Derivative Calculator
Derivative Calculator
Numerical derivative via central difference
What is the Derivative Calculator?
Derivative Calculator calculate numerical derivative of a function at a point. It is part of Home of Calculators's Math Calculators suite for mathematical calculations, equations, formulas. The calculator is designed for students, engineers, scientists, but anyone can use it. No signup, no ads, no tracking. Just accurate math, computed locally in your browser using a BigNumber-precision math engine.
The derivative measures the instantaneous rate of change of a function at a point. Numerically, it is approximated using the central difference formula: f'(x) ≈ (f(x+h) − f(x−h)) / (2h) for small h.
f(x)Function to differentiatexPoint of evaluationhStep size (small)How to use the Derivative Calculator
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Choose a step size
Select a small value for h (e.g., 0.001) for the numerical approximation.
- 2
Evaluate the function
Compute f(x+h) and f(x−h) at the points around x.
- 3
Apply central difference
Calculate (f(x+h) − f(x−h)) / (2h) to approximate the derivative.
Quick tips
- All calculations run locally in your browser; your data never leaves your device.
- For best results on mobile, rotate to landscape when entering many values.
- Bookmark this page to come back to your calculation anytime.
- Need a different calculator? Try our visual builder to create your own.
Why Home of Calculators
- 100% private (calculations run in your browser)
- 128-bit BigNumber precision (no rounding errors)
- Works on any device: phone, tablet, desktop
- Free forever (no signup, no ads, no upsells)
Frequently asked questions
Is the Derivative accurate?
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Yes. Home of Calculators uses a BigNumber-precision math engine (64-128 decimal digits) to ensure calculations are accurate. We run 96+ automated tests covering unit conversion, financial formulas, health formulas, and more. For critical decisions (financial, medical, legal), we still recommend consulting a qualified professional.
Is the Derivative Calculator free?
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Yes. Every calculator on Home of Calculators is 100% free, with no signup, no ads, and no hidden fees. The entire platform is free forever.
Do you store the values I enter?
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No. All calculations happen in your browser. We never see, store, or transmit your inputs to any server. Your data stays on your device.
Can I use the Derivative on my phone?
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Yes. Home of Calculators is fully responsive and works on any device (phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop). The interface adapts to your screen size.
Can I embed this calculator on my own website?
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Yes. Click the "Share" button to get an iframe embed code. The embedded calculator will look like any other Home of Calculators widget. You can also build a fully customized version using our visual builder.
Can I build my own custom calculator?
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Absolutely. Home of Calculators's visual builder lets you add fields, write formulas, choose a theme, and brand the result with your own logo, all without writing code.