To pass the difficult SAT exam, a quality calculator is always an important tool you need to pay attention to. Not every question on the test is suitable for the use of personal calculation, so you need a calculator to do the best for the test.
Today, there are many different products on the market. I have tested and rated the best calculators for SAT in this article. Not only in features, but these devices are also perfectly suitable for you to bring into the exam room.
If you need such a perfect model, check out my detailed reviews for each product. Let’s check them out right now!
Our Top Picks:
Each name in the list below possesses excellent quality to meet different needs. Therefore, you should carefully consider the detailed review of each product I recommend to choose the most appropriate one.
1. Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE: Best for Overall
Important Specifications
- Brand: Texas Instruments
- Color: Black
- Power Source: Battery
- Screen Size: 3.2 Inches
- Calculator Type: Graphing
Product’s Highlights
Despite the high price, the Texas Instruments TI-84 Calculator is one of the most worth-buying products today.
Complicated math problems on the SAT would give you a manageable amount of trouble with the help of this state-of-the-art calculator.
Texas Instruments has integrated almost all the most powerful features into this model. As a regular user of advanced calculation functions, there are still some functions that I have never seen before. With 14 interactive zoom features or smart MathPrint, no SAT math problem will make this model difficult.
Thanks to the full-color backlight feature, I no longer have to worry about discomfort when using the calculator for a long time.
It would help if you switched to white, as I usually use it for the best viewing experience. The high resolution also allows us to quickly recognize even the most minor features on the graph.
Although not too important, I appreciate the variety in its case color. It doesn’t matter if you want your calculator to have a color that matches your style.
Today’s Best Deals:
- 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
- Sharp display
- Great visibility
- Many modern features
- Flexible background color
- Powerful computing power
Thing To Consider
- High price
2. CASIO PRIZM FX-CG50: Best for Display
Important Specifications
- Brand: Casio
- Color: Black & White
- Calculator Type: Graphing
- Power Source: Battery
- Screen Size: 3.17
Product’s Highlights
The graphing calculator always has a hard-to-observe screen. For me, this judgment has been wrong since the CASIO PRIZM FX-CG50 Calculator appeared on the market. It is easy to see the superiority on display on this calculator.
Instead of the typical yellow or blue background like many other competitors, the FX-CG50 color gives users a unique white experience. Thanks to that, I calculated and drew graphs right in the notebook.
The appropriate brightness of the screen combined with the background color also helps the lines to be displayed more clearly.
It is the feature that I appreciate in this Casio product. In addition, you should pay attention to the ability to communicate color visually on the machine.
I could improve spatial math, so I appreciate the product’s 3D rendering capabilities. Even complex graphs will become much more intuitive through this feature. That’s not to mention technologies like picture plots or real-life images. All in all, the FX-CG50 will give you the best display experience ever.
After a while, I noticed its key layout needed to be better. You won’t be able to reach the control keys and function keys at the same time. This problem will significantly affect the accuracy of the operation on the CASIO PRIZM FX-CG50.
Today’s Best Deals:
- 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
- Perfect display
- Suitable brightness
- Intuitive 3D display
- Many modern technologies
- White background for a comfortable look
Thing To Consider
- Confused keyboard layout
3. Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II: Best for Smart Calculator
Important Specifications
- Brand: Texas Instruments
- Color: White
- Calculator Type: Graphing
- Power Source: Battery
- Screen Size: 3.2 Inches
Product’s Highlights
With its modern Texas Instruments TI-Nspire, CX II Color Graphing Calculator will be a good assistant for you in the SAT.
The TI-Nspire CX II is much brighter than other Graphing Calculator models.
The manufacturer has integrated the machine’s advanced functions, such as support software or graphing. With these tools, I have shortened a lot of time to solve the most challenging problems in the exam.
Besides, the usual functions are enough for me to handle the basic questions. These features are perfectly valid to appear on the rigorous SAT.
The Color Graphing Calculator template has a sharp color screen with a reasonably high resolution. These factors help us to eliminate discomfort when using it for a long time.
The larger screen on the TI-Nspire CX II also helps me easily observe complex graphs or matrix tables with many different variables.
To manipulate advanced graphs, Texas Instruments has also improved the system of buttons on the product. I’m also amazed at how comfortable the Numpad is. This detail possesses good mobility and is highly responsive and soft enough to press without hurting the hand.
With such groundbreaking features, the price of TI-Nspire CX II Color Graphing is relatively high. You will have to choose between good results and too high a cost to pay for a calculator for SAT.
Today’s Best Deals:
- High-resolution, full-color backlit display. The screen size...
- Rechargeable battery included. Can last up to two weeks on a...
- Handheld-Software Bundle. Includes the TI-Inspire CX Student...
- Thin Design and lightweight with easy touchpad navigation
What We Like
- High-quality screen
- Many modern features
- Control system with great Numpad
- Sufficient computing power for the SAT
- Fully qualified to bring into the exam room
Thing To Consider
- The price is too high
4. Texas Instruments TI-30XIIS: Best for Scientific Calculator
Important Specifications
- Brand: Texas Instruments
- Color: Black
- Calculator Type: Engineering/Scientific
- Power Source: Solar, Battery Powered
- Screen Size: 3
Product’s Highlights
If you don’t have access to the expensive Graphing Calculator line, then Scientific Calculator models like the Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS Scientific Calculator will be the perfect alternative.
There will be elements that you cannot access on the Scientific Calculator, but it’s worth the sacrifice. Despite losing the graph calculation function, the product retains the appropriate calculation methods for the SAT.
I have solved the exam questions, and this device can solve many math problems.
The two-line LCD on this model shows each number I entered. The proper luminance also makes it more comfortable for me to use in bright lighting conditions. However, in dimly lit places, you will find it much more challenging to use the TI-30XIIS.
Instead of a traditional rechargeable battery, Texas Instruments also integrates a solar battery system into this model. According to my testing, the charging time with this method will be quite long. But, you will no longer have to worry about running out of battery in crucial moments.
Today’s Best Deals:
No products found.
What We Like
- Low price
- Clear display
- It has enough features for the SAT
- It has a rechargeable solar battery
Thing To Consider
- Difficult to see in low light
- Lacks functions compared to Graphing Calculator
5. Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus: Best for Budget
Important Specifications
- Brand: Texas Instruments
- Color: Black
- Calculator Type: Graphing
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Screen Size: 3
Product’s Highlights
It’s easy to find the user manual. This product is top-rated, especially in high schools and universities. So it took me only a little while to learn how to use this quality model.
Many schools have also applied the TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator to solve shapes with amazingly faster ways to solve problems. On the SAT, time is an essential factor.
If you are familiar with the tips on this device, you will save a significant amount of time needed for simple questions.
Although not as modern as it is, I have always felt that the calculator needs more functionality. It is easy to deal precisely with calculus, graph functions, or matrices. That’s why I could solve many questions on different topics on the SAT with just the TI-84 Plus.
I don’t like scrolling up and down to see a number or two in a math problem. But since switching to using the TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator, this problem has almost disappeared.
Instead of just using a single screen, the manufacturer has equipped the device with a unique split screen. With this detail, viewing the information will be a lot more seamless.
As a black and white model, its price is not as high as imagined. Even with many problems with affordability, owning this model is a minor deal.
Yet, the lack of color can make you feel uncomfortable after a long time. So consider carefully before making the final decision.
Today’s Best Deals:
No products found.
What We Like
- High popularity
- Lots of documentation
- All the necessary functions
- Split screen
- Good price
Thing To Consider
- Regular black and white screen
Buying Guide: Things To Consider
Consider the factors mentioned in the section below to get the best choice. This way, we will focus on the essential things to find the right choice faster.
Graphing capabilities
The ability to plot graphs is essential for the SAT. You won’t need to use this feature much in a typical learning environment.
But by the time you take the SAT, the difference between the graphing calculator and the regular scientific calculator will be noticeable. Therefore, you should use graphing no matter how confident you are about your abilities.
Battery life
The longer the battery life, the better, and pay attention to products with rechargeable batteries or secondary energy sources like the sun.
Although the battery does not run out too quickly, it will be a disaster if the calculator runs out of power during the exam.
Display quality
The higher the screen quality, the higher the price will be. However, I recommend that you balance or even prioritize display functions over cost.
Advanced features
Advanced features can help you quickly complete tough questions on the SAT. Yet, to solve problems in class, you rarely resort to math complex enough to use these functions.
Price
To aim for a long-lasting product, consider products with a mid to high price tag. We can only find models that can work with various problems at this cost.
FAQs
Is the TI-84 allowed on the SAT?
You may bring the TI-84 into the SAT room as long as it is available in a calculator-aided math test.
Is TI 36X pro acceptable for SAT?
Like the TI-84, the TI 36X Pro is one of several models of TI calculators allowed into the SAT room on calculator-acceptance tests.
Is the TI-89 allowed on the SAT?
It is important to note that the TI-89 and all CAS calculators are not allowed into the SAT room on the applicable and non-calculated math tests.
Is a 700 good on the Math SAT?
600 is a good mark on the SAT math test spectrum, and 800 is the highest. Therefore, 700 is considered an extremely positive number if you achieve it.
Is Khan Academy Math good for SAT?
Khan Academy Math is always a good place to practice and learn more for the critical SAT exam.
Conclusion
According to my experience, the TI-Nspire CX II or TI-84 Plus CE are models worth buying and testing. Meanwhile, the CASIO FX-CG50 is the best budget model that you shouldn’t miss.
After reading this article, you can decide to get a suitable calculator model for your critical SAT. Thank you for reading!