Buying guide for best scientific calculators
What’s the difference between looking up a value in a logarithm table and typing it into your scientific calculator? Speed. Pundits may debate whether a scientific calculator is a tool or a crutch, but at some point in your education, you’re going to need one.
When it comes to functions, variables, equations, and formulas, most of us feel overwhelmed. Understandably, picking out the best scientific calculator can be an intimidating task. And it doesn’t help that there are so many models on the market. Don’t worry, though, because we’re here to help.
At BestReviews, we make shopping pain-free with our thoroughly researched recommendations and detailed shopping guides. Whether you’re buying a scientific calculator for yourself or your child, simply keep reading to learn the difference between calculators, how they are powered, the key features and functions, and how much you can expect to spend.
Different types of calculators
There are three different types of calculators: basic calculators, scientific calculators, and graphing calculators.
Basic calculators
A basic calculator only performs basic mathematical functions. It can add, subtract, multiply, and divide. It might also be able to figure percentages, square roots, or perform other simple calculations as well.
Scientific calculators
About the time you start getting into algebra, a scientific calculator becomes handy. Even the most basic scientific calculator can handle sines, cosines, tangents, logarithms, and other functions. A more advanced scientific calculator will have multi-function keys – activated by keys that work like the shift and option keys on your computer – and they will be able to solve boolean (true or false) as well as variable equations.
Graphing calculators
A graphing calculator typically has the same problem-solving abilities as a scientific calculator. The only difference is its higher-resolution screen, which allows you to see the solution on a graph.
When researching calculators, we discern between basic models that only perform basic functions and scientific calculators, which can take on sines, cosines, and other complex functions.
To minimize hassle and e-waste, we pay close attention to which scientific calculators run on solar power and therefore never need batteries.
Most college students will need a scientific calculator at some point, so we focus much of our research on cost-effective models suitable for high-level math courses.
We look for the best standard scientific calculators for classrooms and college exam situations where graphing calculators aren’t needed and may even be prohibited.
We pay special attention to scientific calculators that can be programmed to help users perform various difficult functions.
When investigating scientific calculators, we look for those that can help college students make sense of advanced courses like calculus.
We appreciate scientific calculators with multifunction keys that allow you to quickly complete tasks that usually require several steps.
Whether it’s a normal scientific calculator or an advanced graphing model, we give bonus points to those with multi-line displays that keep equations clear and organized.
We look at performance rather than price when searching for the best scientific calculators. Interestingly, some of the best models are not the priciest ones.
We note which scientific calculators have removable covers that make them suitable for on-the-go users.
Power options for scientific calculators
Unless you have a desktop adding machine, the days of corded calculators are pretty much over. Today, scientific calculators are either battery-powered, solar-powered, or dual-powered (solar and battery).
Battery power
With all the emphasis on renewable energy sources, it’s pretty hard to recommend a device that uses disposable batteries. An argument could be made for rechargeable batteries, however. The biggest downside to using batteries, besides the environmental concern, is that when your batteries die, you no longer have a functioning calculator. If it happens at an inopportune time, you’re out of luck.
Solar power
If a calculator doesn’t have a lot of electrically demanding features such as printing and graphing – which scientific calculators do not have – then solar power is a great way to go. The cells can charge from natural or artificial light, so your chances of running out of juice are very slim. Unless you store it in a drawer or use a protective cover, a solar-powered scientific calculator could be your best option.
Dual power
Combining both power sources can give you peace of mind. If your batteries run out, you can still use solar power. If two power sources make you feel more secure, a dual-powered scientific calculator is a good option.
Expert Tip
Learning to use a scientific calculator can be almost as difficult as doing the math by hand. Read your owner’s manual so you understand what all the buttons mean and the order in which you need to push them to get the proper answer.
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Features for scientific calculators
There are hundreds of functions on a scientific calculator, so covering all the possible options would be tedious. However, there are a few key features and functions that are quite handy to have in a scientific calculator.
Cover
If you’re going to be tossing your scientific calculator in a backpack or slipping it into your pocket, having a cover, case, or lid to protect the keys and screen can be invaluable.
Design
Design is more than just your favorite color, it’s about how comfortably your scientific calculator fits in your hand and how easy it is to find and press the buttons you use most often. Does the calculator’s layout make sense to you?
Memory
Having a scientific calculator with a recallable memory can make solving a string of equations with a common part appreciably easier to do.
Multi-function keys
Multi-function keys give you the ability to perform two or three functions with the same key. This way, you can solve a wider variety of complex problems without adding any more keys, which keeps the number of buttons on your scientific calculator to a somewhat manageable number.
Multi-line screen
Having a multi-line screen on your scientific calculator allows you to see more of what you entered, which can lessen the chance for a mistake. It can also let you see both the problem and the solution at the same time to allow for greater comprehension of the mathematical concepts involved.
Programmable
If you need to solve a complicated equation for several different values, it helps to have a programmable scientific calculator. Much like a computer, a programmable calculator lets you execute a stored sequence of operations.
Undo
Having an undo feature on a scientific calculator is great for those times you accidentally hit a wrong number. Instead of starting from scratch, just step back through what you did one element at a time to quickly fix the error.
Replay
A replay function on your scientific calculator is like an advanced undo function. It lets you step forward or backward through your calculations to double-check your work. If you find a mistake, you can correct that mistake and solve the equation again without starting over.
Price
Early scientific calculators were large and bulky – think early cell phones – and cost a lot. Today, the price range for a scientific calculator runs from about $10 to $20. You can certainly spend more or less, but this is the sweet spot for both quality and value.
FAQ
Q. How does a scientific calculator work?
A. Electronic language is binary. That means it is based on two things: on or off. Or, as it is usually represented, ones and zeros. Every key that is depressed is translated into the language that the calculator understands. Using a series of rules and routines, a scientific calculator processes extremely complex computations instantly. The most important part, however, is that the calculator can also translate binary language back into numbers and other characters that are displayed on the screen.
Q. What classes in school require scientific calculators?
A. A scientific calculator starts to become useful in early algebra. It becomes a necessity as you get into more complex levels of algebra. You may also find it helpful in statistics, biology, and chemistry. Although a scientific calculator can also do the math needed for trigonometry, calculus, physics, and engineering, if you need to see a visual representation of an answer in the form of a graph, you will need to use a graphing calculator instead.
Q. Can I use a scientific calculator on the SAT?
A. You cannot use calculators on the SAT that have power cords, a stylus, connect to the internet, or have a QWERTY keyboard. Therefore, a scientific calculator is perfect for the SAT.
