
HP 30S
HP 30S
HP 30SHP 30S
Scientific Calculator
Scientific Calculator
Scientific CalculatorScientific Calculator
Basic operation
Basic operation
Basic operationBasic operation
On and Off O turns the calculator on; $ [OFF] turns it  
off. 
The calculator automatically turns off if no key is pressed for 9 
minutes. Press O to reactivate the calculator. The display, 
memory, and settings are retained. 
Display The display comprises the entry line, the result line, 
and indicators.
Entry Line You can enter up to 80 characters. Your entry 
scrolls to the left—and the 
enter 11 or more characters.
By default, the calculator is in overwrite mode. In overwrite 
mode the cursor is the underscore character (_) and any digit 
you enter appears at the cursor’s position. If there is a digit 
below the cursor, that digit is replaced by your new entry. 
You can also set the calculator to insert mode. In insert mode 
the cursor appears as ´    and any digit you enter is inserted to 
the left of the cursor. To activate insert mode, place the cursor 
where you want to insert a character and press $[ 
deactivate insert mode, press an arrow key or $[
Press p or / to move the cursor through an entry. To go 
directly to the first character, press $/. To go directly to the 
last character, press $p. To delete a digit, press e(or, in 
overwrite mode, just type over the digit).
Negative Numbers To enter a negative number, press 
F before entering the digits. 
Result Line The result of a calculation is displayed on the 
result line (the bottom line of the display). Up to 10 digits can be 
displayed, as well as a negative sign, decimal point, the × 
indicator, and a positive or negative exponent. Calculation 
accuracy is up to 24 decimal places.
Indicators These are displayed to indicate certain 
selections, states, or settings (see table below).
Indicator Meaning
nd
2
MODE Mode selection is active.
STAT Statistics mode is active.
ENG Numbers are displayed in engineering notation.
SCI Numbers are displayed in scientific notation.
DEG, RAD, 
or 
GRAD
FIX Number of decimal places displayed is fixed.
HYP Hyperbolic trig function will be calculated.
L
SOLV Linear equation solver is active.
SOLV Quadratic equation solver is active.
Q
 ± ° 
 ²³
M A number is stored in running memory.
–
K A constant expression can be defined or used.
×10
' 
Order of Entry You enter numbers and operators in the 
same order as you write them in traditional arithmetic.
nd
 Functions  Functions represented by the labels on the 
2
faceplate are selected by first pressing $ and then the key 
below the label. For example, to select the % function, press 
$-. (In this guide, labels are enclosed in square brackets. 
For example, an instruction to select the % function is indicated 
by $[%].)
Menus Many functions and settings are available on menus. 
A menu is a list of options displayed across the entry line. For 
example, pressing $[ 
choosing the number display. 
Choose an item from a menu by pressing p or / until the 
item is underlined, and then press \.
To cancel a menu without choosing an item, press U.
Modes There are four modes (or operating environments):
n 0. Home (the default mode, used for common calculations) 
n 1. Statistics ( 
n 2. Linear equation solver ( 
n 3. Quadratic equation solver (
Press ! to display the Modes menu. To select a mode, press 
the number of the mode. Alternatively, press p or / until the 
mode you want is underlined and then press \. 
Contrast To change the display contrast, press ! and  
then n or o as many times as is necessary. Press U to 
close the Modes menu.
Order of Operations
Order of Operations
Order of OperationsOrder of Operations
1st Expressions inside parentheses.
2nd Conversion of coordinate notation.
3rd Functions that are entered before their argument 
4th Functions that are entered after their argument (such 
5th Roots ( ) and exponentiation (^).
6th Fractions.
7th
8th +/–
9th Implied multiplication preceding functions that are 
10th Combinations (nCr) and permutations (nPr).
11th Multiplication, other implied multiplication, and 
12th Addition and subtraction.
13th All other conversions.
2nd set of function keys is active (see below).
Angle setting is degrees, radians, or gradians 
respectively.
There are digits to the left or right of the display.
There are earlier or later results that can be 
displayed.
Result is negative, or the entry line is full.
Result is displayed in scientific or engineering 
notation. Exponent is displayed above indicator.
Thousands separator (for numbers >= 1000).
(such as LN, cos).
2
).
as x
x
π, random numbers, and physical constants.
entered before their argument.
division.
± indicator is displayed—when you 
INS]. To 
INS] again.
10 
SCI/ENG] displays the menu for 
STAT)
L SOLV)
Q SOLV).
System Memory
System Memory
System MemorySystem Memory
Previous Entries The HP 30S keeps a record of all the 
entries you make (up to a maximum of 320 characters). These 
entries are retained even if you turn off the calculator.
Press n or o to scroll through the entries. You can reuse or 
edit a previous entry when it is on the entry line.
Last answer The last answer is stored automatically in 
memory. It is kept even if you turn the calculator off. 
To retrieve the last answer, press $[ 
entry line. Press \ to see the value of the last answer.
You can also use the last answer in a new calculation by first 
pressing an operator key (+, -, etc). Ans appears on the 
entry line followed by the operator. You then complete the entry 
as you would normally.
Linear Solutions The results of solving a set of linear 
equations are stored in the variables X and Y.
Quadratic Solutions The results of solving a quadratic 
equation are stored in the variables X
User Memory
User Memory
User MemoryUser Memory
Memory variables There are five memory variables: A, B, 
C, D, and EQN. You can store real numbers in variables A–D, 
and store an expression in EQN.
You can also store real numbers in X, Y, X 
however, the values in these variables are replaced with linear 
equation and quadratic solutions.
You store a number or expression in a variable by entering it, 
pressing ?, selecting the variable from the Variables menu, 
and pressing \.
Constant expression [K] A constant expression is any 
combination of operators, functions, variables, and numbers 
that can be added to the end of an entry and be evaluated. A 
constant expression is useful if you want to apply the same 
operation many times to different inputs.
To define (or modify) the constant expression, press $[ 
enter the operators, functions, and numbers that you need, and 
press \.
To use the constant expression, the K indicator needs to be 
displayed. (If it is not displayed, press $ [ 
will now attach the constant expression to your input and 
evaluate the result. For example, if your constant expression is 
“+ sin(30)”, entering 2 and pressing \ yields 2.5, that is, 
2 + sin(30).
To return to normal operation, press $[ 
expression is retained for later use.
Running memory Press # to add a result to running  
memory. Press ; to subtract the value on the result line from 
running memory. To recall the value in running memory, press 
:. To clear running memory, press : twice.
Recalling and Reusing Variables
Recalling and Reusing Variables
Recalling and Reusing VariablesRecalling and Reusing Variables
You can recall, and reuse, the variables A, B, C, D, EQN, X, Y, 
, X2, Y1, and Y2, or the values in these variables.
X
1
n To recall the value of a variable, press $ [
until the variable is underlined.
n To recall the variable, press < and p until the variable is 
underlined.
To copy the variable or value to the entry line, press \.
Expressions
Expressions
ExpressionsExpressions
You can create an expression using the variables A, B, C, D, X, 
, X2, Y, Y1, and Y2—for example, 3A2 + 4B—and store that 
X
1
expression in the variable EQN.
You store an expression in the same way that you store a value, 
but always store it in the variable named EQN.
To evaluate a stored expression, press </ \\. You 
are prompted to specify a value for each variable in the 
expression. Enter a value and press \.The expression is 
evaluated and the answer displayed on the result line.
Clearing Data and Settings
Clearing Data and Settings
Clearing Data and SettingsClearing Data and Settings
U n Clears the entry line.
$[CL-VAR] Clears all memory variables 
$[
CL-EQN] Clears the contents of EQN.
!1/\  Clears statistics data.
RESET] p\ Returns calculator to its default 
$[
Notation
Notation
NotationNotation
Decimal Places Press $[ 
Places menu. Press p until the number of decimal places you 
want to see displayed is underlined, and then press \. (The 
default setting is F: floating point notation.)
To round a number to the number of decimal places you have 
fixed, press $[ 
evaluates to a number), and press \.
Number Display Press $[ 
Number Display menu. The items on this menu are FLO (for 
floating point), SCI (for scientific), and ENG (for engineering). 
Press p until the type of display you want is underlined, and 
then press \.
You can also enter a number in mantissa-and-exponent format 
(that is, as a number and a power of 10). Enter the number, 
press E, enter the power of 10, and press \. 
Angle Settings
Angle Settings
Angle SettingsAngle Settings
Changing the Default Setting Angle units can be 
degrees, radians, or grads. The initial default setting is degrees. 
To change this to another setting, press X, select the unit you 
want, and press \. The angle setting becomes the new 
default and remains until you change it again.
RND], enter the number (or expression that 
ANS]. Ans appears on the 
 and X2, or Y1 and Y2.
1
, X2, Y1, and Y2; 
1
K], 
K].) Pressing \ 
K] again. The constant 
RCL] and p 
n Clears an error message. 
n Clears a menu.
except EQN.
settings. Clears variables, EQN, 
pending operations, running 
memory, constant expression, 
statistical data, and Ans. 
FIX] to display the Decimal 
SCI/ENG] to display the 
One-Off Change To override the default angle setting:
1. Enter the value.
2. Press $[
3. Select the unit you want.
4. Press \. 
The units you can select are degrees(º), minutes ('), seconds 
(''), radians (r), grads (g), and degrees–minutes–seconds 
(¶DM S) .
Angle Conversions 
1. Change the default angle setting to what you want to 
convert to.
2. Enter the value of the unit to convert.
3. Press $[
4. Choose the units you are converting from.
5. Press \ twice.
Rectangular and Polar Arithmetic
Rectangular and Polar Arithmetic
Rectangular and Polar ArithmeticRectangular and Polar Arithmetic
To find the polar attributes (r or  
or vice versa, press $[H] and select an option. You can 
find r or 
Trigonometry
Trigonometry
TrigonometryTrigonometry
The HP 30S provides standard trigonometric functions—S, 
Z, b—inverse trigonometric functions—$[ 
$[ 
together with S, Z, b, $[ 
$[
Fractions
Fractions
FractionsFractions
n To enter a fraction, enter the numerator, press V, and 
enter the denominator.
n To enter a mixed fraction, enter the integer part, press V, 
enter the numerator, press V, and enter the denominator.
n To convert between a decimal and fractional result, or vice 
versa, press $[ _] and \.
n To convert a mixed fraction to an improper fraction, or vice 
versa, press $[^ ] and \.
Probability
Probability
ProbabilityProbability
Pressing P displays the Probability menu, with the following 
functions:
nPr Calculates the number of possible permutations 
nCr Calculates the number of possible combinations 
! Calculates the factorial of a specified positive 
RANDM Creates a random real number between 0 and 1.
RANDMI Creates a random integer between (and possibly 
Statistics
Statistics
StatisticsStatistics
Press !1 to display the Statistics menu. The menu 
options are 1-VAR (for analyzing data in a single dataset), 
2-VAR (for analyzing paired data from two datasets) and  
CLR-DATA (for clearing all datasets).
To e n ter da ta for statistical analysis:
1. From the Statistics menu, choose 1-VAR or 2-VAR.
2. Press *.
3. Enter an x-value and press o.
4. Enter the frequency of the x-value (in 1-VAR mode) or the 
corresponding y-value (in 2-VAR mode) and press o.
5. To enter more data, repeat from step 3.
Data is retained until you overwrite it or clear it. You clear data 
by selecting 
To analyze data you have entered:
1. Press J. A range of statistical variables (see table below) 
is displayed on the Statistical Results menu. The first 
variable (n) is underlined and its value is on the result line.
2. Press p to scroll through the Statistical Results menu 
(skipping any error messages that appear). The value of 
each variable is displayed on the result line.
3. To use a value in a calculation, press \ when the value is 
displayed. The variable is copied to the entry line.
4. In 2-VAR mode, to predict a value for x (or y) given a value 
for y (or x), select the x' (or y') variable, press \, enter 
the given value, and press \ again.
Varia ble Me an ing
n Number of x values or x–y pairs entered.
 or  Mean of the x values or y values.
x y
Sx or Sy Sample standard deviation. 
¸x or ¸y Population standard deviation.
x∑y
∑
xy
∑
a Linear regression y-intercept.
b Linear regression slope.
r Correlation coefficient.
x' Predicted x value given a, b, and a y value.
y' Predicted y value given a, b, and an x value.
To view or change data: 
1. Press *.
2. Press o to scroll through the data you have entered.
3. To change an entry, display it and enter the new data. The 
new data you enter overwrites the old entry. Press o or 
\ to save the change.
To exit the statistics application, press ! and choose  
another option.
Linear System Solver
Linear System Solver
Linear System SolverLinear System Solver
To solve a set of linear equations:
1. Press ! 2.
2. Enter the first equation (pressing $ [@] and $ []]  
to enter x and y respectively). 
The equation can be entered as ax +by =c or y =mx +b.
3. Press $ [,] to separate the two equations.
4. Enter the second equation (as ax +by =c or y =mx +b).
5. Press \.
DMS].
DMS].
θ) of a rectangular system (x, y) 
θ by specifying x and y, or x or y by specifying r and θ. 
–1
–1
COS
], $[TAN–1]—and hyperbolic functions—$ [HYP] 
–1
TAN
].
of n items taken r at a time.
of n items taken r at a time.
integer n, where n <= 69.
including one of) two specified integers.
CLR-DATA from the Statistics menu.
or Sum of all x values or y values.
∑
2
2
x
or  Sum of all x2 values or y2 values.
∑
y
Sum of (x × y) for all x–y pairs.
SIN
–1
SIN
], $[COS–1], and 
], 
The Solutions menu appears with the x-value displayed on the 
result line. Press p to see the corresponding y-value. These 
solutions are stored in the variables X and Y. You can use these 
variables in further calculations.
You can also select a previous equation to reuse or edit. Press 
Un until that equation is on the entry line.
Quadratic Equation Solver
Quadratic Equation Solver
Quadratic Equation SolverQuadratic Equation Solver
To solve a quadratic equation with real solutions:
1. Press ! 3.
2. Enter the equation. Express it in the form ax 
You can solve a quadratic equation in x or in y. If you are 
entering an equation in x, press $ [@] to enter x;  
otherwise press $ []] to enter y. In both cases, press 
v to enter the second-order exponent.
3. Press \.
The Solutions menu appears with the first root (X 
displayed on the result line. Press p to see the second root (X 
or Y2). These roots are stored in the variables X1 and X2, or Y1 
. You can use these variables in further calculations.
and Y
2
You can also select a previous equation to reuse or edit. Press 
Un until that equation is on the entry line.
Physical Constants
Physical Constants
Physical ConstantsPhysical Constants
You can use a number of common physical constants in your 
calculations. To insert a constant at the cursor position:
1. Press c to display the Physical Constants menu.
2. Press p until the constant you want is underlined (see 
table below).
3. Press \.
c speed of light 299792458m.s
g acceleration of gravity 9.80665m.s
G gravitational constant 6.673 × 10
Vmmolar volume of ideal gas 22.413996 × 10–3m3mol
NAAvogadro’s number 6.02214199 × 1023mol
e elementary charge 1.602176462 × 10
electron mass 9.10938188 × 10
m
e
mpproton mass 1.67262158 × 10
neutron mass 1.67492716 × 10
m
n
R molar gas constant 8.314472 J.mol–1K
h Plank’s constant 6.62606876 × 10
k Boltzmann’s constant 1.3806503 × 10
Source: National Institute of Standards and Technology, http://physics.nist.gov
Unit Conversion
Unit Conversion
Unit ConversionUnit Conversion
1. Enter the value of the measurement you want to convert.
2. Press h.
3. Press o to scroll to the appropriate units menu. (There are 
menus covering distances, area, mass, volume, capacity, 
temperature, energy, and pressure.)
4. Press p until the units you are converting from are 
underlined; then press \.
5. Press p until the units you are converting to are 
underlined.
Error Messages
Error Messages
Error MessagesError Messages
DIVIDE BY 0 Attempt to divide by zero.
DOM Input is outside allowable limits.
OVERFLOW Result is outside the calculator’s display limits.
STAT Statistics key pressed but not in statistics mode.
SYN Syntax error.
ARG Inappropriate argument.
SAVE Cannot store variable or EQN in current mode.
FREQ DOMAIN Frequency is not 0 or a positive integer.
MULTI SOLS There is more than one solution.
NO SOLUTION There is no solution.
NO REAL SOL There is no real solution.
EQU LENGTH Input plus constant expression is greater than 
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
TroubleshootingTroubleshooting
If the calculator will not turn on, press #ctogether. If the 
calculator still doesn’t turn on, replace the batteries.
If the calculator is on but you get unexpected results, press 
RESET] p\. If problems persist, run the self-test.
$[ 
Self-test Press $ [
e. When the Test menu appears, press 1 and then press  
\ three times. If error messages are displayed during the 
test, the calculator needs a service. Press X\\ to 
cancel the test.
Replacing batteries Push down on the battery 
compartment cover and slide it off. Replace the two button-cell 
batteries with new batteries. Use LR44 silver oxide batteries. 
(Equivalent batteries are G13 and 357.) Do not use  
rechargeable batteries.
If problems persist after you have replaced the batteries, the 
calculator needs a service. For service information, refer to the 
warranty statement enclosed with this product.
Faceplates
Faceplates
FaceplatesFaceplates
To install a faceplate, insert the top locating lugs into the holes 
provided beneath the ! and O keys, and press down.
To remove a faceplate, press on the snap visible through the 
opening on the bottom edge of the calculator.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer
DisclaimerDisclaimer
This manual and any examples contained herein are provided 
as-is and are subject to change without notice. Except to the 
extent prohibited by law, Hewlett-Packard Company makes no 
express or implied warranty of any kind with regard to this guide 
and specifically disclaims the implied warranties and conditions 
of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose and 
Hewlett-Packard Company shall not be liable for any errors or 
for incidental or consequential damage in connection with the 
furnishing, performance or use of this manual and the examples 
herein.
© Copyright 1999-2000 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. 
Part Number F1900-90001 English 
Printed in China Revision 1.1
80 characters.
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