10 Basic Calculators You'll Need to Have for Good Numbers

Anyone who consistently works with numbers knows that basic calculators of a solid build are worth their weight in gold. Whether balancing the books, ironing out the kinks in a budget, powering through a brutal tax season, or even just doing homework, getting a perfectly accurate result on the first try is essential.

Most basic calculators function and are built in much the same way, but there are often a few specific features that separate one from the other. Depending on the type of job you’re looking to get done, it’s especially important to pay attention to these features and the calculator’s overall capabilities. Let’s take a look at this list of basic calculators and see if you meet your match.

10 Basic Calculators to Preview before Purchase

1. Sharp EL-377MB Calculator – $4.95

Super lightweight, yet well made and durable, the Sharp EL-377MB is powerful enough to satisfy any user. Despite lacking a tilted screen, the viewing angle it provides is actually quite sufficient, thanks to its large display. Also helping the user to see past the lack of tilt is the fact that the display includes punctuation, placing commas into numbers at the thousand, million, and billion values.

A programmable tax calculation feature is included, allowing for customization based on your local sales tax — an incredibly helpful feature that is especially useful for store or restaurant workers.

Key specifications:

Desktop calculator.
0.7 x 2.5 x 4.5-inch dimensions.
10-digit display with punctuation.
Programmable tax calculation.
Memory keys.
Automatic power off.
Powered by both solar and battery.

Read our full review of the Sharp EL-377MB calculator for more information.

2. Sharp EL233SB Standard Function Calculator – $5.13

Similar to the Canon LS-82Z shown above, the Sharp EL233SB is as basic as you can get — that’s not to say that it isn’t highly functional. Although a basic model, it is indeed one of the best basic calculators on the market today.

Perfect for the classroom, home, office, or practically anywhere else you can think of, this calculator provides accurate results and is easy to use. The slim construction doesn’t affect the functionality of the keys, which are small but reliable. Despite lacking in solar power, the battery is quite long lasting, of course depending on the amount of usage.

Key specifications:

Handheld calculator.
0.3 x 4.1 x 2.4-inch dimensions.
8-digit display.
Square root key.
Memory keys.
Separate on and off buttons.
Automatic power off.
Powered by battery only.

Check out our full review of the Sharp EL233SB calculator for more information.

3. Canon LS-82Z Handheld Calculator – $5.25

One of the most basic calculators you can get your hands on, the Canon LS-82Z comes equipped with a user-friendly layout. With an ultra-sleek footprint, the calculator’s overall build is surprisingly solid with small but decent-sized buttons and a long-lasting battery.

The display is of a generous size, produces numbers that look crisp even in dim lighting, and is built to sit upright, preventing overhead glare and eyestrain. This calculator is perfect for someone that travels often or works on the go, but also a nice option to keep around the office for quick calculations.

Key specifications:

Handheld calculator.
4.4 x 3.5 x 1.3-inch dimensions.
8-digit upright display.
Floating decimal point system.
Square root key.
Powered by both solar and battery.

Check out our full Canon LS-82Z review to find out more.

4. Texas Instruments 503SV/FBL/2L1 Standard Function Calculator – $6.29

The Texas Instruments 503SV is a great tool for absolutely anyone. Thanks to its pocket-sized construction, traveling with this calculator is effortless, making it especially useful for students who are constantly on the go. Although there aren’t any particularly outstanding features of note, this calculator does provide excellent ease of use and overall functionality. It includes a switch key that simplifies the hassle of working with negative numbers.

Oftentimes, basic calculators have soft buttons that distort under the pressure, sometimes causing errors to occur — instead, this calculator comes equipped with solid keys that are easy to press and allow for quick computation.

Key specifications:

Handheld calculator.
4.8 x 3.0 x 0.4-inch dimensions.
8-digit power-saving display.
Square root key.
Switch key +/-.
Memory keys.
Separate on and off buttons.
Automatic power off.
Powered by battery only.

Check out our full review of the Texas Instruments 503SV for more information.

5. Canon Office Products LS-100TS Business Calculator – $7.27

Canon Office Products LS-100TS Business Calculator

The small but nevertheless powerful Canon LS-100TS offers users the ability to calculate advanced formulas while maintaining basic overall functionality (not as much as scientific calculators, though). With an extra large display, sturdy buttons, and solar power capability, this calculator is an absolute steal.

The plastic buttons allow for quick finger work, unlike rubber buttons that are more likely to cause errors. Readouts are pleasant to view, never looking faded or dim, via the upright display, which sits at a specific angle to prevent overhead glare and eyestrain.

Key specifications:

Desktop calculator.
5.3 x 4.1 x 1.3-inch dimensions.
10-digit upright display.
Tax calculation.
Profit margin calculation.
Switch key +/-.
Square root key.
Memory keys.
Powered by both solar and battery.

Read our full review of the Canon LS 100TS for more information.

6. Casio HL-820V Calculator – $7.27

Casio HL-820V Calculator

A small pocket calculator that comes with a removable hinged cover, the Casio HL-820V is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a basic calculator with standard functions. Despite its overall small size that is just right for when you’re on the go, the display is actually quite generous, allowing the number readout to show up clearly and crisply.

The metal face is a particularly nice touch, giving it an overall sleek look. Perfect for students, calculators like these are often allowed in university math classes, due to their basic nature; if that’s the type of calculator you’ve been searching for, then you’re in luck.

Key specifications:

Handheld calculator.
4.0 x 2.4 x 0.4-inch dimensions.
8-digit display.
Square root key.
Memory keys.
Automatic power off.
Separate on and off buttons.
Removable wallet-style case.

Read our full review of the Casio HL-820V calculator for more information.

7. Casio MS-80B Standard Function Desktop Calculator – $7.77

Helect H1001 Standard Function Desktop Calculator

An incredibly popular calculator due to its overall usability and performance, the Casio MS-80B is a dream to work with. This powerhouse takes up little space, provides a large display, and is equipped with Solar Plus, which works even in dim light.

Calculations are a breeze thanks to the calculator’s backspace button. Also available is a programmable tax feature, allowing you to customize it based on your local sales tax. One of the best basic calculators out there, this one gets the job done with ease.

Key specifications:

Desktop calculator.
5.4 x 4 x 1.2-inch dimensions.
8-digit display.
Tax and currency conversion.
Profit margin calculation.
Switch key +/-.
Square root key.
Backspace key.
Independent memory.
Separate on and off buttons.
Powered by both solar and battery.

Check out our Casio MS-80B calculator review for more information.

8. Helect H1001 Standard Function Desktop Calculator – $7.99

Helect H1001 Standard Function Desktop Calculator

A substantial calculator with keys that feel solid when you press them, the Helect H1001 is a quality product that easily proves itself. When working with long number columns, accuracy is essential — with the hefty buttons that this calculator provides, you’ll never find yourself needing to restart a calculation.

The upright display allows for easy viewing and better yet, the nicely constructed body sits flat and doesn’t shift often during use. This calculator is great whether you’re an accountant or just want something to make balancing your budget a bit easier.

Key specifications:

Desktop calculator.
6.1 x 4.8 x 1.4-inch dimensions.
12-digit upright display.
Profit margin calculation.
Separate on and off buttons.
Key rollover.
Powered by both solar and battery.

See our Helect H1001 review on its own.

9. Splaks Standard Function Desktop Calculator – $8.99

Splaks Standard Functional Desktop Calculator

One of the best-loved features of the Splaks Desktop Calculator is its chunky size, which not only makes it easy to use but also easy to see. Particularly handy for balancing the books or wading through your taxes, this calculator is tough enough to handle anything you can throw at it.

The screen sits at the perfect upright angle to allow for easy viewing. Further, this calculator runs on a single AA battery, which makes it easy to have a replacement on hand at all times.

Key specifications:

Desktop calculator.
6.1 x 4.8 x 1.7-inch dimensions.
12-digit upright display.
Square root keys.
Auto replay, backspace, check keys.
Memory keys.
Automatic power off.
Powered by both solar and battery.

Want more? Check out the Splaks Desktop Calculator review.

10. Everplus Electronic Desktop Calculator – $8.99

Everplus basic calculator

The Everplus Desktop Calculator is a solid piece of equipment that always feels nice and sturdy while working on it. Each button is designed to be as ergonomic as possible and the raised keys maintain a good sense of pressure sensitivity.

This calculator is perfect for anyone involved in lab work, since the keys are easy to access even while wearing a thin pair of gloves. While the display isn’t exactly upright, it does maintain a nice slant that allows for easy viewing even when under harsh lighting that would otherwise cause a glare.

Key specifications:

Desktop calculator.
5.5 x 4.6 x 1.2-inch dimensions.
12-digit slanted display.
Memory keys.
Separate on and off buttons.
Powered by both solar and battery.

Many praise the Everplus as a no-nonsense device. Here’s our Everplus desktop calculator review so you can figure that out yourself.

Conclusion

So, as you can see, any of these quality basic calculators will be the perfect tool for anyone working with numbers, especially when dealing with strict deadlines. Wouldn’t you enjoy being able to ensure accuracy on the first attempt? If so, get your hands on one of these basic calculators and give it a whirl — you will surely not be disappointed with your success. Reach out to us on Facebook, share your thoughts, and let us know how it goes!

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