Scientific calculators have a number of uses and are generally considered a necessity for nearly anyone working in the fields of mathematics, science, and engineering. Some tasks within the fields of astronomy, chemistry, and physics, also require these incredible tools. Ultimately, those working in any of these fields need a scientific calculator that can offer reliable results, getting the job done right the first time around no matter the circumstances.
Many students usually need these calculators for certain math classes starting from junior high school through college — in a situation such as this, it is especially important that you choose one of the best scientific calculators on the market, one that is built to last through the years. Check out this list containing ten of the best scientific calculators and figure out which one is right for you.
10 Scientific Calculators to Preview before Purchase
1. Texas Instruments TI-30Xa Scientific Calculator – $8.94
One of the cheapest of the scientific calculators on this list, the Texas Instruments TI-30Xa is an incredible tool that any student should have on hand. Whether needing to decipher a tricky fraction, perform algebraic, statistical, or trigonometric problems, or just calculate simple math, the TI-30Xa does the trick. Especially useful is the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions entered in traditional numerator/denominator format.
Key Specifications:
- 10-digit, 1-line display that offers basic trigonometric and scientific functions.
- Performs conversions between fractions to decimals, polar to rectangular, DMS to decimal to degrees, and degrees to radians to grads.
- 1-variable statistics include results for mean and standard deviation.
- Protective sliding cover included.
- Requires 2 LR44 batteries (also included).
- Approved for SAT, ACT, and AP exams.
Read our full review to find out more about this calculator.
2. Casio fx-260 SOLAR Scientific Calculator – $9.49
One of the more basic scientific calculators, the Casio fx-260 SOLAR is versatile enough for everyday use whenever you need to ensure accurate calculations. Despite its basic nature, the Casio fx-260 SOLAR is powerful enough to hash out complex mathematics, such as trigonometry, statistics, and exponents.
With over 140 features and calculations, including square and cube roots, percent calculations, logarithms, scientific notation, and more, this calculator will ensure success for any student.
Key Specifications:
- Easy-to-read 10-digit, 2-line display.
- Performs exponential, trigonometric, and statistical calculations.
- Includes over 140 features and calculations, such as trigonometric functions and fraction calculation.
- Protective sliding cover.
- Runs on both solar power and battery power (2 nonstandard batteries included).
- Approved for PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams.
Read our full review to find out more about this calculator.
3. Casio fx-300MS Scientific Calculator – $10.49
The Casio fx-300MS is a basic but solid scientific calculator that supports complex calculations, calculus, algebra, and 18 levels of parentheses. A helpful backspace key is included, making it easy to quickly clear an input error. With over 230 built-in functions, users find it simple to enter fractions, figure standard deviations, compute permutations and computations, raise y to the x power, and so much more. What’s more, the user-friendly key layout makes the Casio fx-300MS a dream to use.
Key Specifications:
- Easy-to-read 10-digit, 2-line display shows the problem being input and shows the answer alongside.
- Multi-replay function to check the previous equation.
- 1 independent and 6 constant memory keys to save formulas for future use.
- Protective sliding case.
- Runs on both solar power and battery power (2 LR44 batteries included).
- Approved for PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, and ACT exams.
Read our full review to find out more about this calculator.
4. Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS Scientific Calculator – $13.62
The Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS is an excellent tool for cranking out basic scientific and trigonometry calculations. Firstly, after solving an equation, the result is shown on the second line of the display. Secondly, if a recalculation is needed, use the directional keypad to edit the original equation or browse through a history of recent calculations to find the answer to a previous problem. Complete problems by using the one- or two-variable statistical modes, scientific and engineering notation modes, and three angle modes.
Key Specifications:
- Features basic scientific and trigonometric functions.
- 2-line display shows entry and calculated result simultaneously.
- Memory slots for up to five variables.
- Protective snap-on cover included.
- Runs on both solar power and battery power (1 CR2025 battery also included).
- Approved for SAT, ACT, and AP exams.
Read our full review to find out more about this calculator.
5. Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView Scientific Calculator – $14.98
With the Texas Instruments TI-30XS, users can perform conversions between fractions and decimals effortlessly, thanks to the incredibly useful Toggle Key. Skim through values in an X-Y table for a particular function. If desiring to take a closer look at patterns found in various types of problems, scroll through a history of recent calculations; the copy-and-paste feature is especially useful here, allowing you to take the discovered information and paste it into a new calculation.
Key Specifications:
- Features fraction and decimal conversion, one- and two-variable statistics, and step-by-step fraction simplification.
- Large 4-line display allows users to compare results and explore patterns of calculations.
- MathPrint technology shows calculations, including exponents, square roots, stacked fractions, and more, in proper notation.
- Protective snap-on cover included.
- Runs on both solar power and battery power (1 CR123A battery also included).
- Approved for SAT, ACT, and AP exams.
Read our full review to find out more about this calculator.
6. Casio fx-115ES PLUS Engineering/Scientific Calculator – $16.98
The Casio fx-115ES PLUS is one of the best and most advanced scientific calculators, specially engineered for user-friendly operation at any level. Enhanced features include finding derivatives and the overall advanced inequality functionality. The large multi-line display allows for the intuitive multi-replay function. Furthermore, this allows users to go through each step of prior calculations, edit expressions, and then regenerate answers.
Key Specifications:
- Over 280 functions, including statistics, fractions, linear regression, computer science, metric conversions, and more.
- Expressions and results appear as shown in a textbook with Natural Display technology.
- List-based STAT data editor and table function.
- Protective sliding cover included.
- Runs on both solar power and battery power (1 nonstandard battery also included).
- Approved for PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, ACT, AP, and NCEES exams.
Read our full review to find out more about this calculator.
7. Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro Scientific Calculator – $19.99
Excellent for nearly all high-level math and science needs, as well as engineering and computer science courses, the Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro packs a ton of high-end features into a compact unit. The calculator’s MultiView technology allows for the display of multiple calculations at the exact same time. Furthermore, the TI-36X Pro has the ability to perform fractional equations and calculate angle units, such as radians, degrees, and grads, when completing trigonometry functions on its advanced 4-line display.
Key Specifications:
- Perfect for high school or college classes in which graphing calculators are not allowed.
- MathPrint technology shows math expressions, stacked fractions, and symbols as shown in textbooks.
- Includes features for statistical analysis, unit conversions, and Boolean logic operations.
- Protective snap-on cover included.
- Runs on both solar power and battery power (4 AAA batteries also included).
- Approved for SAT, ACT, and AP exams.
Read our full review to find out more about this calculator.
8. HP 35s Scientific Calculator – $44.95
A perfect option, versatile enough for students, surveyors, engineers, and medical personnel is the HP 35s. The given option of RPN and algebraic entry-system logic makes this calculator especially enticing, since few, if any, scientific calculators currently on the market offer both.
The large 2-line display features an adjustable contrast level, allowing for easy viewing regardless of lighting. Save equations in the calculator’s memory for solving problems at another time, or utilize a particular equation in tandem with any of the built-in functions. Therefore, the HP 35s is a calculator that you can count on.
Key Specifications:
- Large 2-line display with adjustable contrast level.
- Over 100 built-in functions, including the intuitive HP Solve application.
- Allows users to select between RPN or algebraic entry-system logic.
- Premium protective case included.
- Requires 2 CR2032 batteries (also included).
- Approved for PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams
9. Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator – $99.89
Despite not being a dedicated scientific calculator, the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus is an all-encompassing tool, capable of various scientific functions. A powerful tool that stores, analyzes, and graphs up to 10 functions, the TI-84 Plus even offers a split screen feature that evaluates tables and displays graphs simultaneously. Solving geometry problems, completing inequality graphing, and real-world data collection and analysis is made simple, thanks to over a dozen built-in applications.
Key Specifications:
- MathPrint technology allows for the input of fractions and equations as shown in textbooks.
- USB cable, unit-to-unit cable, and linking software for data transfer between unit-to-unit and unit-to-computer.
- Protective sliding cover.
- Requires 4 AAA batteries (not included) and 1 lithium backup battery (included).
- User manual and over a dozen free software applications.
- Approved for PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, ACT, AP, and IB exams.
10. Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS Teacher’s Kit – $122.99
The Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS Teacher’s Kit is the perfect configuration for any teacher in need of multiple scientific calculators. So if you would like to be able to supply your class with quality scientific calculators, the TI-30X IIS is the unit to go with.
An all-around versatile model suitable for a variety of subjects, this calculator is conducive to learning, thanks to its 2-line function that allows users to use the directional keypad in order make changes to the entered equation without starting from the top.
Key Specifications:
- Configuration includes 10 TI-30X IIS units, batteries, 1 poster, 1 set of instruction materials, and 1 storage caddy.
- 2-line display shows entry and calculated result simultaneously.
- Various statistical, notation, and angle modes for completing problems.
- Protective snap-on cover.
- Runs on both solar power and battery power (1 CR2025 battery included).
- Approved for SAT, ACT, and AP exams.
Final Thoughts
Each one of the scientific calculators listed is ideal for teachers and students alike, as well as those working in varying fields in which mathematics and science are common components. While the above scientific calculators are similar in their overall build and design, the features do vary, so take a good look before deciding on which one is right for you. If you want to be able to count on reliable results each and every time, grab one of these quality scientific calculators.
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