Skip to content
Math Calculators

Discriminant Calculator

Verified formula Updated Jun 2026 Private — runs on your device

Enter details
Verified formula Private

Discriminant (b² − 4ac)

1.0000

For general information only — not financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Verify before you rely on it.

How to use the Discriminant Calculator

The Discriminant Calculator works out your discriminant (b² − 4ac) in an instant. Enter a, b and c and the result updates as you type — it is free, needs no sign-up, and runs entirely in your browser so your figures stay private.

  1. Enter the a.
  2. Enter the b.
  3. Enter the c.
  4. Read off your discriminant (b² − 4ac) — the calculator updates automatically, with no button to press.

Formula

The Discriminant Calculator uses the formula:

Discriminant (b² − 4ac) = b ^ 2 - 4 × a × c

Worked example

For example, with a of 1, b of 5 and c of 6, the discriminant (b² − 4ac) is 1.0000.

Inputs used
a 1
b 5
c 6
Results
Discriminant (b² − 4ac) 1.0000

Results are estimates for educational use, not professional advice.

Frequently asked questions

For ax² + bx + c, the discriminant is b² − 4ac. For 1, 5, 6 it is 1.

If it is positive there are two real roots, if zero one repeated root, and if negative no real roots.

It reveals the nature of a quadratic's roots without fully solving the equation.

It is the part under the square root in the quadratic formula.

The Discriminant Calculator uses the formula: Discriminant (b² − 4ac) = b ^ 2 - 4 × a × c. For example, with a of 1, b of 5 and c of 6, the discriminant (b² − 4ac) is 1.0000.

Enter the a. Enter the b. Enter the c. Read off your discriminant (b² − 4ac) — the calculator updates automatically, with no button to press.

Related calculators