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Graphing calculators are incredible learning tools equipped with the power to bring mathematic and scientific concepts to life. By making the results dynamic and visual, students can more easily grasp these concepts. The best graphing calculators are capable of boosting a student’s academic success and are extraordinarily useful to teachers and college professors as well. However, if academia isn’t your focus, then perhaps you’re looking for one of the best graphing calculators to take along on the job.
Whether you’re a businessperson, engineer, or computer scientist, you likely work with mathematics quite often, if not on a daily basis. Any one of these graphing calculators can help one be successful in whatever type of work they do. So take a look at the list we have put together of the top ten graphing calculators, and maybe you’ll meet your match.
10 Graphing Calculators to Preview before Purchase
1. Casio fx-9860GII Graphing Calculator – $67.75
With an ultra-fast processor and pre-loaded with 15 powerful applications, the Casio fx-9860GII effortlessly cranks out even the most complex results faster than other graphing calculators, taking less steps and keystrokes.
The generously sized high-resolution display allows for crisp results at all times. Furthermore, the optional backlight feature is easy to access and increases visibility. Thanks to the Casio fx-9860GII’s Natural Display technology, users can input and receive output of all problems just as they are written in a textbook.
Key specifications:
- Large high-resolution display with optional backlight and high-speed CPU.
- User-friendly icon-based menu system.
- USB cable, unit-to-unit cable, and linking software for data transfer between unit-to-unit and unit-to-computer.
- Requires 4 AAA batteries (included).
- Downloadable user manual available.
- Approved for PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams.
Check out our review of the Casio fx-9860GII for more information.
2. Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator (Version 2) – $80.93
This particular configuration is different from the one below in the fact that users can choose from a handful of colors, unlike the configuration above, which provides users with a color at random.
The Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus offers FLASH ROM memory, which allows users to update and install various applications in addition to the already built-in applications, like StudyCards, Vernier EasyData, and more.
Key specifications:
- Available plot types include scatter, histogram, XY-line, box-and-whisker, and normal probability plots.
- Programming capabilities.
- USB cable, unit-to-unit cable, and linking software for data transfer between unit-to-unit and unit-to-computer.
- Protective sliding cover included.
- Requires 4 AA batteries (included) and 1 lithium backup battery (also included).
- Approved for PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, ACT, AP, and IB exams.
Read our full review of the TI-83 Plus graphing calculator for more information.
3. Texas Instruments TI-83 Graphing Calculator – $89.95
Even complex graphing is made simple with the Texas Instruments TI-83, an excellent calculator for any student. Finance functions available include cash flow, time value of money, and amortization.
On the calculator’s high contrast display, which shows 16 characters over 8 lines, users can access the Draw option to markup graphs. Users can also store, analyze and graph various functions, parametric and polar functions, and sequence functions.
Despite a potentially intimidating keyboard layout for those unfamiliar with similar calculators, the TI-83’s user manual will help you get started immediately.
Key specifications:
- Advanced statistics and finance functions with many graph styles.
- Modes include function, parametric and polar, and sequence plot.
- USB cable, unit-to-unit cable, and linking software for data transfer between unit-to-unit and unit-to-computer.
- Protective sliding cover included.
- Requires 4 AAA batteries (also included).
- Approved for PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, ACT, AP, and IB exams.
Read our review of the Texas Instruments TI-83 graphing calculator for more information.
4. Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Programmable Graphing Calculator – $91.49
An excellent problem solver when it comes to various math and sciences, the Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus is an essential tool for all students. With a display showing 12 characters and 8 lines, the TI-83 Plus makes it easy to view an equation, its graph, and the coordinates simultaneously. The user-friendly key layout and intuitive graphing interface makes the calculator especially easy to pick up, even for those brand new to graphing calculators.
Key specifications:
- Includes functions for calculus, finances, trigonometry, and engineering.
- Horizontal and vertical split screen allows users to trace graphs while scrolling through table values.
- Built-in memory for storage and analysis of up to 10 matrices.
- Protective sliding cover included.
- Requires 4 AA batteries (included) and 1 lithium backup battery (also included).
- Approved for PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, ACT, AP, and IB exams.
Read our review of the Texas Instruments TI 83 Plus programmable graphing calculator for more information.
5. Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator – $99.82
One of the best graphing calculators for math and science, the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus will carry students from middle school through college. Especially relevant is the MathPrint feature; it allows for the input of fractions and equations as they are seen in textbooks.
The TI-84 Plus’s split screen makes it easy to view an equation, graph, and coordinates simultaneously. With the included cable, USB technology can be utilized to share files with other calculators. Additionally, you can connect the calculator to a computer or presentation tool.
Key specifications:
- Includes calculus, financial, trigonometry, engineering, logarithm, and hyperbolic functions.
- Allows the input of values using proper notation.
- Protective sliding cover.
- Requires 4 AAA batteries (not included) and 1 lithium backup battery (included).
- User manual and a dozen free software apps included.
- Approved for PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, ACT, AP, and IB exams.
Read our Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus full review for more information.
6. Casio fx-CG10 PRIZM Color Graphing Calculator – $103.88
With its “Picture Plot” technology, the Casio fx-CG10 PRIZM infuses real-life images with graphs in order to bring mathematical functions to life right before a student’s eyes. Along with the crisp full-color display and speedy processor, this unique feature sparks engagement, rather than the memorization of keys, thereby heightening the user’s overall grasp of important concepts. Natural Display allows equations to be shown in proper notation as shown in textbooks, increasing the chances of efficient learning.
Key specifications:
- High-resolution full-color 3.7-inch display.
- Casio “Picture Plot” technology for image overlay on graphs.
- USB cable, unit-to-unit cable, and linking software for data transfer between unit-to-unit and unit-to-computer.
- Requires 4 AAA batteries (included).
- Downloadable user manual available.
- Approved for PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams.
Read our review of Casio fx-CG10 for more information.
7. Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator – $128.80
Visualize concepts clearly with the Texas Instruments TI-84 CE’s intuitive design featuring a high-resolution full-color display. Consequently, screen readability is drastically enhanced with this model’s backlit feature, which makes it easy to view the display in nearly any type of lighting.
Simply color-code equations, objects, and plots with the TI-84 Plus CE in order to more clearly distinguish between the various elements of multiple graphs. Even enhance the readability of graphs by adding grid lines within seconds.
Key specifications:
- High-resolution full-color backlit display with a slim, lightweight body.
- Allows the input of values using proper notation.
- TI power adapter recharges battery and offers direct power.
- Protective sliding cover included.
- Requires a TI rechargeable battery (also included).
- Approved for PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, ACT, AP, and IB exams.
Check out our full review of the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator for more info.
8. Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX Graphing Calculator – $131.99
Increase your productivity with one of the most innovative graphing calculators on the market — the Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX. Featuring a unique technology that combines calculator functions with the use of a computer or laptop, students can learn while on the go by easily transferring class assignments between the two devices.
Visualization is taken to another level thanks to the TI-Nspire CX’s full-color backlit display, allowing users to color-code equations, objects, points, and lines. Furthermore, the groundbreaking interface allows users to click, scroll, and save work to the calculator just like on a computer.
Key specifications:
- High-resolution full-color display with a slim, lightweight body.
- Allows the input of values using proper notation.
- TI power adapter recharges battery and offers direct power.
- Protective sliding cover included.
- Requires a TI rechargeable battery (also included).
- Approved for PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, ACT, AP, and IB exams.
Check out our review of the TI-Nspire CX for more information.
9. HP G8X92AA LA Prime v2 Graphing Calculator – $146.28
Firstly, the HP G8X92AA LA Prime v2 offers users the choice of calculating with a keypad or a 3.5-inch multi-touch touchscreen. Secondly, switching between symbolic, graphical, and numerical table views takes a touch of a button.
A powerful machine in a small package, the HP G8X92AA allows for the exploration of multiple math concepts, such as Dynamic Geometry, Advanced Graphing, CAS, and various spreadsheet applications. Most questions can be answered via the detailed user manual available on the included DVD.
Key specifications:
- Choice of using keypad or touchscreen.
- Built-in applications, like HP Equation Writer for solving multiple linear and non-linear equations, and HP Solve for storing equations and solving for variables.
- HP power adapter recharges battery, and offers direct power via USB or standard AC adapter.
- Protective sliding cover included.
- Requires an HP rechargeable battery (also included).
- Approved for PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, ACT, AP, and IP exams.
Check out our review of the HP G8X92AA LA Prime v2 graphing calculator for more info.
10. Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus School Pack (Pack of 10) – $1,039.30
The Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus School Pack is an excellent configuration for any teacher in need of multiple graphing calculators. Whether you need to be able to supply graphing calculators for your class or want to have them on hand for any other reason, this model is the perfect choice. It is all-around versatile and suitable for an extensive list of subjects from algebra to geometry, biology, physics, and more.
Key specifications:
- Configuration includes 10 TI-84 Plus units with USB cables, unit-to-unit cables, manuals, batteries, and also protective sliding covers for each.
- Each calculator is marked with “School Property” on the faceplate.
- Allows the input of values using proper notation.
- Protective sliding cover (colored a bright yellow in this configuration).
- Requires 4 AAA batteries (included) and 1 lithium backup battery (also included).
- Approved for PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, ACT, AP, and IB exams.
Check out our Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus School Pack review for more information.
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