How to Use Graphics Mode in the Windows 10 Calculator

The Calculator application on Windows 10 has been updated in recent years with several new features including the option to embed applications on the top of the desktop. A new feature introduced in the May 2004 update adds a graphical mode to applications that can map equations and functions together.



In addition to its potential impact on the education sector, Microsoft also takes into account user requests received through the company's Feedback Hub application, where "graphing calculators" are one of the most requested features.



If you install the May 2004 Windows 10 update, you might already have it. If not, your Calculator application might need to be updated from the Microsoft Store. As the name suggests, Graphing Mode will allow users to create graphs based on mathematical equations, in a manner similar to MATLAB Plotting Mode (a more advanced way).



This feature was proposed by Microsoft engineer Dave Grochocki, who is also a member of the Windows Calculator team.

How to Enable Graphic Mode in the Windows 10 Calculator

Here's how to access and activate graphics mode in the Windows 10 Calculator:

1. Open the Calculator application.


2. Click the hamburger button (three lines) in the upper left.


3. From the panel that opens, select Graphing.

How to Use Graphics Mode in the Windows 10 Calculator

1. Click and drag the corner of the Calculator application so that the window is wider and you can see the input panel.


2. Click inside the Enter a function field, and enter the function or equation to map.


3. For variables, you have the option to enter values that make it possible to make an equation for example (a + b) ^ 2 = a ^ 2 + 2ab + b ^ 2.


4. The chart will map automatically. You can zoom in and out.


5. To share a graphic, click the share button on it, and you will be able to share it as a PNG file via the Mail application.

Equation Analysis Tool

The Graphing tab doesn't just map equations or functions. It also has analysis tools though it might not be available for all types of equations. Next to use analysis tools.

1. Add the equation to the graph in the Calculator tool.


2. Click the equation you have plotted, and click the small lightning icon next to it.


3. You will see a detailed analysis of the equation you entered.

You can also adjust the colour of the line used to graph the equation. Select the equation in the panel on the right, and click the colour icon. Choose one of the preset colours for the line.

To change the thickness of the line graph, click the settings icon on the chart (having a line graph with gear on it), and select thickness and enter the minimum and maximum limits for the X axis and Y axis.

Microsoft has made the charts plotted in the Calculator shareable. This may not be the most sophisticated graphing tool, and certainly won't replace the more powerful statistical analysis application but for basic graphics, it has an easy way to map and share it because the images are awesome.