Getting Started: Desmos Graphing Calculator

Welcome! The Desmos Graphing Calculator allows you to plot points, graph curves, evaluate functions, and much more.

Watch the video for an introduction to the calculator, or read on to learn more.

When you visit the Graphing Calculator, you'll find the expression list and graph paper.

In the expression list, you can enter coordinates, expressions, equations, and more. For example, \((1,3)\) will graph a point, \(y=-2x+4\) a line, and \(y=x^2+1\) a parabola.

Click the Color icon in an expression line to toggle that expression on and off.

When you graph an expression or equation, you will notice points of interest in gray on your graph.

For example, the graph of \(f(x)=-2x+4\) shows two points of interest for the \(x-\) and \(y-\)intercepts. Adding the function \(g(x)=x^2+1\) shows the points of intersection of the two curves.

To see the points of interest, select the curve on the graph or on its expression line. Hover over the points of interest to reveal the labeled coordinates of the point. Select a point to display the label, which will remain on the screen until you deselect the point.

Click a point of interest and then Export Point to Expression List to add it to a new expression line.

You can also highlight the coordinate to copy and paste using keyboard shortcuts.

Audio trace is an accessibility feature that allows you to explore a single equation or an entire system of equations through sound. When focused in an expression, press Alt+T to activate audio trace mode, and type H to hear the graph.

Many commands are available both from the computer keyboard or via the on-screen keypad, including choices to adjust the graph’s volume and playback speed and move between points, points of interest, and curves. Audio trace can also describe the point, curve, and axes you’re investigating. Learn more about setting up a screen reader on our Accessibility page.

Listen to the video to hear \(f(x)=-2x+4\) audio traced from left to right. Notice how an overtone plays when moving from negative to positive \(x\)-values (the independent variable) and static occurs when moving from positive to negative \(y\)-values (the dependent variable). The pops occur when \(f(x)\) intersects with \(g(x)=x^2+1\). Open the graph to listen to \(g(x)\).

One way to evaluate a function is to use function notation. Continuing with the earlier example, you can evaluate the function \(f(x)=-2x+4\) by substituting in different values such as \(f(0)\) or \(f(5)\) in another line.

To see multiple values at once, you can create a function table. Press Edit List and then Create Table to plot a table of input and output values that match your function.

By default, a function table plots points for the input \((x)\) values from \(-2\) to \(2\). Press Return to add a row and enter more values in the \(x\)-column to evaluate in your function. You can also delete any of the input values and choose others.

To move around the graph, you click and drag the graph paper to pan. Click Zoom In and Zoom Out to adjust how much of your graph you can see.

To set the viewing window to a specific domain and range, click Graph Settings and then enter a lower and upper bound for the \(x\)- and \(y\)-axes. If you want to return to the original view, press Default Viewport .

To save your graph, press Save. If you’re not logged in, the calculator will prompt you to log in or create an account before saving.

To access your saved graphs, click Open File . You can also share a link or export an image of your graph by clicking Share Graph .