How to use the graph mode in Calculator on Windows 10
The Calculator app on Windows 10 has been updated the past few years with some new features, including an option to pin the app to the top of the desktop. A new feature introduced in the May 2004 update adds neat graph mode to the app that can map equations and functions alike.
If you’ve installed the May 2004 update, you probably already have it. If not, the app may need to be updated from the Microsoft Store.
Graphing mode in Calculator
To access the graphing mode in Calculator;
- Open the Calculator app.
- Click the hamburger (three lines) button at the top left.
- From the panel that opens, select Graphing.
Using graphing mode
To use the graphing mode after enabling it;
- Click and drag the corner of the Calculator app so that the window is wider and you can see the input panel.
- Click inside the ‘Enter a function’ field, and enter either a function or an equation to map.
- For variables, you have the option to enter values where the equation lets you e.g. (a+b)^2 = a^2+2ab+b^2.
- The graph will be charted automatically. You can zoom in and out.
- To share the graph, click the share button on it, and you will be able to share it as a PNG file via the Mail app.
Equation Analysis tool
The Graphing tab doesn’t just map an equation or function. It also has an analysis tool though it may not be available for all types of equations. To use the analysis tool.
- Add an equation to graph in the Calculator tool.
- Click the equation that you’ve mapped, and click the little lightning icon next to it.
- You will see a detailed analysis of the equation you entered.
Other features
You can customize the color of the line used to graph an equation. Select the equation in the panel on the right, and click the colors icon. Select one of the preset colors for the line.
To change the thickness of the graph line, click the setting icon on the graph (it has a line graph with a cogwheel on it), and select the thickness and enter the minimum and maximum limits for the X-axis and Y-axis.
Conclusion
Microsoft has made the graphs that are plotted in Calculator shareable. It may not be the most advanced graphing tool, and it certainly isn’t going to replace a more powerful statistical analysis app but for basic graphs, having an easy way to map and share them as images is awesome.
