C PROGRAMMING PROGRAM • SWITCH & MENU PROGRAMS

Build a Calculator Using switch

Learn how to build a calculator using switch using a clear C program.

BeginnerswitchArithmeticMenu selection

PROBLEM UNDERSTANDING

Input and expected output

Sample input
18 + 6
Sample output
Result = 24.00

COMPLETE C PROGRAM

Complete C implementation

switch-calculator.c
Open in compiler
#include <stdio.h>

int main(void)
{
    double first, second, result;
    char operator;

    printf("Enter an expression (example: 18 + 6): ");
    scanf("%lf %c %lf", &first, &operator, &second);
    switch (operator) {
        case '+': result = first + second; break;
        case '-': result = first - second; break;
        case '*': result = first * second; break;
        case '/':
            if (second == 0) { printf("Division by zero is not allowed.\n"); return 0; }
            result = first / second;
            break;
        default: printf("Invalid operator.\n"); return 0;
    }
    printf("Result = %.2f\n", result);
    return 0;
}

GUIDED CODE TOUR • NOT LIVE EXECUTION

Study the program line by line

Use the real compiler button above to run and debug with different inputs.

CURRENT STEP

Select Start to walk through the important lines.

SELECTED LINE

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EXPECTED OUTPUT FOR THE SAMPLE

Result = 24.00
0%Step 0 of 0

PROGRAM EXPLANATION

Algorithm and explanation

  1. Read the required input values.
  2. Use the entered operator as the switch expression and execute the matching arithmetic case.
  3. Display the computed result.

Use the entered operator as the switch expression and execute the matching arithmetic case.

EFFICIENCY

Time and space complexity

Time complexity

O(1)

Auxiliary space

O(1)

DEBUGGING CHECKLIST

Common mistakes

Check this

Use the correct format specifier for every variable.

Check this

Initialize variables before using their values.

Check this

Check braces, semicolons and input order carefully.

Try it yourself

Practice: Run the program with the sample input, predict its output, and then test one boundary case of your own.