How to use this calculator

The sign of the discriminant tells whether a quadratic has two real roots, one repeated real root, or two complex-conjugate roots.

The method

Discriminant D = b² − 4ac

Enter your values in the labeled fields and choose Calculate. The result panel shows the answer and supporting values when useful.

WORKED EXAMPLE INPUT

a: 1, b: -5, c: 6

Select Calculate to evaluate these example values.

Scope and limitations

a should be nonzero when interpreting the expression as a quadratic.

Common questions

Can I use different units?

Use consistent units unless this page is a unit converter. The result follows the units implied by the inputs.

Are results exact?

Displayed values may be rounded. Keep extra precision for important follow-up calculations.

Methods & verification

Formulas use standard mathematical definitions and fixed unit factors where applicable. See our methodology for numerical conventions, rounding, privacy, and limitations.