A scientific calculator is necessary when you move beyond basic math courses. If you’re doing high school or college math, or you have a child who is, then you know how essential a scientific calculator can be.
Fortunately, the scientific calculator I’m recommending in this review roundup is not only affordable, but also reliable and easy to use.
Here’s my shortlist of the 5 best scientific calculators:
Table of Contents
- Casio FX-115ES PLUS
- Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro
- Sharp EL-W516TBSL 16-Digit Advanced
- Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView
- HP 35s Scientific Calculator
These are shortlisted on the basic parameter such as price, performance and design.
1. Casio FX-991EX ClassWiz
- Quick Review: It has a beautiful screen, is very visual, and has a great range of functions for a meager cost.
- My Rating: 9.5/10
The Casio FX-991EX Engineering/Scientific Calculator is a high-powered calculator perfect for students studying mathematics and science.
The FX-991EX features a sizeable high-resolution LCD that minimizes scrolling and lets you see more of your work at once. Additionally, the calculator can perform advanced calculations quickly and easily, making it perfect for solving multi-step problems.
The product also features Online Visualization, a fast and convenient way to represent data for an entire class. And with 2-way power, the calculator can be used reliably in any setting. Whether you’re studying calculus, algebra, geometry, or another subject, the Casio FX-991EX is the perfect calculator for your needs.
Pros:
Fast Performance
Very Visual
QR Code for Graphs
Affordable
Cons:
No Engineering Symbol Shortcut
2. Sharp ELW516XGBSL 16-Digit Advanced
- Quick Review: It is an advanced scientific calculator with intuitive playback.
- My Rating: 8.5/10
The Sharp ELW516XGBSL 16-Digit Advanced Scientific Calculator is the ideal choice for students taking advanced math classes.
The high-resolution LCD minimizes scrolling and lets you see more of your work at a glance.
With its advanced calculations, the Sharp ELW516XGBSL quickly handles multi-step problems. And its Online Visualization provides a fast representation of data for an entire class.
The 2-way power ensures reliable use in any setting. So whether you’re studying calculus, algebra, geometry or anything in between, the Sharp ELW516XGBSL is the perfect calculator for the job.
Pros:
Intuitive Playback
Large 4 Line Display
Tons of Functions
Cons:
Price
3. Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro
- Quick Review: Affordable and easy to use. One of my favorite scientific calculators and an excellent alternative to the Casio FX-991EX.
- My Rating: 8/10
The Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro is a scientific calculator that features a four-line display and multiview display.
The multiview display shows multiple calculations at the same time on screen, which is useful for comparing results or checking your work.
The TI-36X Pro can also perform one- and two-variable statistics, and you can select degrees/radians, floating/fix, and number format modes.
This calculator also has three solvers: numeric equation, polynomial, and system of linear equations.
Whether you’re a student, teacher, or professional, the TI-36X Pro is a great choice for your mathematical needs.
Pros:
Affordable
Safe Bet
Awesome Display
Cons:
Slow
4. HP 35s Scientific Calculator
- Quick Review: This sturdy calculator comes with logical and spaced-out button options.
- My Rating: 7/10
The HP 35s is a great choice for students and professionals in a variety of fields such as engineering, surveying, science, and medicine. This scientific calculator has a clear LCD display with adjustable contrast and 14 character dot matrix (5 x 7).
The Hp 35s also comes with built-in functions for over 100 different calculations as well as memory registers for 800 different calculations.
Additionally, this calculator has a memory of 30 KB and is powered by 2 CR2032 batteries with a battery life of 0.73 year @ 1 hr/day (approximately 9 months).
The HP 35s is also SAT Reasoning Test; SAT Subject Tests in Mathematics Level 1 and Level 2; ACT; PSAT/NMSQT; AP Chemistry/Physics; PLAN; EXPLORE compliant and has dimensions of 3.23 x 0.72 x 6.22 inches. There is also a 1 year warranty included with this purchase (may vary by region).
Pros:
Logical Layout
Old School HP Feel
RPN Option
Cons:
Pricey
5. Helect 2-Line Engineering Scientific Calculator
- Quick Review: This is a very affordable basic calculator for middle & high school general
- My Rating: 5/10
The Helect 2-Line Engineering Scientific Calculator is a great choice for students and professionals alike. It features two lines of display, allowing you to see more information at a glance.
The calculator also has a wide variety of functions, making it ideal for math and science applications.
In addition, the Helect 2-Line Engineering Scientific Calculator is available at a lower price from other sellers that may not offer free Prime shipping.
As a result, this calculator is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, affordable scientific calculator.
Buyers Guide
As always, you should do your due diligence before making a selection. Information may have changed since the publication date.
Here are some things to keep in mind when buying a scientific calculator:
1. Ensure Your Calculator Is Exam Approved
The last thing you want is to get to your exam only to realize that your calculator isn’t allowed.
To avoid this, make sure to check which calculators are approved for use on the exams you’ll be taking. The most common exams that have restrictions are the SAT, ACT, and AP exams.
If you’re not sure, err on the side of caution and choose a calculator that is known to be approved for use on these exams.
2. Consider Your Budget
Scientific calculators can range in price from around $10 to over $100. Obviously, there are some major differences between these two extremes.
The most important thing is to make sure you’re getting a calculator that has the features you need. If you don’t need all the bells and whistles, there’s no reason to spend the extra money.
On the other hand, if you plan on using your calculator for more than just simple arithmetic, it’s worth spending a little extra to get a model with more functionality.
3. Determine Which Features You Need
All scientific calculators can perform basic math operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Beyond that, though, there is a lot of variation in terms of features and capabilities.
Some calculators can graph equations, while others can solve complex mathematical problems. Some have built-in function libraries, while others do not.
Before you make a purchase, think about which features are most important to you and make sure the calculator you choose has them.
4. Compare Battery Options
Most scientific calculators run on AA or AAA batteries. While this is convenient, it can also be expensive if you have to keep replacing the batteries frequently.
Some calculators come with solar panels that allow them to recharge themselves using natural light. Others have rechargeable batteries that can be plugged into an outlet when not in use.
If you’re concerned about battery life, compare the different options and choose the one that best meets your needs.
5. Read Online Reviews
When you’re making any kind of purchase online, it’s always a good idea to read reviews before you buy. This is especially true for something as important as a scientific calculator.
Reading reviews will give you a better sense of which models are the best and which ones to avoid. It’s also a good way to get an idea of what other people are looking for in a scientific calculator.
Keep in mind, though, that not all reviews are created equal. Some people may be more critical than others, and some may have different needs than you do.
As always, use your best judgment and take everything you read with a grain of salt.
Conclusion:
A scientific calculator can be a useful tool for students and professionals alike. When choosing a scientific calculator, make sure to consider your budget, the features you need, and the battery life.
Reading online reviews is also a good way to get an idea of which models are the best and which ones to avoid. By following these simple tips, you can find the perfect scientific calculator for your needs.