How to Access Limited History on the iPhone Calculator? 3 Methods That Work

I’ve often found myself wishing the iPhone’s built-in calculator had a history feature to track my past calculations. 

While it doesn’t offer a full history log, you can still access the last result using the "Copy Last Result" option in the Control Center or through 3D Touch. 

If you need something more advanced, third-party apps like PCalc, The Calculator, and Calcbot 2 offer full history logs to help you track all your calculations.

Let’s take a closer look at the various ways you can make the most of your iPhone calculator and how to manage recent calculations.

How to Access Limited History on the iPhone Calculator

If you need to quickly view or reuse a recent result, you’ll have to rely on some basic tricks that are built right into iOS.

Method 1: Use the "Copy Last Result" Feature

While the iPhone calculator doesn't store a history of all your calculations, it does give you a way to quickly copy your most recent result. This can come in handy when you need to use a result from your last calculation in another app or document.

Here’s how to use this feature:

1. If you’re using an iPhone with Face ID, swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open the Control Center. On older iPhones, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
2. In the Control Center, you’ll see the Calculator icon. Tap and hold it to bring up a menu of options.
3. From the menu, tap "Copy Last Result". This will copy the last calculation to your clipboard.
4. Now you can paste the result into any app that supports text input, such as Notes, Messages, or an email.

This method gives you access to the last result you’ve calculated, but remember, it only applies to your most recent calculation. If you need to track multiple calculations, this option is somewhat limited.

Method 2: Use the Memory Function (Scientific Mode)

The iPhone calculator includes a memory feature that can be useful especially if you need to store a number temporarily during your calculations. 

When you switch to the scientific calculator mode (by rotating your phone to landscape), you gain access to memory buttons that can store and recall numbers. Here's how you can make the most of this feature:

Switch to Scientific Mode:
To access the scientific calculator, simply rotate your iPhone to landscape orientation. This will give you access to more advanced functions such as trigonometric calculations, logarithms, and the memory buttons.

Use the Memory Buttons:
The scientific calculator includes several memory functions:

• M+: Adds the current number to memory.
• M-: Subtracts the current number from memory.
• MR: Recalls the value stored in memory.
• MC: Clears the memory.

This method doesn’t offer a long-term history log, but it’s a useful way to keep track of numbers temporarily while performing multi-step calculations. 

It's particularly handy for when you're solving a series of problems that require referencing previous results.

Method 3: Using 3D Touch or Haptic Touch

For those with an iPhone that supports 3D Touch or Haptic Touch (found on models such as the iPhone 6s and later), there’s an additional shortcut that can make accessing recent calculations a little easier.

1. Locate the Calculator app on your home screen.
2. Perform a 3D Touch or Haptic Touch on the Calculator app icon to bring up a quick menu.
3. From the menu, you can select “Copy Last Result,” which will immediately copy your most recent calculation to the clipboard.

This is a fast and convenient way to grab the last number you’ve worked with, making it especially useful for those who frequently perform quick calculations and need a seamless way to reuse their results.

Top Recommended Third-Party Calculator Apps with a History Option

There are plenty of third-party calculator apps available on the App Store that offer more robust features, including a full history log. 

These apps tend to keep a record of all calculations made, making it easier for you to revisit previous results without having to rely on memory functions or other workarounds.

Here are a few popular third-party calculator apps you can consider:

PCalc

PCalc is a highly versatile scientific calculator that includes a full history log, along with a wide range of advanced functions. It’s perfect for users who need more complex calculations and a reliable history feature.

Calcbot 2

Calcbot 2 is an intelligent calculator that not only features a history log but also includes tools like a tip calculator and unit converter. It’s great for everyday use and offers an intuitive interface.

These apps typically store your calculation history in an easily accessible log, so you don’t have to rely on any of the limited features of the built-in calculator. 

If tracking a series of calculations is important to you, these apps are well worth exploring.

Conclusion

While the iPhone calculator may not have a built-in feature for tracking all your past calculations, there are still a few ways you can manage recent results. 

By using the “Copy Last Result” feature, memory functions in scientific mode, and the 3D Touch option, you can keep track of your calculations in a limited way. 

However, if you need a more advanced solution with a full history log, third-party calculator apps are the way to go. Apps like PCalc, 

The Calculator, and Calcbot 2 offer a history feature and a wide range of functions, making them a great choice for anyone who requires a more robust tool for their calculations.