoid common mistakes like adding before multiplying or solving multiplication before division every time.
When should I use the order of operations calculator instead?
Use the Order of Operations Calculator With Steps when you want broader explanation that includes PEMDAS, BODMAS, and general solving order.
Practice PEMDAS With Steps
Solve PEMDAS problems without guessing the order
Use this PEMDAS calculator when you want to see exactly how parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction are handled step by step.
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