Order of Operations Calculator
Evaluate any math expression using PEMDAS / BODMAS rules with full step-by-step breakdown. Supports parentheses, exponents, and all basic operations.
What is PEMDAS?
PEMDAS stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division (left to right), Addition/Subtraction (left to right). In the UK and other countries this is called BODMAS (Brackets, Orders, Division/Multiplication, Addition/Subtraction). Both describe the same order of mathematical operations.
Why Does Order Matter?
Without a standard order, 2 + 3 × 4 could equal either 20 (if you add first) or 14 (if you multiply first). PEMDAS standardizes this: multiply before adding, so the answer is 2 + 12 = 14.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is multiplication always done before division in PEMDAS?
No. Multiplication and division have equal priority and are performed left to right. For example, 8 ÷ 4 × 2 = 2 × 2 = 4 (not 8 ÷ 8 = 1).
What is 8 ÷ 2(2+2) using PEMDAS?
The answer is 16. Step 1 (parentheses): 2+2=4. Step 2 (left to right): 8÷2=4, then 4×4=16.
What is the first step in solving any math expression?
Always evaluate expressions inside parentheses (brackets) first, working from innermost outward, before applying any other operations.