Top 5 Best Graphing Calculators
This is a list of our top 5 best graphing calculators for 2020. All the calculators on this list are allowed for use on the SAT* and should be allowed in your class. Note that these calculators aren’t necessarily here just because of their features. We have considered features/capabilities, usability, programmability, and other characteristics to create this list. We also wouldn’t recommend just skipping to the number one calculator on the list because it may not be the best for everyone, each one has its strengths and weaknesses.
5. Casio fx-9750GII >> Best Bang For Your Buck
The Casio fx-9750GII may not be in the top 5 for most capable calculators, but it makes up for the lack of features with its price and usability. You could pick up the fx-9750GII for less than $50. That’s less than half of the price of any other calculator on this list.
Don’t be thrown off by the low price, this calculator is capable of getting you through any high school math class. Another great characteristic of the fx9750GII is its usability. The button layout is logical, and the menus and functions are easy to find and use. Even in a world where Texas Instruments dominates the school calculator market, the fx-9750GII will not be hard to learn how to use. The Casio fx-9750GII also has a programming interface that is second only the one on the TI-84.
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4. TI-84 Plus >> The Tried and True
The most popular graphing calculator now and for last decade the TI-84 Plus takes #4 on our list. The TI-84 Plus is nearly 100% accepted in the education community. Chances are if you’re in high school, your teacher uses this calculator and there are probably about 30 of these in your classroom.
Even though it is a pretty old device, many people still use it. Texas Instruments knows TI-84 Plus is popular which is why you will still be paying around $110 for one. But your purchase will not disappoint you. A lot of math curriculum is based on this calculator. And your teacher will probably be able to teach you how to use it pretty well. And if you’re not in school there are a ton of online resources to help you figure out whatever it is you need to know about any of these calculators. The TI-84 Plus also has the best programming capabilities of any graphing calculator. You’ll be able to use all of our TI-84 programs with this calculator.
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3. TI-84 Plus CE >> The Best For High School
The Ti-84 Plus CE is the newest version of Texas Instruments’ TI-84. The TI-84 is by far the most popular graphing calculator ever, and this is the best version you can get. If you were to ask your teacher what calculator to buy for high school, chances are he/she would tell you to get this one.
The TI-84 plus CE is almost exactly the same as the other versions of the TI-84 (which are #4 on this list). The TI-84 Plus CE is just a nice upgrade. It’s thinner, lighter, faster and has a rechargeable battery. In our opinion this is the best calculator that doesn’t have a computer algebra system that you can buy. And of course, all of our TI-84 programs on this website can be used on this calculator.
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2. HP Prime v2 >> Best Technology
This is HP’s best graphing calculator allowed for use in most academic settings. Although HP isn’t a very commonly used calculator brand, they did a good job with this one. The HP Prime is in the category of “advanced” graphing calculators because of all of the more complex things that it is capable of that more basic graphing calculators like the TI-84 are not.
The HP Prime is very easy to use considering all of the different things you can do with it. The prime is much easier to use than TI’s most direct competitor, the TI-nspire CX CAS. It also has a computer algebra system this is the latest and greatest feature on more advanced graphing calculators. It means that the calculator can perform many advanced tasks with numbers as well as variable. (We talk much more about this in our full review.) All this comes with a sleek, thin design, good sized, easy to press buttons, and a hi-res color touchscreen display.
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1. TI-Nspire CX II CAS >> Our Favorite
The TI-nspire CX II CAS is the most powerful calculator made by the most popular calculator brand. It’s amazing that they allowed this calculator on the SAT* with all of the things that it can do. If you own this calculator you will almost definitely have an advantage in math, but it will cost you around $150. The TI-nspire CX II CAS is the newest version of Texas Instruments’ Nspire calculator series.
The most exciting feature on this calculator for most people will be the computer algebra system (CAS). This will allow you to do things like solve equations, find roots, factor polynomials, get sine functions with exact answers, and much more. Its calculation capabilities are probably the best feature but it is also capable of doing things like storing/collecting data, creating spreadsheets, and drafting shoes. All this functionality comes with one setback, it’s not super intuitive. It will take you a while to master using this device but once you do you’ll have a definite edge on your next math test.
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See Next…
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I really like the Casio FXCG500. It is one awesome calculator.