How to Use the New Calculator 3D Graphing Feature

The Calculator app in iOS 26 gets a major upgrade with the introduction of 3D graphing. This new feature allows you to visualize complex mathematical equations with three variables (like z = f(x, y)) as interactive 3D surface plots, directly on your iPhone.

This powerful tool is incredibly useful for students in advanced math courses, educators, and professionals who need to work with multivariable functions. All the processing happens on your device, so you can generate graphs instantly without needing an internet connection or a separate app.

In this article:

How to Create a 3D Graph in the Calculator App

Generating a 3D graph is handled through the new Math Notes interface within the Calculator. The process is straightforward once you have your equation ready.

Open the Calculator app on your iPhone.
Switch to the Math Notes mode. This interface allows you to type out full equations.
Enter an equation with three variables. It must be in the format of z as a function of x and y. For example, you could type: z = (x^3 + y^3)/2.
After typing the equation, tap the Insert 3D Graph button that appears.
The Calculator will generate and display an interactive 3D plot of your equation.

If the graph doesn’t render correctly, you might need to clear out any conflicting preferences—reset all settings can often resolve such issues.

How to Interact With and Customize Your Graph

Once your graph is generated, you can manipulate it to get a better view or analyze it from different perspectives.

Rotate: Drag your finger across the graph to rotate it and see the surface from any angle.
Zoom: Use a pinching gesture to zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to see the entire plot.
Pan: Use two fingers to drag the graph and move it around within its space.
Customize: You can tap on the graph to access options for recoloring the surface or adjusting the axes. You can also overlay multiple 3D graphs for comparison. Using Your 3D Graph in Other Apps

Your 3D graph isn’t stuck inside the Calculator app. You can easily copy and paste it into other applications for presentations or documents.

To do this, simply tap and hold on the 3D graph until a menu appears, then select Copy. You can then paste it as an image into apps like Notes, Keynote, or Pages.