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Descartes' Rule of Signs Calculator

Result

Positive-root sign changes2
Negative-root sign changes1
↗ Math

Descartes' Rule of Signs Calculator The Descartes' Rule of Signs Calculator counts the sign changes in a polynomial's coefficients to bound the number of positive and negative real roots. Enter the coefficients from highest degree to constant, comma-separ — free online calculator.

Formula

Method: Count sign changes in the nonzero coefficients of P(x) for possible positive roots and in P(−x) for possible negative roots.
  • Descartes' Rule of Signs Calculator calculates its result from a3, a2, a1, a0. It uses the formula Calculated with the verified ST Calculator runtime.. Change any input to recalculate the result instantly.
  • The main inputs are a3, a2, a1, a0. Enter them in the units and format shown in the calculator.
  • Keep comparable quantities in compatible units whenever the formula combines or compares them.
  • Changing any input above recalculates the result with the same calculation engine used by this page.

Example: Descartes' Rule of Signs

Inputs
  • a3: 1
  • a2: -2
  • a1: -1
  • a0: 2

Using a3 = 1, a2 = -2, a1 = -1, a0 = 2, the calculated result is Positive-root sign changes: 2 | Negative-root sign changes: 1.

Sample result: Calculating…

Frequently asked questions

What does the Descartes' Rule of Signs calculate?

Descartes' Rule of Signs Calculator The Descartes' Rule of Signs Calculator counts the sign changes in a polynomial's coefficients to bound the number of positive and negative real roots. Enter the coefficients from highest degree to constant, comma-separ — free online calculator.

Which values should I enter?

Enter a3, a2, a1, a0 using the units and format shown beside each field.

What formula does this calculator use?

The calculator uses the following relationship: Method: Count sign changes in the nonzero coefficients of P(x) for possible positive roots and in P(−x) for possible negative roots..

Why might my result differ from another source?

Results can differ when another source uses different units, rounding rules, conventions or assumptions. Compare the inputs and definitions before comparing results.

Does the result update automatically?

Yes. Changing an input updates the result using the same calculation engine shown on this page.

Page information

Updated: October 7, 2026