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Trying to find the right calculator for your computing needs? The right scientific calculator can provide simplicity and ease when evaluating equations in class, in the office, and more. They come in many makes and models, offering a plethora of special functions. Finding the best calculator for you can be difficult, but we are here to help.
We found the best scientific calculator to be Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro due to its solar with backup battery power, multiple equation display, and great overall quality. Check out our top 10 list to see what else made the cut and learn how to choose the best scientific calculator for you in our buying guide.
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There are many things to consider as you purchase a scientific calculator. We recommend that you understand all of the features and functions to choose the best option for you.
Calculators offer a range of features that may be valuable to you. Read on to get a sense of what you should look for.
Many calculators offer an entry-line scrolling feature that allows you to view earlier calculations. On most calculators, using this function is quite simple. All you have to do is use the arrow keys to scroll up on the main calculating page.
The entry line scrolling feature is very helpful during multistep math problems. You can go back through each step and review what you did. Going back and checking the calculator history can be a crucial step in understanding math equations and concepts, especially if you want to check errors you made.
A two-line display is a simple yet very useful feature that many scientific calculators offer. Seeing the inputted equation and the solution adds simplicity and ease to your math process. Without a two-line display, it can be difficult to see mistakes entered into an equation.
Since you can easily view both the equation and answer, it's easier to find any possible discrepancies. To check if the calculator you would like to purchase includes this feature, look for a few different things. It may specifically advertise a two-line or four-line display, or it will offer a "multiview" display.
Certain calculators provide advanced display options called MathPrint or natural textbook. In a natural textbook display, equations, scientific notations, symbols, and fractions appear in textbook format. This makes it easier to understand and check equations.
This feature comes in handy when typing complicated equations. Without a natural textbook display, it can be easy to get the wrong answer and not even know it. Knowing if the equation is typed correctly can save you a lot of time and frustration.
Transporting a calculator in your backpack can cause a number of problems, including scratched screens and sticky keys.
To help prevent damage, consider purchasing a calculator that comes with a hard cover. Hard covers add durability to your calculator, helping it last longer and work correctly. Many calculators offer a cover with your purchase; just look for words such as cover, hard cover, or sliding cover in its features.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both solar- and battery-powered calculators. Calculators with a battery can be reliable when you don't have the light to power a solar panel-operated calculator. But, solar-powered calculators can help you save money and time as you don't have to buy new batteries or charge the calculator.
A fully battery-powered calculator is simple to identify as the only thing you have to look for is the lack of a solar panel. A fully solar-powered calculator can be more difficult to recognize. When the solar panel is blocked from light, the display will begin to fade, and there will be a noticeable lag when pushing buttons.
A solar-powered calculator with a backup battery is the most reliable option because it can work with any amount of light and doesn't require you to plug it in to charge. Instead, charging occurs when the calculator is sitting in the light.
Your calculator needs may differ from others, as specific classes and equations will require different functions from your calculator. You can usually find what functions a calculator offers or the classes the calculator is recommended for in the product description.
Algebra classes may require calculators that can handle linear equations, inequalities, and exponential equations, while being able to solve standard deviation problems is going to be important for a statistics class. Having derivative and integral function capabilities is essential for calculus, too.
Some classes may require your scientific calculator to include graphing capabilities or programmability. For other classes, it may be required that your calculator include neither of those features. Just be sure to understand all the functions your calculator will need before making a purchase.
Strong scientific calculators can also be found online, either via a browser, smartphone app, or desktop app. Speedcrunch is a free keyboard-based scientific calculator that's precise, fast, and easy to use.
Desmos is primarily known for its graphing calculator capabilities, but it also offers a scientific calculator. It is also free, offering advanced features for your calculating needs.
Online scientific calculators, while convenient for homework, might be unavailable during classes or tests. Many teachers require handheld calculators for use in class and during tests, as they don't want you looking up answers or getting distracted doing other things.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro | $18.97 Mid | User-Friendly Calculator With Many Functions | ||
2 | Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE | $118.99 High | Rechargeable Calculator With a Colored Screen and Great Battery Life | ||
3 | Casio fx-300ES Plus | $12.99 Low Mid | Simple Scientific Calculator With Many Useful Functions | ||
4 | Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS | $11.97 Low Mid | Solar-Powered Advanced Scientific Calculator | ||
5 | Sharp EL-W535TGBBL | $15.18 Mid | Great Calculator For Middle School Students | ||
6 | Casio fx-115ES Plus 2 | $15.99 Mid | Simple Scientific Calculator With a Sleek Design | ||
7 | Hewlett Packard HP 35S | $55.00 High Mid | Programmable Scientific Calculator | ||
8 | Catiga CS-229 | $34.99 High Mid | No-Frills Graphing and Scientific Calculator With a Large Display | ||
9 | Helect 2-Line Engineering Scientific Calculator | $9.97 Low Mid | Scientific Calculator | ||
10 | Catiga CS-183 | $11.04 Low Mid | Durable and Simple Scientific Calculator |
This calculator's four-line display allows you to view multiple problems at once. It shows each equation just like it would show up in your textbook. It also makes English to metric conversions easy and comes with a case to protect it in your backpack.
A couple of reviewers said some buttons were hard to read with their shiny silver finish. However, many reviewers said it's the best option for classes that don't allow programmable or graphing calculators. They also reported that it's easy to use and offers tons of functions.
This scientific calculator has colored graphing capabilities and a full-color backlit display. Equations can be typed in just how they are shown in a textbook, too. This option comes with a charger for the rechargeable battery and a hard cover for protection.
A few reviewers on Amazon felt that they received used calculators instead of new ones, so we've included a link to Walmart as well. Otherwise, a large number of reviewers liked the sleek design and color screen. They also said it performs calculations well, and they appreciated the impressive battery life.
This calculator allows you to view an equation and solution at the same time. It also has a display that lets you enter problems as you see them in a textbook. Plus, you can easily simplify fractions and roots with this calculator.
A few reviewers said this calculator can be slightly tricky to use for certain math problems. However, others share that it just takes a bit of practice if you're used to other brands.
Overall, a lot of reviewers said that this calculator has all the most important functions without being too complicated. They also reported that it's reliable, and they liked that it comes in bright blue and pink!
This scientific calculator has statistics and advanced scientific functions. The display allows you to see your equation and answer simultaneously. It also allows you to scroll back and review previous entries, which is great for reviewing problems. It comes with a hard case to keep the calculator safe, too.
Some reviewers mentioned that the screen could be difficult to read at certain angles, and the buttons may not register if not pressed straight on. However, many reviewers said this calculator offers a lot of functions for a small device and holds up well to constant use.
This scientific calculator easily converts fractions to decimals and vise versa. The display allows you to view your problem and solution simultaneously as well as in a textbook format. The calculator offers over 400 functions and comes with a hard case, too.
A few reviewers mentioned that some keys are difficult to read. But many other reviewers liked that it's easy to enter fractions and input long formulas. Overall, they said it was a great calculator for their kids in school.
This calculator offers over 280 functions, including a table function, complex number calculations, standard deviation, matrix, and vector calculations. The display shows equations as you would see them in a textbook and allows you to see both your equation and solution at the same time.
Some reviewers found that the calculator lacked contrast since both the keys and calculator are white. They also found the keys a bit small. Many reviewers liked the clean, sleek design, however. They mentioned that this calculator isn't overly complicated and quite pleasant to use.
This programmable scientific calculator comes with over 100 built-in functions. It has a display that allows you to see both the equation and answer. This calculator allows users to choose between a reverse polish notation or an algebraic entry system.
Reviewers mentioned that some button pushes were not registering properly. But, many other reviewers said it's solidly built and loaded with features. They enjoyed the nostalgic feel as it reminded them of their old HP calculators.
This calculator offers over 280 functions, including graphing, fractions, statistics, standard deviation, permutations, and more. It also has a large display to make viewing graphs easier. It also comes in pink and navy.
Some reviewers say this calculator feels cheap and has a bit of a learning curve. However, other reviewers say that it works well as a basic calculator and recommended it for middle and high school math classes.
This calculator comes with a scratch-resistant display and hard cover. It has a two-line display for a view of both your equation and answer. The calculator offers both scientific and engineering notation modes, too. It comes in black, white, and orange.
Reviewers said that it feels a bit cheap, and some said theirs broke quickly. Overall, however, reviewers said it offers many of the same functions as more expensive options. They also said that it's great for basic math and is easy to use.
This calculator has hard plastic buttons for durability as well as a sliding cover. It offers over 200 functions, including percentages, trigonometry, summation, and permutations. The display allows for viewing of the problem along with the solution, too.
Some reviewers said that this calculator is confusing to use. However, other viewers said they liked the simple design, saying it's great for kids. They also noted that it's a solid replacement for more expensive options.
Calculators aren't the only useful tool needed for a productive workspace. Here are some more helpful desk additions!
No. 1: Texas Instruments|TI-36X Pro
No. 2: Texas Instruments|TI-84 Plus CE
No. 3: Casio|fx-300ES Plus
No. 4: Texas Instruments|TI-30X IIS
No. 5: Sharp|EL-W535TGBBL
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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