Read the value together with its caption and units. When an error appears, correct its cause before repeating the calculation. The examples distinguish clearing a failed operation from clearing temporary inputs or changing saved preferences.
Cannot divide by zero
A divisor or fraction denominator is zero.
1. Clear the message
Press C once to discard the failed calculation. Stored inputs stay. A second C clears temporary inputs.
- Press Clear entry.C
2. Correct and retry
Re-enter using a nonzero divisor. Check the bottom number too when entering a fraction.
Missing or invalid entry
Check the required values and calculation sequence.
1. Clear the message
Press C once to discard the failed calculation. Stored inputs stay. A second C clears temporary inputs.
- Press Clear entry.C
2. Correct and retry
Re-enter the calculation with every operand before =. Geometry functions also need their required inputs.
Invalid value or units
Check the required units, dimensions and permitted values.
1. Clear the message
Press C once to discard the failed calculation. Stored inputs stay. A second C clears temporary inputs.
- Press Clear entry.C
2. Correct and retry
A length cannot be added to an area. Label both operands as lengths here.
Invalid input for this calculation
Check the input range and units; geometry must be possible.
1. Clear the message
Press C once to discard the failed calculation. Stored inputs stay. A second C clears temporary inputs.
- Press Clear entry.C
2. Correct and retry
Trig functions take degree angles or ratios, not length units. A triangle must also be geometrically possible.
Enter exponent digits
Check the exponent digits and entry sequence.
1. Clear the message
Press C once to discard the failed calculation. Stored inputs stay. A second C clears temporary inputs.
- Press Clear entry.C
2. Correct and retry
In this app, an exponent needs digits before =. Re-enter 2 × 10³ without measurement units.
Enter exponent before units
Scientific notation requires a number without length, area or volume units.
1. Clear the message
Press C once to discard the failed calculation. Stored inputs stay. A second C clears temporary inputs.
- Press Clear entry.C
2. Correct and retry
In this app, exponent entry requires a unitless number. Enter its exponent first, then label a completed measurement if needed.
Value out of range
The value exceeds the calculator's supported range.
1. Clear the message
Press C once to discard the failed calculation. Stored inputs stay. A second C clears temporary inputs.
- Press Clear entry.C
2. Correct and retry
With Scientific notation Off, this unitless answer is too large to display. Use a smaller calculation, or enable scientific notation for the large result.
Negative throat radius
The offset dimensions produce a throat radius below zero.
1. Clear the message
Press C once to discard the failed calculation. Stored inputs stay. A second C clears temporary inputs.
- Press Clear entry.C
2. Correct and retry
Check length, offset and height. Enter the corrected height with its unit, then tap Height and =. Length and Offset stay saved.
Assign Height
Press Store height.HeightRecalculate the fitting
Press Equals.=
Enter rise or run
Enter floor-to-floor rise or total horizontal run with length units.
1. Clear the message
Press C once to discard the failed calculation. Stored inputs stay. A second C clears temporary inputs.
- Press Clear entry.C
2. Correct and retry
Set the floor-to-floor Rise or horizontal Run with units. Check your saved riser and tread targets, then press =.
Read the value and its caption
The large value is the current result or entry. The caption names what it represents, such as Diagonal, Throat radius or Riser height.
Units belong to the value
Feet/inch/fraction forms are lengths. Square units are area; cubic units are volume. A degree sign is an angle. DMS gives degrees.minutes.seconds. A plain number may be a ratio, count or arithmetic result; read the caption with it.
Stored and calculated values
Inputs are values you assigned to the setup. Results are calculated from those inputs. A result cycle may also show entered measurements; read the caption to identify the displayed value.
Read every output in a cycle
For modes with several results, press = to advance through the named outputs and return to the beginning. The worked guides list those outputs in order. Starting another function or editing a value can end the cycle.
Modifiers and cautions
2nd puts the second functions on the buttons for your next key press. Parenthesis depth tracks open groups. A stair caution compares calculated values with saved targets; use the actual riser/tread results to assess your layout.
Display rounding
Most displayed fractions and decimals are rounded while arithmetic keeps the underlying value. Stairs round step dimensions before downstream calculations. If your result differs from an example, first compare its shown settings and inputs.
Keep the guide beside your calculation.
These examples are built into Figure. Open Help while you calculate, then return to the same guide and reading position.
See Help in Figure →