1. A computer-implemented method for calculating a logarithm to a specified precision for a specified real value, the method comprising performing operations on one or computer processors, comprising: determining an integer magnitude for the specified real value; shifting the specified real value by the determined integer magnitude; storing the shifted specified real value in a character array in a memory device, wherein each element of the character array is a digit of the real value; determining, by operation of one or more processing units, an interim result based on the shifted specified real value; determining a precision value based on the shifted specified real value; until a count of leading nine values in the precision value exceeds the specified precision, repeatedly: determining a next multiplier, determining a logarithm of the next multiplier; subtracting the determined logarithm of the next multiplier from the interim result, and multiplying the precision value by the next multiplier; and reporting the value of the interim result as the logarithm of the specified real value.