Learn how calculators work
Step-by-step guides, formula explanations, and worked examples for construction, finance, health, and conversions. Learn once, calculate confidently forever.
Why learning the formulas matters
When you understand how a calculator works, you can defend your numbers to clients, catch errors before they cost money, and adapt formulas when your scenario doesn’t fit the defaults.
Trust your results
Stop second-guessing calculator outputs. When you know the formula and see worked examples, you can stake your bid or budget on the numbers.
Adapt to edge cases
Real projects don’t always fit standard assumptions. Understanding the math lets you adjust formulas for unusual materials, conditions, or requirements.
Train your team
Use guides and examples to onboard new hires, standardize calculation methods, and reduce errors across your organization.
Guides by profession
Learn the calculations that matter most for your work. Each path includes formula explanations, worked examples, and links to relevant calculators.
For estimators and contractors
Learn how to calculate concrete volume, rebar spacing, material coverage, and load capacity. Each guide shows the formula, unit handling, and job site examples.
- Concrete volume and coverage
- Rebar and steel calculations
- Roofing and siding estimates
- Earthwork and grading
For finance and budgeting
Understand loan payments, interest rates, investment returns, and tax calculations. Guides include worked examples and explain when to consult financial advisors.
- Loan and mortgage payments
- Compound interest and returns
- Budget and savings planning
- Business pricing and margins
For health and fitness
Learn about BMI, BMR, body fat percentage, and training pace calculations. All guides include disclaimers and recommend consulting licensed clinicians.
- Body measurements (BMI, BMR, body fat)
- Nutrition and calorie planning
- Training pace and heart rate zones
- Medical risk scores (with disclaimers)
For unit conversions
Master length, area, volume, speed, temperature, and pressure conversions. Learn how nonlinear conversions work and when to use different unit systems.
- Metric and imperial conversions
- Temperature and wind scales
- Area and volume calculations
- Speed and pace conversions
Essential topics for all users
Master these concepts to get the most out of any calculator.
How to verify calculator results
Check formulas against references, run worked examples, and cross-check with your own spreadsheets to build confidence in any calculator.
Understanding unit systems
Learn when to use metric vs imperial, how to handle composite units (like ft + in), and why temperature conversions work differently from length.
Reading formulas and variables
Decode mathematical notation, understand variable names, and follow step-by-step formula explanations so you know exactly what a calculator does.
Using calculators in teams
Share pre-filled links, copy results with units, embed calculators in company wikis, and standardize on trusted tools across your organization.
Browse guides by category
Each calculator category includes formula explanations, worked examples, and best practices.
Ready to put your knowledge to work?
Browse calculators, see the formulas in action, and get results you can trust.