FE Exam Calculator Simulator & Guide
FE Exam Approved Calculator Simulator
Practice for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam with a calculator that mimics the functionality of NCEES-approved models. Switch between DEG and RAD modes as needed.
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Calculation History
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What is an FE Exam Calculator?
An FE Exam calculator refers to a specific model of calculator that is approved by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) for use during the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. The NCEES maintains a strict policy to ensure fairness and prevent cheating, meaning only certain non-programmable, non-communicating scientific calculators are permitted.
This online calculator you can use on the FE is designed to simulate the functions and feel of these approved models, providing a valuable tool for your exam preparation. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of your calculator is a key part of an effective study strategy. For those preparing, see our detailed FE Exam Study Guide for more tips.
Common FE Calculator Functions and Formulas
Instead of a single formula, an FE exam calculator is a tool to solve thousands of potential engineering formulas. Below is a table explaining the key functions available on this simulator, which mirror those on approved devices.
| Function | Button | Meaning | Unit | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sine | sin | Calculates the trigonometric sine of an angle. | Degrees or Radians | sin(30) in DEG mode |
| Cosine | cos | Calculates the trigonometric cosine of an angle. | Degrees or Radians | cos(Math.PI/3) in RAD mode |
| Logarithm (Base 10) | log | Calculates the base-10 logarithm of a number. | Unitless | log(100) results in 2 |
| Natural Logarithm | ln | Calculates the base-e logarithm of a number. | Unitless | ln(10) |
| Square Root | √ | Finds the non-negative square root of a number. | Unit of input | sqrt(144) results in 12 |
| Power | xy | Raises a number (x) to the power of another (y). | Unitless | 2**5 results in 32 |
Practical Examples for the FE Exam
Here are two examples showing how to use this calculator for typical FE exam-style problems.
Example 1: Civil Engineering – Resultant Force
Find the magnitude of the resultant force from a horizontal force (Fx) of 400 N and a vertical force (Fy) of 300 N. The formula is R = √(Fx² + Fy²).
- Inputs: Fx = 400, Fy = 300
- Units: Newtons (N)
- Keystrokes:
sqrt(400**2 + 300**2) - Result: 500 N
Example 2: Electrical Engineering – Decibel Gain
Calculate the voltage gain in decibels (dB) if the input voltage (V1) is 2V and the output voltage (V2) is 20V. The formula is dB = 20 * log10(V2 / V1).
- Inputs: V1 = 2, V2 = 20
- Units: Volts (V)
- Keystrokes:
20 * log10(20 / 2) - Result: 20 dB
For more practice, check out these free NCEES practice problems.
Visualizing Functions
While you cannot use graphing calculators on the exam, visualizing functions is a key engineering skill. Below is a simple plot of a sine wave, a fundamental waveform in many engineering disciplines, generated with HTML5 Canvas.
How to Use This FE Exam Calculator
Follow these steps to effectively use this online simulator:
- Select Mode: Click the ‘Deg/Rad’ button to switch between Degrees and Radians mode. The current mode is shown in the top-left of the display. This is CRITICAL for trigonometry.
- Enter Expression: Use the number and operator buttons to build your mathematical expression in the display. For functions like ‘sin’ or ‘log’, press the function button, and it will add the function name and an opening parenthesis.
- Close Parentheses: Ensure you close all parentheses for correct order of operations.
- Calculate: Press the ‘=’ button to evaluate the expression. The result will appear in the display.
- Review History: The expression and its result are automatically added to the history table for review.
- Clear: Use ‘DEL’ to delete the last character or ‘C’ to clear the entire current expression.
Mastering your tool is as important as knowing the theory. Practice with this calculator you can use on the FE to build speed and confidence. You might also find our Civil Engineering Calculator suite useful.
Key Factors for Using Your Calculator on the FE Exam
Success with the calculator you can use on the fe is about more than just knowing where the buttons are. Consider these factors:
- Speed and Accuracy: The FE exam is timed. Practice common calculations until they become second nature. This reduces time spent and minimizes errors.
- Mode Awareness (DEG/RAD): Always check if you are in Degrees or Radians mode before any trigonometric calculation. A wrong mode will lead to a wrong answer.
- Order of Operations: Understand how your specific calculator model handles PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction). Use parentheses liberally to enforce the correct order.
- Unit Consistency: The calculator doesn’t know about units. You must ensure all inputs for a formula are in a consistent unit system (e.g., all meters, not a mix of meters and centimeters). Reviewing engineering conversion tables is a good habit.
- Storing Values: Though not implemented in this simple simulator, approved calculators have memory functions (M+, STO, RCL). Learn how to use them to avoid writing down and re-entering long intermediate results.
- Answer Reasonableness: After a calculation, perform a quick “gut check.” Does the answer make sense in the context of the problem? If you calculate the weight of a car to be 0.5 kg, you likely made a unit or entry error.
Frequently Asked Questions
What calculators are allowed on the FE exam?
NCEES provides an official list on their website. As of the last update, popular models include the Casio fx-115ES Plus, Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro, and HP 35s. The list is subject to change, so always check the official NCEES website before your exam date.
Can I use a graphing calculator on the FE exam?
No. Graphing calculators are explicitly banned because they are programmable and can store extensive notes, giving an unfair advantage.
What is the difference between DEG and RAD mode?
DEG (Degrees) mode treats trigonometric function inputs as degrees (where a full circle is 360°). RAD (Radians) mode treats them as radians (where a full circle is 2π radians). Most engineering formulas, especially in dynamics and electrical engineering, use radians.
How do I calculate logarithms on the FE calculator?
Use the ‘log’ button for base-10 logarithm and the ‘ln’ button for the natural logarithm (base e). This is crucial for topics like decibels, pH calculations, and decay problems.
Is this online calculator approved for the real exam?
No. This is a simulator for practice purposes only. You cannot use any online tools during the actual exam. You must bring one of the physical, NCEES-approved calculator models.
Why are programmable calculators banned?
They are banned to ensure a level playing field. Programmable calculators could store formulas, notes, or even entire solved problems, which would violate the spirit of the exam—testing your fundamental knowledge.
What is the best calculator for the FE exam?
The “best” calculator is the one you are most comfortable and fastest with. It’s recommended to buy one of the approved models early in your studies and use it exclusively. The TI-36X Pro is a popular choice for its intuitive display and features. Explore our PE Exam Prep resources for more hardware recommendations.
How does this calculator handle unit conversions?
This calculator, like the real FE exam calculators, does not handle units automatically. It is a pure number cruncher. You are responsible for ensuring your inputs are in the correct and consistent units required by the formula you are using.