Conversions

The conversion commands will simply convert from one unit to another. As an example, I frequently use RPNCalc to convert from inches to millimeters or back.

I've included the ones I use the most, but I'm happy to include others if you'd find something else useful.

Fractional Display

The RPNCalc stack only contains decimal numbers. Therefore, we can't directly store fractional values on the stack. If a fraction is entered, it is converted to a decimal. There could be a loss of precision when this is done. For example, there is no exact fractional equivalent for PI much like there is no exact decimal equivalent for 1/3. However, the difference is usually so small that it's acceptable.

The frac [base] command takes the item on the top of the stack (line1) and displays the approximate fractional equivalent. [base] sets the precision of the calculation. If a base is not provided, RPNCalc will use 64 (1/64) as the default.

For example, if you had 1.1234 on the stack, frac would show you 1.1234 is approximately 1 1/8 No base was given so it would have used a base of 64 (which means maximum granularity would be 1/64) and auto reduced the result which is why you get the 1 1/8.

if frac 5 would have been entered (which means 1/5 is maximum granularity), you get 1.1234 is approximately 1 1/5.