Scientific calculators are extremely useful for a wide range of people. While it is most commonly used by secondary and post-secondary students in math or science courses, they also provide many valuable functions for professionals like accountants, engineers, architects, and researchers. Standard features include basic arithmetic operations, memory buttons, trigonometric functions, different angle modes and other advanced functions.
The first thing to consider is the degree of complexity you require out of your calculator. High school students in pre-algebra to calculus courses might not need the highest tier, but graduate students in university math programs will likely need the best calculators available. One big factor is the amount of available user memory. Ones that are particularly high-tech can include programmable functions and other customizable software. Wide displays with color, and multiple lines of information for equations are great features to have as well.
Here are the top ten best scientific calculators.
10. Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS
With its robust design and sleek color accents, this is a reasonable and affordable choice for students. It comes in a variety of styles such as black, blue, pink, orange and lime green. It features 2-line display which shows you input and calculated result at the same time. This is a convenient feature to help keep things fresh, especially if you aren’t writing down each value. It can handle 1 and 2 variable statistical calculations, and contains scientific and engineering notation modes.
9. Casio FX-300MS
For any student in algebra or calculus classes, this calculator by Casio is a great choice at a inexpensive cost. It has over 200 functions available, and 9 variable memories. The 2 line, 10 digit display shows both input and output at the same time for improved clarity. It comes with a backspace key in case of any input error, and the auto replay function can automatically replay your last equation. It uses solar power, so you can be sure of its reliability at all times.
8. Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro Engineering
If you’re looking for a scientific calculator to use in courses where graphic calculators aren’t allowed, check out this one from Texas Instrument. It is reasonably complex with its MultiView display. It shows multiple calculations at the same time on screen. The MathPrint technology shows math expressions, symbols and stacked fractions as they would appear in print, leaving less room for visual errors. This is an ideal tool for algebra, geometry, trigonometry, stats, and calculus, as well as other science courses.
7. Casio Advanced Scientific Calculator FX-115ES
With 279 math functions, which include 40 metric conversions, this is a solid midrange calculator that comes with a few extra features. For one, it features a 2 line, 12 digit display. Even better, it features natural textbook display, which means that symbols and expressions such as derivatives, and exponents appear as they would normally. It comes with a slide-off protective hard case to help protect it while its in your backpack. It is powered via solar power with a battery back up, so you can rest assured that the calculator will function when you want it to.
6. Casio FX-300ES PLUS
This scientific calculator from Casio is versatile, and happens to be one of the cheapest ones available that feature natural textbook display. Powered by solar-plus-batteries, it has a long life and is dependable. It features over 200 functions and calculations, and it is approved for various tests which include the SAT, AP, PSAT, and ACT exams. It comes with a Multi-Replay function that allows you to backtrack through calculations, and even edit expressions to recalculate the output.
5. Sharp Engineering EL-W516XBSL
With 556 scientific functions, this calculator from Sharp is complex and appealing for those looking for an affordable tool. It features an extra large 4-line, 16-digit display, making it larger than the standard calculators. Its natural write view technology displays formulas and symbols as they should appear. It comes with multiple modes (normal, stat, drill, complex, matrix, equation, list), and can solve up to three equations simultaneously. There are even 4 programmable keys for quick user access. This all-in-one tool makes solving equations easy.
4. Casio FX-260 SOLAR
For high school students on a budget looking for a relatively simple scientific calculator, this is a perfect choice. It comes with the standard fraction calculation, and trigonometric functions required for beginner classes. Its 10 digit, 2 line display is effective and easy to read. It uses correct order of operation sequencing, and has a scientific notation mode. It comes with a hard cover to help protect it as you carry it in your book-bags.
3. Texas Instruments TI-34 MultiView
If you’re looking for a something with a similar experience as a graphing calculator, but at a fraction of the cost, this tool from Texas Instruments is a great pickup. Its 4-line display with textbook display is above the curve of the competition. This improved display enables for scrolling and editing of inputs, to re-evaluate calculations. It comes with many modes that can be selected via its intuitive, and easy to navigate menus. There is a table feature that allow you to explore and input x/y values, similar to how you would on paper.
2. HP HP10S+ Engineering
With its sleek monochrome design, this scientific calculator comes at a reasonable price point and has all the features any students will need to succeed. It features an easy-to-read LCD display with 2 line, 10 digit output. This allows you to see the function and result at the same time, making it easier to track. It comes with several key functions including trig functions (sine, cosine, tangent and its inverse), log, root, exponents and parentheses for more complex equations. It will also follow the order of operations in case you forget to use parentheses.
1. Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus
If these other scientific calculators aren’t up to your demands, check out this high-tech graphing calculator. This particular model is rated as one of the best in the market. It is reasonably complex, with many available functions and a large display. This model contains are new processor that is 2.5 times faster than the previous model. In addition to the standard scientific calculations, you can use this tool to store and solve equations quickly, input tables, and plot graphs. It features USB connectivity for sharing files, and can even be used to create your own programs.