Karnaugh Map Calculator
Create and solve 2–4 variable Karnaugh maps with SOP simplification.
Table of Contents
How to Use
- Select 2, 3, or 4 variables
- Enter minterms as comma- or space-separated indices
- Optionally enter don't care indices
- Calculate to see the simplified expression and map
Why use Karnaugh maps?
K-maps group adjacent minterms to eliminate variables and produce minimal SOP expressions. Gray code ordering keeps adjacent cells one bit apart, making grouping straightforward.
- 2 variables → 2x2 grid
- 3 variables → 2x4 grid (rows A, columns BC)
- 4 variables → 4x4 grid (rows AB, columns CD)
Simplification tips
- Group 1s (and X's) in powers of two for best minimization
- Use don't cares to form larger groups and remove more variables
- Essential prime implicants cover minterms no other group covers
Frequently Asked Questions
- What format should minterms use?
- Enter indices separated by commas or spaces (e.g., 0,1,2,5). Values must fall within the range allowed by the variable count.
- Does the calculator output SOP or POS?
- It produces a minimized sum-of-products (SOP) expression using prime implicant selection. POS output is not included in this version.
- How are don't cares used?
- Don't cares participate in grouping to create larger implicants but are not required to be covered. They never force a 1 in the final expression.