Modern calculators offer some amazing features. But sometimes there’s so many features that it can be hard to judge them. In the following article we’ll get around that problem by looking at the best of the best.
We’ll rank the best statistics calculators. Every option ranks by features, price and overall reliability. This will help showcase which options are the best choice for different users.
7. HP PRIME GRAPHING CALCULATOR – $118.25
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The HP Prime Graphing Calculator melds some of the best new tech with time tested ideas. It has a full color LCD touchscreen. This combination is still rare in calculators. People used to a phone’s touch screen might find this eases the transition.
The Prime ships with a full software suite to help with complex equations. This includes HP’s Equation Writer and Solve programs. And it comes in a slim form factor. Though the package also includes a solid case.
It’s also notable as one of the most advanced calculators still approved for major exams. However, lack of time tested real world use keeps it somewhat lower on the list.
- Power: Rechargable.
- Screen type: Backlit color touchscreen.
- Size: 7.2 x 3.4 x 0.6″.
- USB support: Data and power.
6. CASIO FX-9860GII GRAPHING CALCULATOR – $67.82
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The Casio fx-9860GII Graphing Calculator showcases a different melding of tradition and innovation. The use of AAA batteries and grayscale screen might seem primitive at first. However, one will quickly note the USB port. This gives students the ability to save or transfer data.
While the screen might seem primitive at first, it keeps it among the best calculator for statistics. The greyscale screen keeps overall power usage down. Which, in turn, gives it around two weeks of power per set of AAA batteries. The calculator’s reliability is further increased due to these batteries. One can switch out new AAA batteries in mere seconds.
- Power: 4xAAA provides up to two weeks of power.
- Screen type: B/W backlit LCD.
- Size: 2.5 x 11 x 7.5″.
- USB support: Data only.
5. HP G8X92AA LA PRIME V2 GRAPHING CALCULATOR – $122.47
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The HP G8X92AA LA Prime v2 Graphing Calculator is solidly distinct from the standard HP Prime Graphing Calculator. The name suggests a minor iteration. But the underlying design choices are quite different.
The HP G8X92AA does maintain the line’s color touchscreen display. In fact, it’s a full 3.5” multi-touch interface. This should make using it quite intuitive for a modern audience.
The reason it ranks higher than the standard Prime rests on a new technology. One can use direct prime-to-prime data transfer within classrooms. Full wireless support means that people can collaborate more easily. Collaboration is an important aspect in the best calculator for statistics.
- Power: Rechargeable, up to two weeks per charge.
- Screen type: Color touchscreen.
- Size: 7.3 x 3.38 x 0.55″.
- USB support: Data and charge.
4. TEXAS INSTRUMENTS TI-NSPIRE CX GRAPHING CALCULATOR – $142.99
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The Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX Graphing Calculator is quite distinctive. One instantly recognizes that it ranks among the best calculator for statistics. But the calculator’s real claim to fame isn’t the hardware.
The hardware is certainly impressive. A rechargeable battery and color LCD are always impressive in modern calculators. However, when looking at the device one might notice an oddity to button layout.
And that’s where the calculator’s real power can be found. It’s specially designed to fit into a more intuitive usage pattern. This means that it might well speed up one’s overall ability to enter calculations. And that’s certainly something useful in fast paced environments.
- Power: Rechargeable, up to two weeks per charge.
- Screen type: Color LCD.
- Size: 4 x 12 x 14″.
- USB support: N/A.
3. CASIO FX-9750GII GRAPHING CALCULATOR – $43.99
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The Casio fx-9750GII Graphing Calculator features some interesting design choices. Students working on particularly complex problems should note the higher level of RAM.
The 9750GII features 62 kb ram. This isn’t much when compared to smartphones. But it’s a top-tier level for calculators. It’s virtually impossible for users to hit any memory limitations with a 9750GII.
And it further complements this modern design with full USB support. And this applies to both charging and data transfer.
Finally, it’s notable for high battery life. With 200+ hours per charge one can rely on it. This earns it a high listing among the best calculator for statistics options.
- Power: Rechargeable with 200+ hours per charge.
- Screen type: B/W high resolution LCD.
- Size: 1 x 4 x 6”.
- USB support: Yes.
2. TEXAS INSTRUMENTS TI-84 PLUS CE GRAPHING CALCULATOR – $129.99
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The TI-84 Plus CE boasts some impressive features. The best calculator for statistics demands reliability. And the TI-84 manages to showcase some impressive technology while maintaining TI’s well known stability.
One will instantly note its full color display. And it’s even more impressive in light of battery life measured in months. It also makes use of TI’s MathPrint system. MathPrint increases a student’s overall immersion by providing them standard notation. This contrasts with many other calculators which require their own particular syntax.
It’s also notable as one of the more powerful calculators with wide exam approval. It’s approved for PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams. It also ships with fully illustrated tutorials.
- Size: 7.6 x 0.8 x 3.4 “.
- Power: Rechargable.
- Screen type: Backlit full color.
- USB support: N/A.
1. TEXAS INSTRUMENTS TI-30XS MULTIVIEW SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR – $16.99
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The TI-30XS’s ranking might come as a surprise. People familiar with the line might consider it somewhat bare bones. But it’s the best calculator for statistics in part because it’s so streamlined.
One of the main reasons comes down to reliability. It has better overall stability in large part due to solid design principles. It’s meant as a reliable device that can be counted on in any situation.
One can even see this from the fact that it uses solar power. It’s reliable even when the local power supply isn’t. Finally, it’s notable as an accepted calculator on a number of official statistics exams. This includes the NCEES, SAT, ACT and AP exam.
- Power: Battery with solar fallback.
- Screen type: b/w 4 line LCD.
- Size: 6.69 x 9.75 x 1.25.
- USB support: N/A.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Finally, one should take a moment to reflect on what’s important in a calculator. The best calculator for statistics is in large part about the person using it. That’s also why sharing comments is so important.
One should comment about any experiences with these calculators. In doing so one can help others find the best match. It can also help one refine usage habits to reach even greater levels of success.
