Plot a 3D Graph Online
Use the calculator above to graph a surface such as z = f(x,y), a parametric 3D curve such as a helix, or a parametric surface such as a sphere or torus. The presets are designed to reduce typing and help you get a useful graph quickly.
Examples of 3D Equations
| Graph | Equation | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Paraboloid | z = 0.12 * (x^2 + y^2) | A simple bowl-shaped surface. |
| Saddle | z = 0.12 * (x^2 - y^2) | Shows positive and negative curvature. |
| Sine surface | z = sin(x) * cos(y) | Useful for trigonometric surface examples. |
| Helix | x=3*cos(t), y=3*sin(t), z=0.25*t | A common 3D parametric curve. |
3D Graph Presets
Presets help users start plotting without typing long equations. Choose a common surface, curve, or parametric shape, then adjust the formula if needed.
Paraboloid
A bowl-shaped 3D surface for quadratic functions.
Saddle
A hyperbolic paraboloid for positive and negative curvature.
Sine Wave
A trigonometric surface for wave and calculus examples.
Gaussian
A bell-shaped peak for decay and distribution visuals.
Ripple
A radial wave surface centered at the origin.
Helix
A spiral parametric curve using x(t), y(t), and z(t).
Trefoil Knot
A looped 3D parametric curve.
Sphere
A parametric surface made from u and v angles.
Torus
A donut-shaped parametric surface.
Supported 3D Graph Types
Surface graphs
Plot z = f(x,y) for functions of two variables.
Parametric curves
Plot x(t), y(t), and z(t) curves such as helices and knots.
Parametric surfaces
Plot x(u,v), y(u,v), and z(u,v) shapes such as spheres and tori.
Formula Syntax for 3D Plotting
The calculator supports common math notation for quick plotting. It is designed for visual graphing, so keep formulas numeric and use x, y, t, u, and v as variables.
Powers
Use ^, such as x^2 + y^2.
Trig functions
Use sin(x), cos(y), tan(t), asin, acos, and atan.
Roots and logs
Use sqrt(x), exp(x), and log(x).
Constants
Use pi or e in expressions.
3D Graphing Calculator vs Desmos, GeoGebra, and Math3d
Desmos, GeoGebra, and Math3D are strong full-featured math platforms. This page is intentionally lighter: it focuses on fast presets, simple formula editing, a mobile-friendly workflow, and quick PNG export for students, teachers, and documentation.
Limitations
This calculator is for visual plotting, not symbolic algebra. It does not solve equations, simplify expressions, or support every implicit 3D surface. Complex formulas may need a lower resolution or a full math platform.