dc

Additional Notes

dc is an arbitrary precision calculator that uses reverse Polish notation, where operands come before operators. It is older and lower-level than bc.

Use it for quick stack-based calculations or scripts where RPN is convenient.

Syntax

dc [options] [file]

Parameters

• file: Optional file containing dc commands.
• Standard input: Commands and numbers to evaluate.

Common Commands

• p: Print the top of the stack.
• f: Print the full stack.
• +: Add top two values.
• -: Subtract.
• *: Multiply.
• /: Divide.
• k: Set precision.
• q: Quit.

Examples

echo '2 3 + p' | dc

Add 2 and 3.

echo '10 3 / p' | dc

Divide 10 by 3 with default precision.

echo '4 k 10 3 / p' | dc

Set precision to 4 and divide.

Practical Notes

• Use bc if infix notation is easier for you.
• RPN is concise but unfamiliar to many users.
• dc can do more than basic math, including macros, but scripts can become hard to read.