Calculators are dispensable tools for college students pursuing a math-related major. It also plays a vital role in helping students solve many other problems.
If you are looking for the best calculator that meets the needs of college students, do not ignore these shares. In this section below, I will provide you with the best calculators that will significantly help you.
Our Top Picks:
Below are the calculators I have tested. These products are all good quality and meet the needs of any college student. Now, scroll down to know more.
1. Texas Instruments TI-84 CE Color Calculator – Best for Overall
Specifications
- Screen Size: 3.2 Inches.
- Type: Graphing.
- Weight: 7.04 ounces.
Product’s Highlight
The TI-84 Plus CE is a full-featured calculator that can serve any student well.
This model is capable of handling all math and science problems. In particular, its high-quality color screen allows users to draw graphs quite accurately.
I used to have a chance to use an older version. And I especially appreciate Texas Instruments’ innovation efforts with this product.
This advantage means a lot for someone with a long history like me. It makes calculations with complex functions simpler and easier to see.
This calculator also comes with a wide variety of features and images, allowing for the complete consumer experience. As a model father, I always care and want to find the right learning tools for my children.
This version is my 19th birthday present for my son. I was highly excited with each function of the product, helping to support future learning.
The only drawback still needs to be overcome is that it does not support symbolic expressions. I need help calculating the integral and the derivative.
Today’s Best Deal:
- High-resolution, full-color backlit display.Horizontal and...
- Rechargeable battery
- Preloaded apps and images.Fourteen interactive zoom features
- MathPrint feature.Seven different graph styles for...
- Available in a variety of fun colors, Customers may receive...
What We Like
- Handle science and math problems well
- Large and high-quality color screen.
- Support accurate and fast graphing.
- Meet the needs of college students.
- There are many improvements in the latest version.
Things To Consider
- Slow to calculate integrals and derivatives.
2. Casio Prizm FX-CG50 Calculator – Best for Graphing
Specifications
- Screen Size: 3.17 Inches.
- Type: Graphing.
- Weight: 12.8 ounces.
Product’s Highlight
Graphing is an integral part of mathematics, helping to solve complex algebraic and analytical problems. And the Casio Prizm FX-CG50 is one of the best graphing models I’ve used.
This model has an intuitive display that feels like an intelligent textbook. It also supports 3D graphing and many other visualization options. This is probably the complete calculator version ever tested.
Unlike conventional models, this product explicitly creates a great math problem-solving space, stimulates thinking, and directs users to use functions for learning.
Using the Prizm FX-CG50, I encouraged interacting more with the math learning apps. This feature makes it easier for me to solve problems and better understand how to use them. It is a particular function necessary for learning that we can only find in this version.
The accessibility and ease of use make this model even more special to users. It is built with a modern floating button system, logically arranged and depicted with each function, making it easier for users to use.
This product is an excellent suggestion for first-time students to get used to and become more proficient despite switching to more modern tools.
There are some points to complain about this calculator. The only shortcoming is the need for more memory compared to some competitors like the Ti-84.
Today’s Best Deal:
- Color graphing Calculator with High resolution LCD display...
- Natural textbook display
- Picture plot technology/ Real life images
- 3 D graphing capability
- Built in conic sections
What We Like
- Intuitive display.
- Support 3D graphing
- Multiple display options.
- User-friendly interface.
- Encourage user interaction.
Things To Consider
- Lack of memory.
3. Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Graphics Calculator – Best for Math
Specifications
- Screen Size: 3 Inches.
- Type: Graphing.
- Weight: 0.64 lbs.
Product’s Highlight
Unlike the version I introduced before, Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus has a lot of built-in innovative software. One is Cabri Jr, which supports interactive graphing, analysis, and geometry.
This model has advanced features, such as seven different chart types and real-world data collection and analysis. It is practical for students majoring in mathematics or advanced fields.
But do those features work well? With my experience as an advanced math instructor, I confidently give this calculator in-depth tests.
I appreciate the features the product has to offer. It’s easier to give faster results than other machines I’ve used. And it deserves your top investment.
With the above advantages, TI-84 Plus is one model that handles math and science well. Yet, I am still looking for a better battery for this model. The manufacturer equips the battery with not too good quality, which makes the calculator not work.
Using it for over 2 months, I started noticing abnormalities in the calculator’s operation. The text on the screen seems to fade over time, and the authenticity is determined due to poor battery quality.
Today’s Best Deal:
No products found.
What We Like
- Seven different chart styles.
- Handle math and science problems well
- Integration with intelligent software.
- Support real-world data collection and analysis.
- It is possible to connect to external devices via the I/O port.
Things To Consider
- Need to improve battery quality.
4. Texas Instruments TI-30XS Calculator – Best for Exams
Specifications
- Screen Size: 3 Inches.
- Type: Graphing.
- Weight: 7.04 ounces.
Product’s Highlight
The TI-30XS can collect multiple calculations at the same time. This feature saves calculation time and allows users to compare results conveniently.
Its performance surprised me. With complex functional calculations, the machine will take a little while to give the final answer.
In addition to the above unique feature, it also possesses various convenient advantages that provide math, fraction, and decimal printing modes.
Another significant advantage is that the MultiView TI-30XS is for use in many major exams. It is a powerful tool to help users pass the SAT, ACT, and AP exams.
I have tested the features of this calculator and am completely satisfied with them. Each function helps students solve problems and quickly get quick results.
Despite possessing many advantages, the MultiView TI-30XS still makes me not satisfied. It has no CAS, and its graphing capabilities are limited. This model only includes the most basic features.
Today’s Best Deal:
No products found.
What We Like
- Provides math print mode
- Allowed for use in many significant exams.
- Support flexible number format conversion.
- Perform multiple calculations at the same time.
- Presents results visually, allowing users to compare.
Things To Consider
- No CAS and graphing capabilities.
5. Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro Calculator – Best for Multi-Calculation
Specifications
- Screen Size: 3 Inches.
- Type: Graphing.
- Weight: 4 ounces.
Product’s Highlight
The Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro also has a MultiView screen that displays as many calculations on the screen as the TI-30X.
With a four-line display, this calculator presents the results reasonably intuitively, with proper statistical support. I have introduced many of my advanced math training students to the unique feature of this product.
Fortunately, they are all satisfied with the quality of this calculator. It helps to perform complex calculations simultaneously, giving quick results for comparison and conclusion.
I also highly recommend this calculator model’s excellent graphing and drawing capabilities. It has fixed quite well the disadvantages of its predecessor.
I used to use the previous version and was surprised by the change in this advanced version. It helps me draw graphs more quickly and accurately.
So, this model solves scientific and mathematical problems more effectively. Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro overcomes the shortcomings of the previous version and attaches many valuable features.
Unfortunately, the manufacturer has not brought an improvement in the screen. Its pixelated display could be better in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
Today’s Best Deal:
No products found.
What We Like
- Many upgrades compared to the previous version.
- Draw and represent graphs quite well.
- It displays four lines and presents the results visually.
- Helpful data statistics support.
- Multiple digital format conversion modes.
Things To Consider
- Need to improve screen quality.
Buying Guide
Many types appear on the market. Yet, not all products are suitable for college students. If you do not want to waste your budget, consider these shares below!
Calculator type
There are two main calculator types: graphing and scientific. In particular, graphing calculator models have many complex features. It is designed to assist students in solving problems in calculus and linear algebra.
Meanwhile, scientific calculators are cheaper. It also includes enough basic features to handle trigonometric and inverse functions.
Function
Manufacturers try to provide complete functionality in their calculators. And each different type has a rather complex system of functions.
Even the highest-end models have tertiary functionality.
Screen size and color
Do you often have to draw graphs? A calculator model with large screen sizes and vivid colors will meet the needs well. Meanwhile, the small colorless screen is a pretty good choice for the budget if you need to do simple math.
Price
The more features a calculator model has, the more expensive it will be. To avoid wasting your budget on too complicated models, set a budget and search for the best products in this price range.
Battery life
Some models of small calculators combine battery power with solar energy.
However, more than a solar power supply is needed with some large calculator models, or your frequency of use is quite dense.
If you use the calculator often, use rechargeable batteries as a priority.
FAQs
What is the best graphing calculator?
The best graphing calculator models include the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE, the Catiga CS-121, and the Casio Prizm FX-CG50.
What’s the best graphic calculator brand?
Texas Instruments, Casino, and Catiga are the famous brands behind the best graphing calculators. Yet, if you need a highly durable model, Casino is the best recommendation. Catiga models offer better data processing performance.
What calculator do you need for statistics in college?
You will need to use a calculator to create matrices and vectors for statistics. These models help you deal with string data more completely and accurately.
What is the difference between a graph function and a non-graphing calculator?
Calculators with graphing capabilities usually have large screens. These models also have fairly powerful processing capabilities. Meanwhile, calculator models that do not possess this feature will often not be able to graph functions.
What is the difference between college and high school algebra?
The most significant difference between algebra in college and high school is the topics related to statistics and analysis. However, college and high school algebra generally have a lot in common.
Conclusion
Texas Instruments TI-84 Calculator has all the features to meet basic student needs. The Casio Prizm FX-CG50 is the best for graphing, while the Scientific Calculator with Graphic Functions is great for advanced math.
What is the best calculators for you? Hopefully, through the above sharing, you have got your answer. Thank you for reading!