Written by Maud Powe
Modified & Updated: 11 Sep 2024
Reviewed by Camryn Rabideau
When it comes to finding the best calculator for school or work, it's important to consider factors like durability, functionality, and ease of use. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we'll explore the top 10 best calculators available on the market, from basic models to advanced scientific calculators. Whether you're a high school student gearing up for exams or a professional in need of a reliable tool for complex calculations, there's a calculator on this list that's perfect for you.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Casio Touchscreen with Stylus Graphing Calculator is a powerful tool for math and science students. With an extra large 4.8" touchscreen LCD and over 65000 colors, this calculator boasts a natural textbook display and advanced Computer Algebra System (CAS). Ideal for calculus, linear algebra, statistics, and other advanced courses, it offers a unique user interface and the ability to create custom functions. Some users find it a bit cumbersome and not as user-friendly as other models, but its functionality and ease of use make it a great choice for academic use.
Key Features
- Color graphing Calculator with large 4.8" touchscreen LCD
- Natural textbook display and over 65000 colors
- Advanced Computer algebra system (CAS)
- Touchscreen with tap and drag operation
Specifications
- Color: Gray
- Dimension: 11.14L x 7.21W x 2.13H
- Size: 4.8-inch
Pros
- High-resolution, extra large LCD with over 65000 colors
- Easy to use for calculus, linear algebra, and statistics
- Unique user interface with the ability to create custom functions
Cons
- Cumbersome programming and not very user-friendly for some
- Not as responsive and intuitive as other models
- Complex and can be difficult to understand initially
The Casio Touchscreen Graphing Calculator is a powerful and functional tool for advanced math and science courses, offering an expansive color display and a unique user interface. While it may not be as intuitive or responsive as other models, its functionality and ease of use make it a great choice for academic use.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator is a high-resolution, full-color backlit display graphing calculator that includes preloaded apps and images, rechargeable battery, and is available in a variety of fun colors. Its lightweight, yet durable enough to withstand the demands of the classroom. Ideal for high school and college students with standout features such as MathPrint feature, 14 interactive zoom features, seven different graph styles, and compatibility with CBR 2 motion sensor.
Key Features
- High-resolution, full-color backlit display: Allows for a clear and vibrant display.
- Rechargeable battery: Eliminates the need for constant battery replacements.
- Preloaded apps and images: Enhances functionality and user experience.
- Math Print feature: Simplifies equation input with natural expression.
- Lightweight yet durable: Perfect for the demands of the classroom.
- Compatible with CBR 2 motion sensor: Expands the use of the calculator in educational settings.
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 7.50Lx3.42Wx0.62H
- Size: 7.5 Inch
Pros
- High-resolution, full-color backlit display
- Rechargeable battery
- Preloaded apps and images
Cons
- Ridiculously overpriced
- Different colors get slightly different calculators
The Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator is a reliable, feature-rich calculator suitable for high school and college students. Despite being slightly overpriced, its standout features such as the high-resolution display, rechargeable battery, and compatibility with CBR 2 motion sensor make it a worthwhile investment for students looking for quality performance and functionality in their calculators.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II Color Graphing Calculator is perfect for students and professionals. It features a high-resolution, full-color display and comes with a rechargeable battery. The thin design and lightweight make it easy to carry around, and the handheld-software bundle enhances graphing capabilities. The product is backed by excellent customer ratings and reviews, making it a reliable choice for those in need of a powerful and efficient calculator.
Key Features
- High-resolution display: 320 x 240 pixels (3.5 inches diagonal)
- Rechargeable battery: Lasts up to two weeks
- Software bundle: TI-Inspire CX Student Software
- Thin design: Easy touchpad navigation
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimension: 0.40Lx3.30Wx0.10H
- Size: 7.5" x 3.3" x 0.4"
Pros
- High-resolution full-color display
- Rechargeable battery with long-lasting charge
- Enhanced graphing capabilities with software bundle
- Thin design and lightweight for portability
Cons
- Initial learning curve for using the calculator
- Priced higher compared to alternatives
- Fragile screen may break if not adequately protected
The TI-Nspire CX II Color Graphing Calculator is a top choice for students and professionals. Its high-resolution display, rechargeable battery, and enhanced graphing capabilities make it a powerful and efficient tool for various applications. Although there may be an initial learning curve, the overall performance and reliability of this calculator make it a worthy investment.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Graphing Calculator Case is designed to provide protection and storage for Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE and other graphing calculators. Made with premium EVA material and durable fabric lining, this case features a large capacity to carry accessories such as pens, cables, and more. The unique design with a 360-degree double zipper allows for easy access, and the durable hand strap makes it convenient to take on the go. This case is compatible with various calculator models, offering a versatile and reliable storage solution. It has received high ratings from customers for its quality and functionality.
Key Features
- For all TI graphing calculator models
- Premium EVA material with durable lining
- Large capacity for accessories
- Unique 360-degree double zipper design
- Durable hand strap for portability
Specifications
- Color: Black
Pros
- High quality and sturdy construction
- Versatile compatibility with different calculator models
- Large capacity for accessories
Cons
- Texture may be unpleasant for some users
- Tight fit for certain calculator models
The Graphing Calculator Case offers a sturdy and reliable solution for storing and protecting various graphing calculator models. With its high-quality construction and versatile compatibility, it provides ample space for accessories while ensuring easy portability. The unique design and durable materials make it a practical choice for students, professionals, and anyone in need of a reliable storage case. Despite some minor drawbacks such as texture and fit, it remains a popular choice among users for its overall functionality and protection.
Overall Score: 7/10
The Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator is a versatile and reliable graphing calculator that is permitted for use in various exams. It offers a large display, RAM and Flash ROM memory, data analysis, and other features that make it suitable for various academic and professional applications.
Key Features
- Permitted for use on SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, ACT, AP, IB, and Praxis exams
- Large 64 x 96 pixel display; 24KB RAM; 160KB Flash ROM memory
- Graphs recursively-defined sequences, TVM, cash flows, amortization, and complex numbers
- Enhanced data analysis (logistic and sine regressions)
- I/O port with unit-to-unit link cable
Specifications
- Color: Gray
- Dimension: 7.30Lx1.00Wx3.50H
- Size: Standard
Pros
- Permitted for use in various exams
- Large display and memory
- Versatile for academic and professional use
Cons
- Pricey for some users
- Batteries may arrive dead
The Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator offers a reliable and versatile tool for academic and professional use. While it may be pricey for some users, its extensive features and reliability make it an excellent investment for those in need of a powerful graphing calculator.
Overall Score: 7/10
The Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Programmable Graphing Calculator is a versatile and dependable option for various classes and subjects such as statistics, finance, trigonometry, geometry, algebra, and calculus. It comes with adjustable high contrast display and features a durable plastic exterior to ensure long-term use. The calculator also boasts 4 fun preloaded games and the ability to load your own. It takes 4 AAA batteries and comes in a small, black size. While it's reliable and great for school, some users find it to be slightly outdated and missing certain modern features. Overall, it's a classic calculator that still serves its purpose.
Key Features
- Versatile and dependable for various subjects
- Adjustable high contrast display
- Durable plastic exterior
- 4 fun preloaded games + the ability to load your own
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 7.25Lx3.25Wx1.00H
- Size: Small
Pros
- Great for school and college classes
- Versatile and dependable
- Fun preloaded games
- High contrast display
Cons
- Slightly outdated
- Lacks certain modern features
- Pricey for an old model
The Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator may be slightly outdated, but it remains a classic and reliable choice for various math and science classes. Its versatility, dependable performance, and fun preloaded games make it a great option for students. However, its age and price may deter some users who are looking for more modern features.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Casio fx-9750GIII Pink Graphing Calculator is a stylish and functional calculator suitable for student use. With a high-resolution LCD display, rechargeable battery, and spreadsheet functionality, it offers great value and convenience for various mathematical and scientific applications.
Key Features
- High-resolution LCD display: True
- Rechargeable Battery available: True
- 3MB Flash Memory: True
- Natural Textbook Display shows fractions: True
- Spreadsheet functionality: True
- USB connectivity for file sharing: True
Specifications
- Color: Pink
- Dimension: 6.60Lx3.25Wx0.75H
- Size: Small
Pros
- High-resolution LCD display
- Rechargeable Battery available
- USB connectivity for file sharing
- Natural Textbook Display shows fractions
- Spreadsheet functionality
Cons
- May feel cheaper compared to other models
- Some users found it harder to use
The Casio fx-9750GIII Pink Graphing Calculator is a great choice for students and professionals alike. With its compact size, rechargeable battery, and impressive features, it offers excellent value for money. While some users found it slightly harder to use, the overall consensus is positive, making it a worthwhile investment.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Casio fx-9750GIII is a highly functional and budget-friendly graphing calculator suitable for both high school and college students. It comes with a high-resolution LCD display, natural textbook display, and 3MB flash memory. The calculator also offers USB connectivity, built-in conic equations, and spreadsheet functionality, making it an all-round tool for various mathematical tasks.
Key Features
- High-resolution LCD display: True
- Rechargeable Battery available: True
- 3MB Flash Memory: True
- Natural Textbook Display shows fractions: True
- Spreadsheet functionality: True
- USB connectivity for file sharing: True
- Quick Pie Charts & Bar Graphs: True
- Built-in Conic Equations: True
- AP Statistics Features: True
- Icon-Based Menu System: True
- Random Number Generation: True
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 6.60Lx3.25Wx0.75H
- Size: Small
Pros
- Affordable compared to other graphing calculators
- Easy-to-use natural textbook display
- Great value for money
- Rechargeable battery option
Cons
- Learning curve for beginners
- Limited availability in schools compared to TI calculators
The Casio fx-9750GIII is a fantastic graphing calculator that offers all the essential features required for high school and college-level math. It is highly affordable, user-friendly, and comes with a natural textbook display that sets it apart from competitors. With a competitive price point and a wide range of functionalities, it is an excellent choice for students looking for a reliable graphing calculator.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium Graphing Calculator is a powerful tool suitable for academic and professional use. It can handle calculus, algebra, matrices, and statistical functions, making it an indispensable device for students and professionals in fields such as engineering, mathematics, statistics, and finance. With USB on-the-go technology, large display, 188 KB RAM, and 2.7 MB flash memory, this calculator offers both convenience and efficiency. It also comes with a 1-year warranty, ensuring peace of mind for the users.
Key Features
- Graphing calculator handles calculus, algebra, matrices, and statistical functions
- USB on-the-go technology for file sharing with other calculators and connecting with PCs
- Large 100 x 160 pixel display for split-screen views
- Matrix operations including inverse, determinant, transpose, augment, and more
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 7.50Lx0.90Wx3.30H
- Size: 7.5 Inch
Pros
- Versatile and powerful, suitable for academic and professional use
- USB compatibility for file sharing and connecting with PCs
- Large display and ample memory for efficient operation
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
Cons
- Steep learning curve for fully utilizing all functions
- Not allowed in some exam settings due to its extensive capabilities
The Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium Graphing Calculator is a highly recommended tool for anyone in need of a dependable and versatile calculator. With its powerful functions, large display, USB connectivity, and warranty, it offers both efficiency and convenience. While the learning curve may be steep for some users, the benefits it provides far outweigh any initial challenges. Overall, the TI-89 Titanium is a solid investment for anyone requiring a reliable calculator for advanced mathematical and statistical tasks.
Overall Score: 7/10
The scientific calculator with graphic functions is perfect for beginner and advanced courses in high school or college. It boasts a large screen to display graphs and equations simultaneously, over 280 functions, and 3 operating modes. It's small, black, and comes with a 365-day limited warranty for user convenience.
Key Features
- Scientific calculator with graphic function
- Multiple modes
- Over 280 functions
- Perfect for various courses
- 365-day limited warranty
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 7.12L x 4.50W x 0.80H
- Size: Small
Pros
- Large screen for detailed display
- Over 280 functions
- Perfect for various courses
- 365-day limited warranty
- Comes with two calculators in a pack
Cons
- Feels cheap and lightweight
- May have issues with accuracy
- Small screen size
The scientific calculator with graphic functions is a versatile tool for students in high school and college. With its wide range of functions and modes, it’s an ideal companion for various courses. However, some users may find the build quality to be less than satisfactory. Overall, it’s a reliable calculator that offers great value for its price.
- Define your needs: Think about the specific features you need in a graphing calculator, such as touch screen functionality, color display, connectivity options, and compatibility with specific exams or courses.
- Research different models: Look for different brands and models of touch screen graphing calculators. Consider factors like price, battery life, screen size, processing power, and available apps or software.
- Check compatibility: Make sure the calculator you choose is approved for use on standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or AP exams if you plan to use it for those purposes.
- Consider online reviews: Look for reviews from other students or professionals who have used the calculators you're considering. This can give you insight into real-world performance and reliability.
- Evaluate warranty and support: Check the manufacturer's warranty and customer support options. A longer warranty and easily accessible support can be crucial if you encounter technical issues.
- Compare prices: Compare prices from different retailers, both online and in physical stores. Look for deals, discounts, and bundled offerings to get the best value for your money.
- Test the interface: If possible, try out the touch screen interface of the calculators you're considering. Make sure it feels responsive and intuitive to use.
- Consider additional features: Look for extra features like 3D graphing, CAS (Computer Algebra System) functionality, and programming capabilities if you need them for your coursework.
- Check for software updates: Ensure that the manufacturer regularly releases software updates for the calculator you're considering. This can improve performance, add new features, and fix any bugs or security vulnerabilities.
- Think about accessories: Consider whether you'll need any additional accessories, such as a protective case, stylus, screen protector, or extra charging cables. Factor these into your overall budget.
- Ask for recommendations: If you know other students or teachers who use graphing calculators, ask for their recommendations and experiences with touch screen models.
- Consider future use: Think about how long you'll need the calculator and whether it will continue to meet your needs as you progress through your studies. Look for a model that will remain relevant for as long as possible.
- Think about ease of use: Consider how easy it is to navigate the calculator's menus, input equations, and access specific functions. A user-friendly interface can save you time and frustration during exams and assignments.
- Check for software compatibility: Ensure that the calculator's software is compatible with any other devices or applications you use for your coursework, such as computers, tablets, or specific software programs.
- Factor in portability: If you'll be carrying your calculator around all day, consider its size, weight, and overall portability. A lighter, more compact model may be more convenient for daily use.
Frequently Asked Questions about 10 Best Calculator
A touch screen graphing calculator works by allowing users to input and manipulate mathematical equations and functions using a touch-sensitive screen instead of physical buttons.
Some advantages of using a touch screen graphing calculator include the ability to easily visualize and graph complex equations, as well as the convenience of having a lightweight and portable device for math and science classes.
Yes, a touch screen graphing calculator is designed to handle advanced mathematical functions such as calculus, trigonometry, and statistics, making it a valuable tool for students and professionals in the field of mathematics.
Many standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT, allow the use of touch screen graphing calculators, but it’s important to check the specific rules and regulations for each test to ensure compliance.
Touch screen graphing calculators are designed to be durable and long-lasting, but like any electronic device, they should be handled with care to avoid damage to the touch screen and other components.
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