1. Type it in terms of x
Put your equation in the y1 box, using ^ for powers: x^2-4. Multiplication can be implicit, so 2x and x(x-2) both work. If the box turns red, the message underneath says what the calculator could not read.
Graphing calculator
Online graphing calculator
Type a function and see it immediately. Plot up to six curves, drag to pan, pinch or scroll to zoom, tap a curve to read a point, then share the link or export the picture.
Tap a curve to read a point · drag to pan · scroll or pinch to zoom
Getting started
How to graph a function
2. Get the window right
A blank-looking graph almost always means the curve is off screen. Use Fit y to frame it automatically, Reset view to return to −10…10, or type exact bounds in the window boxes.
3. Read the answer
Tap the curve to pin a point, or open Show table for a column of values. For exact zeros, minimums and intersections, use the CALC tools in the TI-84 simulator.
Function syntax
| Type of function | Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Polynomials | x^2-4x+3 | Use ^ for powers; 2x means 2·x. |
| Trigonometry | sin(x), 2cos(x) | Radians by default; switch to degrees in the sidebar. |
| Roots | sqrt(16-x^2) | Only the real part is drawn, so the curve stops where it is undefined. |
| Rational functions | 1/(x-2) | The gap at an asymptote is left open rather than joined up. |
| Exponentials & logs | e^(x), ln(x) | log(x) is base 10, as on the calculator. |
| Absolute value | abs(x-3) | Gives the usual V shape, with its corner at x = 3. |
Troubleshooting
When the graph looks wrong
The curve is missing
Check the window first. A parabola like x^2-40 sits entirely below a standard window — press Fit y. Also check for a typo: an invalid function is simply not drawn, and the input box turns red.
The trig wave looks flat or wild
That is the degrees-versus-radians trap. sin(x) in degrees needs a window hundreds of units wide before a wave appears; in radians −6.3…6.3 shows a full cycle. Use the Trig waves preset to see the difference.
A vertical line appears
At an asymptote such as 1/(x-2) the plotter breaks the curve rather than joining the two branches. If you still see a near-vertical segment, zoom in — genuine steep sections stay steep.
Questions about the grapher
How do I zoom and pan?
Drag the graph to pan. Scroll the mouse wheel or pinch with two fingers to zoom around the pointer. 'Reset view' returns to the standard -10 to 10 window, and you can type exact window values in the sidebar.
What syntax does it accept?
Ordinary algebra in terms of x: x^2-4, 3*x (or 3x), sqrt(x), abs(x), sin(x), cos(x), tan(x), ln(x), log(x) and e^(x). Implicit multiplication like 2x or x(x-2) works, and ² is accepted as well as ^2.
Can I work in degrees?
Yes. Switch the angle mode to Degrees in the sidebar and trigonometric functions will treat x as degrees, so sin(30) is 0.5.
How do I read a specific point?
Tap or click the curve. The coordinates appear under the graph, and 'Show table' lists values across the current window so you can read several at once.
Can I share a graph with someone?
Press 'Copy link'. The link stores your functions and the current window, so a classmate or teacher opens exactly the same picture. 'Export PNG' saves an image for homework or slides.
How is this different from the TI-84 simulator?
This plotter is bigger and faster for looking at curves. The TI-84 simulator reproduces the handheld's keys and menus, including TRACE and the CALC tools for zeros, minimums and intersections, which is what you need when practising for class.