Here are the best scientific calculators to perform complex calculations in the academic or professional field, homework or exam tests, and how to choose the most suitable one according to your needs.
A scientific calculator is an indispensable tool for many high schools, for university students who have undertaken courses of study in science (mathematics, physics, engineering, economics), and for professionals whose work cannot be separated from complex calculations.
Unlike traditional calculators, scientific calculators have more functions. As a result, they can perform more complex and more extensive calculations, ranging from simple algebraic equations to more complex trigonometric functions or financial calculations.
The calculator comprises a display showing the numbers, calculations, and results and a keyboard with multiple keys. In addition, the numbers and the various operations that can perform are indicated.
Scientific calculators’ feasible functions and operations are numerous for professional use or during studies. Thus, different models are available depending on the field of use, from the simplest to the most complete.
Table of Contents
How to choose a scientific calculator
To choose the best scientific calculator, it is necessary to evaluate it. First, which types of calculations will we have to carry out and ensure that the calculator can do so?
Sharp, Casio and Texas Instruments are generally the leading brands in the sector. Still, there are many functions that this product makes available: while some are indispensable, others may be more or less useful depending on specific needs.
Besides clarifying what functions the user needs, we must not overlook other features that may affect this product’s choice, such as display, power supply, dimensions, and structure, archiving. So let’s look at them in detail.
Functions
One of the most important aspects to consider before purchasing is the quantity and type of functions; of the scientific calculator is equipped.
The more functions the model can perform, the higher the price it will sell it. In general, it is possible to distinguish three categories:
- Economic and scientific calculators: they have 100-150 functions.
- Mid-range scientific calculators: they have 150-500 functions.
- High-end scientific calculators: they have over 500 functions.
The latter can perform extremely complex calculations, including those in the logarithmic field. Some models also allow you to read mp3 files or have math games.
Although present only in a few cases, one of the most interesting functions is extracting a QR code, allowing data transfer from the calculator to the PC. The calculations can be continued or saved.
Display
The display is fundamental in facilitating the calculator’s use, avoiding further stress in the calculation process.
The extension distinguishes the available displays, numbers, calculations, and characters sizes. Some models can contain more than two rows of calculations, and considering that some are composed of expressions with denominators, the advantage is undeniable.
It is possible to transcribe entire equations by including, among other things, parentheses, the root symbol, and systems of linear equations. In addition, the most advanced displays can gather data in articulated tables and represent different complex functions on a Cartesian plane enriched with exact references and coordinates.
In this case, we talk about graphing calculators. A classic scientific calculator model comes with a black-and-white LCD screen with two lines. Unfortunately, going up in price usually increases the number of lines on display; the high-end models can also have HD color screens that create different and distinguishable graphics.
Supply
The best scientific calculators on the market are generally powered by a button battery, which ensures a long service life. Inevitably, the more functions the calculator has, the shorter the battery life. Of course, the more the calculator is used, the more consumed the battery.
A shutdown is automatic in almost all models, but it is always better to turn off the calculator after using it to reduce energy waste. Generally, the battery can last several years for a few hours a day.
Some models have a dual power supply (two-way power):
- Battery-powered
- Solar energy
Dual power calculators have a much longer operating life, and solar energy is accumulated through a small, dark-colored photovoltaic panel at the top. The power supply type does not affect the calculator’s ability to perform its functions. Still, it plays an important role in the practicality of the instrument.
You can charge some models with a USB cable. However, this accessory is rarely supplied.
Size and Structure
A calculator comprises a display with different dimensions depending on the model and a keyboard that inevitably takes up most of the space. Each key has one or two symbols corresponding to the different functions the calculator can perform.
A calculator with many features will certainly have more keys; some models also offer the cursor function that allows you to correct what is written, approximate the numbers entered, or perform other operations.
The products on the market all have more or less the same size, about 6-inch long, 3.2-inch wide, and 0.7-inch thick. The small dimensions have always been the secret of these extremely complex products; transportability is also facilitated by the reduced weight (around 4.8 ounces).
Materials
The scientific calculators available usually have a plastic structure, rubber keys, and a liquid crystal display. In addition, some models have rubber details on the edges that make it easier to hold the calculator in the palm, preventing it from slipping and being damaged.
Although most of the products have the same characteristics in terms of construction material, it is clear that the latter’s quality can vary from model to model based on the manufacturer and the price.
The best scientific calculators also come with a convenient hard case to protect the display from possible shocks and prevent the keyboard from being compromised.
Archiving
It is beneficial to memorize the calculations made previously to facilitate the calculation operations. Some medium-high-end models have a function that allows you to archive the operations performed.
Every scientific calculator with this functionality has a different storage capacity; some can store data for several gigabytes.
Use
With the scientific calculator’s purchase, a paper booklet of instructions is also provided, which provides the main information and the most specific information for the device’s correct use.
The functions are so many that the best manufacturers also provide additional and more detailed information on their websites regarding the possibilities of using the product.
Consulting the frequently asked questions can also help perform complex operations differently and often even more simpler.
The best scientific calculators to buy
These are the best, most complete scientific calculators, selected for their value for money, with their main features and prices to cover the various professional and study needs.
- Natural Textbook Display- Can display fractions, derivatives, integrals, sum and other...
- Converts between Standard form and a Decimal, Review/edit previous entries, Random Number...
- 2-function Table of values [f(x), g(x)], Statistics and Linear Regression, Integer...
- Robust, professional grade scientific calculator. Logs and antilogs
- It has 2-line display shows entry and calculated result at same time
- Easily handles 1 and 2 variable statistical calculations and three angle modes (degrees,...
- Natural Textbook Display provides easy view of calculations
- Protective hard case helps prevent damage when stored
- Solar power operation ensures consistent use
- 4-line display enables scrolling and editing of inputs
- Same functionality as the TI-34II Explorer plus display and feature enhancements
- MATHPRINT mode for input in math notation, including pi, square roots, fractions,...
- Natural Textbook Display- Can display fractions, derivatives, integrals, sum and other...
- Converts between Standard form and a Decimal, Review/edit previous entries, Random Number...
- 2-function Table of values [f(x), g(x)], Statistics and Linear Regression, Integer...
- High-resolution, full-color backlit display.Horizontal and vertical split-screen...
- Rechargeable battery
- Preloaded apps and images.Fourteen interactive zoom features
- [991ES Multifunctional Scientific Calculator] - ROATEE business calculator features 417...
- [Scientific Calculator with Notepad] - This scientific calculator for students intergrates...
- [Dual Power Solar Panel & Coin Battery] - The replaceble coin battery is built in this...
- [SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR WITH GRAPHIC FUNCTION] - This is a scientific calculator that is...
- [MULTIPLE MODES] - This calculator features 3 operating modes: Angular Measurement,...
- [OVER 280 FUNCTIONS] - Including fractions, statistics, complex number calculations,...
- Professional Grade Scientific Calculator With 240 Scientific Functions.
- 10+2-Digit Widescreen HD Display
- It Has 2-Line Display Shows Entry And Calculated Result At Same Time
- Redesigned ES PLUS series calculators featuring easy-to-understand Natural Textbook...
- Stylish design but same function as Casio FX-991ESPLUS 1st edition, 10-digit mantissa +...
- Basic Trigonometrical & Statistics Functions, and many more functions
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