How to keep a calculator always on top in Windows 11 and 10

1. Windows Calculator: Keep on top (built in)

1. Open Calculator from the Start menu.
2. Make sure it is in Standard mode (menu at the top left).
3. Click the Keep on top button next to the word Standard, or press Alt+Up.
4. Calculator shrinks to a compact window that stays above everything. Press Alt+Down to return to the full window.

The catch: it only works in Standard mode, so there are no scientific functions on top. The compact window is also simplified: it doesn’t show the history, and resizing it is limited.

2. PowerToys Always On Top (any mode)

Need scientific or programmer mode on top? PowerToys, Microsoft’s free power-user toolkit, can pin any window.

1. Install Microsoft PowerToys from the Microsoft Store and make sure Always On Top is turned on.
2. Open Calculator in any mode and click it.
3. Press Win+Ctrl+T. A colored border shows it’s pinned. The same keys unpin it.

More on this tool in how to keep sticky notes always on top.

3. GeniusUtility: a calculator that docks to the screen edge (free)

GeniusNotes comes with GeniusUtility, a free calculator panel (no premium needed) that floats above every window. Unlike the built-in option, you can park it at the edge of the screen as a small tab and pull it back out when you need it.

1. Install GeniusNotes from the Microsoft Store.
2. Press Alt+Shift+U, or click the calculator button in the GeniusNotes window.
3. Drag the panel to the screen edge to tuck it away as a tab. It keeps its result and history while docked.

• Keeps your last 100 results.
• Ctrl+C copies the result.
• Square root and powers, alongside the four basics.
• Remembers where you left it, even after a restart.

Which one should you use?

Use the built-in Keep on top for a quick sum now and then. Use PowerToys when you need scientific mode on top. Use GeniusUtility if a calculator is open next to your work all day: it docks out of the way and comes back with your history.