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In the following article we’ll examine the best financial calculators of 2018. We’ll examine the calculators with higher level education and professional use as a primary metric. Calculators are also heavily weighted by any extreme usability concerns. These issues include exceptional battery life, durability and similar hardware based considerations.
We’ll also examine special usage cases which might make something the best financial calculator for specific groups. For example, only a subset of financial calculators are acceptable for use during certification exams. And finally, at the end we’ll go over some of the most important points covered within the list.
10. Victor Technology 6500 – $19.99
Victor Technology 6500’s main lure comes from sheer simplicity. One instantly notices that there’s far less keys on it than on a standard financial calculator. However, this shouldn’t be taken as a sign that it’s not powerful. Instead it’s simply focused on concise and clear presentation. This dedication is also apparent when looking at the casing. The loan calculator wizard and other shortcuts stand in sharp relief.
Even someone who’s never used the 6500 before can pick it up fairly quickly. And it also has a larger than average LCD screen for easier reading. The simplicity and large readout make it a great tool for client presentations.
Key Specifications:
- Brand: Victor.
- Power: 1xAA + solar + backup.
- Screen: 1×12.
- Size: 5.7×7.9×1.8.
- Weight: 0.6 lb.
The a look at our Victor Technology 6500 review for more information.
9. Calculated Industries 3415 – $42.24
The Calculated Industries 3415 sits somewhat lower on the list due to its niche appeal. It’s a solid financial calculator. But one which doesn’t stand out for most users. However, it fits so well into real estate financial calculations that it deserves mention. It’s an essential item for anyone handling financial issues surrounding real estate.
Almost every aspect of real estate finance is semi-automated through built in functions. One can even store special variables such as local property tax. It’s also perfectly designed to ensure maximum portability. Typical battery life sits at around 800 hours. And a smaller form factor ensures it can fit anywhere. It’s the best financial calculator for real estate financing.
Key Specifications:
- Brand: Calculated Industries.
- Power: 2x LR44.
- Screen: 1×9 LCD.
- Size: 3×5.75×0.65.
- Weight: 7.04 ounces.
8. Qualifier Plus IIIFX – $41.99
The Qualifier Plus IIIFX also puts heavy emphasis on the financial side of real estate. However, it sits somewhat higher simply due to a streamlined design. This is quite apparent when looking at the calculator’s physical design. Buttons are clearly grouped by function. And it’s a rare example of a financial calculator which makes proper use of colored function keys to communicate intent.
An attention to clarity isn’t simply for end users. The IIIFX’s ranking also sits higher due to general appeal for clients. It can provide extra feedback to clients who might otherwise end up confused. The colors and simple button layout make it easier to use as a talking point when discussing investments.
Key Specifications:
- Brand: Calculated Industries.
- Power: 2xLR44.
- Screen: 1×9.
- Size: 3×5.75×0.65.
- Weight: 6.4 ounces.
7. EL-738C – $25.00
The EL-738C combines a fairly low price point with a crisp two line display. An attention to visual quality is also apparent from a playback function. All of those features might seem like a potential drain on the processor. But the EL-738C’s other focus is raw speed. It’s designed on every level to help people move through calculations as quickly as possible.
Key layout and design also highlight the focus on speed. A 738C has a prominent directional pad near the screen. This clearly notched layout provides more tactile feedback than standard lower priced calculators. And this is further emphasised through the use of an extensive shortcut system. For example, IRR calculations are nearly automated.
Key Specifications:
- Brand: Sharp.
- Power: 1xCR2032.
- Screen: 2×10.
- Size: 9x6x1.
- Weight: 6.4 ounces.
6. HP 10bII+ – $26.48
The HP 10bII+ is one of the best choices for people who need to do a little of everything. It doesn’t offer the extra speed which can come from specialization. But at the same time that means it also won’t hinder one when moving into different areas of financial calculations. This versatility is reflected by the sheer number of functions built into it.
The 10bII comes with over 100 common functions from various aspects of the financial sector. Some of the most useful functions include loan payments, TVM and correlation coefficients. It’s useful for students in large part because of the versatility. But they’ll also be able to use it when they’re ready for the CFP exam.
Key Specifications:
- Brand: Hewlett-Packard.
- Power: 2xCR2032.
- Screen: 1×12.
- Size: 0.6×3.2×5.7.
- Weight: 8 ounces.
5. Casio FC-200V – $23.52
The Casio FC-200V is one of the best financial calculator options due to unique functionality. Most lower priced financial calculators use a one line LCD display with ten characters. A FC-200V gives users four full lines to work with. The form factor is also quite impressive. Its button layout creates an intuitive grouping between simple and complex functionality. This even extends to options like automatic unit conversion.
It’s one of the few listed calculators which can utilize solar power. The solar option acts as backup in case of power loss. Despite the name, the solar cell is sensitive enough to draw some current from standard room lighting.
Key Specifications:
- Brand: Casio.
- Power: 1 LR44 + solar + backup.
- Screen: 4×10.
- Size: 5.91×8.39×1.38.
- Weight: 0.75lb.
4. TI-84 Plus – $104.99
The TI-84 Plus might be thought of as an all in one solution. This makes it among the best financial calculator options for people who need diverse functionality. Versatility, along with widespread familiarity, makes it a solid choice for students.
In terms of real world use the calculator can be almost anything one desires. It features USB support to transfer data. One can find a wide variety of pre-made programs that enable a wide variety of new functionality. And people can always hand-code anything that they’re unable to find elsewhere. The functionality comes with one major issue. It has the steepest learning curve of any listed calculator.
Key Specifications:
- Brand: Texas Instruments.
- Power: 4 AAA + backup cell.
- Screen: 16×8.
- Size: 10.5×7.5×2.1.
- Weight: 1.23 lb.
3. HP 17BII+ – $89.95
The HP 17BII+ has a price point considerably higher than the other options. But the quality becomes readily apparently when looking at the screen. It has a split screen design which lends itself to more complex work. Additionally, the display lends itself to dual variable forecasting in a way that few other options can. One can consider it a midway point between programming oriented options and standard financial calculators.
It’s also among the few financial calculators allowed during the Chartered Financial Analyst Program (CFA). As such, it’s a solid learning tool for future accountants. It’s one of the best financial calculator choices for people who need to quickly work out complex math.
Key Specifications:
- Brand: Hewlett-Packard.
- Power: 2 lithium metal.
- Screen: 2×22 digit LCD.
- Size: 3x6x1 inch.
- Weight: 1 lb.
2. BA-II Plus – $31.85
The BA-II Plus ranks among the best financial calculator options in large part due to price. This $31.85 calculator compares favorably to much pricier options. It’s able to handle simple algebra without feeling overly constrained. But at the same time users can easily switch to the more advanced features. The calculator’s worksheets are particularly impressive for such a low cost option.
The BA-II Plus also makes several advanced statistical options much easier. And it fits into financial calculations particularly well with an advanced cash-flow analysis. It also provides a long term memory function that can store one’s worksheets. Finally, it even ships with a solid protective sleeve to protect it from damage.
Key Specifications:
- Brand: Texas Instruments.
- Power: 1 CR123A.
- Screen: 1×10 digit LCD.
- Size: 0.69×6.49×2.99 inch.
- Weight: 3.84 ounces.
1. HP 12C – $59
The HP 12C is among the best financial calculator choices due to an interesting form factor. Financial calculators tend to use a portrait rather than landscape orientation. It’s a minor point for some users. But people used to landscape orientation often find themselves slowed when moving away from it.
People can expect to gain even more speed thanks to a library of default functions. Some of these functions include cash flow, statistical and general mathematical analysis. Users may also create their own custom functions. The ranking receives a further boost thanks to the CFA exam restrictions. It’s among a small number of calculators accepted for use during Chartered Financial Analyst Program exams.
Key Specifications:
- Brand: Hewlett Packard.
- Power: 1 CR123A.
- Screen: 1×10 digit LCD.
- Size: 6×3.1×5.1 inch.
- Weight: 3.72 ounces.
Final Thoughts
The most important thing to take from these options is how important planning is. For example, most certification exams only allow for a limited choice in calculators. Planning ahead and examining the options can ensure that one is properly prepared. This applies to most facets of finance.
Choices in one’s calculator can even influence how clients and coworkers react to the results. One should give thought to just how each calculator’s unique strengths fit into one’s own plans.
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