In mathematics, a closed-form expression is a mathematical expression that uses a finite number of standard operations. It may contain constants, variables, certain well-known operations (e.g., + − × ÷), and functions (e.g., nth root, exponent, logarithm, trigonometric functions, and inverse hyperbolic functions), but usually no limit, or integral.

The set of operations and functions may vary with author and context.

Usually, if a function is allowed for closed form expressions, its derivative can be expressed as a closed-form expression. So, by the chain rule, the derivatives may be removed from closed-form expressions. As the expression of a derivative may be much larger than that of the function, it is only a question of convenience whether derivatives are accepted in closed-form expressions.