Best Calculators of 2023
1. BEST OVERALL
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator
PROS
- Lightweight
- Backlit color display
- Feature packed
CONS
- A bit bulky
While the Texas Instrument TI-84 Plus is also available in a black-and-white version for slightly less money, we think the sharp backlit screen of its color edition is worth the expense—especially for college students and math professionals.
It’s a great choice for high school students, too. It comes loaded with MathPrint, which converts the equations to the same format you see in textbooks, and it’s approved for use during PSAT, SAT, and ACT college entrance exams, as well as AP exams that allow graphing calculators. It has a bunch of applications to expand the calculator’s functionality, as well as lots of images you can use for graphing.
Plus, it has a rechargeable battery that powers up with a USB cable. The TI-84 Plus is more expensive than most of the other models on this list, but it’s one of the best calculators money can buy.
2. BEST FOR STUDENTS
SHARP EL-W516TBSL 16-Digit Advanced Scientific Calculator
PROS
- Four-line screen
- Equations show up in textbook format
- Battery lasts a long time
CONS
- Students will age out of it eventually
Students who need a scientific calculator should look no further than this Sharp 16-digit scientific calculator. Its most noticeable feature is a large, four-line screen that shows entered equations in condensed textbook form.
Powered by both solar and a battery, it offers seven different calculation modes—normal, stat, drill, complex, matrix, list, and equation. It’s capable of performing more than 600 functions and even algebra.
It comes in a nice glossy black hard case—but even better, it’s usually priced under $25, meaning it will meet most students’ budgets as well.
3. BEST SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR
Casio fx-115ESPLUS2 2nd Edition Advanced Scientific Calculator
PROS
- Available in three colors
- Lightweight design
CONS
- Learning curve can be steep without instructor’s help
If you’re on a budget and looking for a scientific calculator to tackle algebra, calculus, physics, or statistics problems, this Casio model is a great fit. The large four-line, 14-character display presents your formulas and results exactly as they would appear in a textbook, and a protective case keeps the unit from getting damaged in storage or during transport.
At just 6.1 ounces, it’s nice and lightweight, and the white color is an attractive aesthetic alternative to standard black calculators. For less than $20, it’s a great value, as well.
4. MOST USER-FRIENDLY CALCULATOR
Casio FX-9750II Graphing Calculator
PROS
- Can do complex calculations
- Easy to learn and understand
- Lasts all the way through college
CONS
- Not rechargeable
One of our favorite graphing calculators, the Casio FX-9750II offers a lot of machine for the money. It can handle the needs of most students all the way through college, and has an interface that most should find very user-friendly.
Meanwhile, its backlit, high-res LCD display is easy to read, and this calculator can go for 230 hours on four AAA batteries. It lacks some of the fancy features of higher-priced models, but will handle most students’ needs. Plus, it’s approved for use with most exams, including PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP tests.
5. BEST FOR ACCOUNTING
HP HP 12C Financial Calculator
PROS
- Compact
- Filled with useful accounting functions
- Approved for CFA Institute exam
CONS
- Only one line of display
With more than 120 different built-in functions, such as amortization, cash flow, and loan payments, this HP financial calculator will make quick work of your accounting—whether it’s personal or business-related. It’s also capable of data entry and calculations using the RPN system.
The HP 12c is compact and portable, yet its buttons are placed strategically to allow for ease of use, while its large 10-digit LCD display is easy on your eyes. Plus, it’s one of only two calculators allowed by the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute for its exam.
6. BEST BUDGET
Canon LS-82Z Handheld Calculator
PROS
- Only includes the most basic functions
- Angled display for glare resistance
CONS
- Might be too small for people with big fingers
For those whose calculating needs are minimal and for whom spending a lot on a calculator doesn’t add up (pun intended), the Canon LS-82Z four-function calculator is a great option.
Frequently priced under $10, it can handle square root functions and product dimensions, and also features a floating decimal point system. It’s dual-powered by battery and solar, so you won’t spend a lot of additional cash replacing batteries.
It doesn’t have the computing power of other models on the list, but the Canon LS-82Z is a dependable basic calculator.
7. BEST CALCULATOR WATCH
Casio CA-53W-1CR Calculator Watch
PROS
- Convenient
- Stylish
CONS
- Only suitable for occasional use in a pinch
We had to include the classic Casio watch—it saved us in a pinch before smartphones and still looks just as stylish today. The simple functionality can help you split a bar tab or figure out gratuity for dinner, and it has a built-in timer and calendar (and clock, of course).
The resin armband and plastic case are highly durable and the watch is water resistant up to 100 meters. Obviously this watch won’t speed up your taxes or help you ace an SAT, but some nostalgic charm is always welcomed—especially when functional.
