It is expected of you to bring your own calculator for the AP Statistics exam. After all, there are plenty of statistical problems that you can only solve using a calculator with the right statistical functions for certain situations. And speaking of which, there are only certain types of calculators you can use for the AP Statistics exam.
For example, your calculator should be able to compute common statistical univariate and bivariate summaries. Likewise, they should also be able to display graphs such as histograms and scatterplots. And if one calculator is not enough for all of those functions, you can even bring two calculators.
But if you want to avoid bringing more than one calculator needed and if you want to make sure that you will not only get an allowed but also one of the best calculators the market has to offer, we have prepared a list for what is the best calculator for AP Statistics and any other names that you should highly consider.
If you want to just get back to studying, get our top choice for the best AP Statistics calculator here.
If you’re looking for the best AP Calculus calculator, check out our post on that here.
Last update: 2024-12-03
Our Favorites for Best Calculator for AP Statistics (the best out of the bunch)
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator
The TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator certainly is one of the best graphing calculators for statistics because of the many functions it comes pre-loaded with. Consequently, what also makes it a really good choice as a calculator is that it is not only allowed for AP Statistics but also for AP Calculus because it comes with the capabilities needed for calculus problems as well.
As to the aesthetics, the TI-84 Plus CE comes with a full-colored display that is very easy on the eyes and has a resolution high enough for you to see with clarity all the graphs and numbers displayed on it. As such, it is considered an optimal type of display because of how effective it is for you to see every detail clearly. Of course, its sleek design also adds to the appeal that this graphing calculator comes with. You can even get it in many fun colors.
Regarding its functions, it comes with a lot of applications you can use for your AP Statistics exam. And while there are other calculators with the same kind of functions, the TI-84 Plus CE is easier to use because of how it uses the same navigation type that is common in most Texas Instruments calculators. As most classes use TI calculators, it will not be a surprise that you already know your way around the functions and applications of most Texas Instruments calculators.
To make sure that you no longer have to consistently buy and stock up on batteries, the TI-84 Plus CE is fully rechargeable. This feature also allows you to make sure that it is fully charged before your exam or before you leave home for a class. And at its price level, it is arguably the best calculator you can get especially if you factor in its many features and its high memory capacity.
What makes it unique:
- Has all the basic and advanced features you need in a good graphing calculator.
- Its high-definition full-colored display makes it one of the clearest calculator on the market.
Why choose this AP Statistics calculator:
- It is not the most expensive nor is it exactly cheap but the TI-84 Plus CE can be considered a very affordable calculator especially if you look at its features.
- You can use it for your AP Calculus exam so that you do not have to secure another calculator.
- High-resolution, full-color backlit display.Horizontal and vertical split-screen options..Display type : LED. Number of Items : 1.
- Rechargeable battery
- Preloaded apps and images.Fourteen interactive zoom features
Last update: 2024-12-03
Casio fx-9860GII Graphing Calculator
The Casio fx-9860GII Graphing Calculator is your more affordable alternative to any Texas Instruments calculators but is still just as good of a choice as any other due to the quality you get from such a product at a price tag that will not hurt your wallet and your budget. And the best part about it is that it is just as effective for the AP Statistics exam as well as for other AP exams and for standardized tests.
A great choice for those who want a display that is large enough for you to see every little detail you want while taking the AP Statistics exam, the Casio fx-9860GII Graphing Calculator has a big and clear screen that is ideal for those who are particularly picky when it comes to the display size. And while it does not come with a full-colored display, the screen is backlit and is able to display with clarity graphs, numbers, and other necessary data. This makes it a perfect choice not only for the AP Statistics exam but also for engineering students as well.
Aside from its screen, what also makes the Casio fx-9860GII Graphing Calculator a good choice for the AP Statistics exam is its expanded functionality. Not only does it have all the necessary applications and functions needed for statistical data but it also comes with a spreadsheet feature to help make things easier for you. That means that you can also use it for your other science and math classes and exams.
The great thing about its functions is that it is quite easy to access them. The Casio fx-9860GII Graphing Calculator comes with 15 pre-loaded icon menus that make navigating through the different functions very easy and speedy. Simply put, you would not be wasting a lot of time trying to work your way around from one function or application to another because of how easy it is to do so. And with its 1,500 kb flash ROM, its memory is good and high enough for it to function and process different data smoothly.
What makes it unique:
- The large backlit screen easily displays data visibly and clearly.
- It has on-screen icon-based menus to help you navigate through its functions quickly and efficiently.
Why choose this AP Statistics calculator:
- It is a good mix of functionality, price, and efficiency.
- If you do not want to hurt your budget but still want a high-quality calculator for AP Statistics, this is a great choice.
- REF/RREF function, random integers, unit conversion, new types of regressions, chi-squared GOF function, 9 new probability functions, pie charts & bar graphs, graph X=f(Y) and much more
- 1500 KB Flash ROM
- Built-in eActivity and spreadsheet applications
Last update: 2024-12-02
The Runners-Up for Best Calculator for AP Statistics (still good but a little lacking)
Texas Instruments Nspire CX CAS Graphing Calculator
The Texas Instruments Nspire CX CAS Graphing Calculator is a beast when it comes to overall power and functionality as this graphing calculator was meant to be a full-featured calculator that dispenses the need for you to do a lot of the math yourself so that you can focus on the theories and on the implications of the data and the numbers that you see rather than on the equations needed to get to such answers.
The “CAS” on this graphing calculator’s name stands for Computational Algebra System. What makes this ideal for AP Statistics is that this feature allows you to just simply input the equation you need for a certain mathematical or statistical problem and allow the calculator to solve it for you and even isolate certain variables that could help you analyze the data better. This is extremely useful for other classes or exams as well such as chemistry, physics, or algebra as it makes things so easy on your part.
Of course, the Texas Instruments Nspire CX CAS Graphing Calculator comes with a nice backlit color high-definition display. You can even enter notes and comments on the screen so that you can analyze statistical data while taking down important notes alongside the math on this graphing calculator. You also do not have to worry about how smoothly this calculator performs because of its 100mb RAM and its 64mb Flash ROM.
As powerful as this calculator is, what makes it a runner up on our list is the one thing that gives it its advantage—its power. While it is great for the AP Statistics test and other AP exams, it is so powerful that you cannot use it in some standardized test. Also, its features make it a very expensive calculator. Simply put, you can get other AP Statistics calculators at lower prices but with the necessary functions that can help you perform well in your test. Nevertheless, if you can afford this one and if you do not mind the fact that you probably will not be able to use it in other standardized tests, then go for it.
What makes it unique:
- The CAS allows for smooth solving and analysis of algebraic and other statistical problems.
- Allows you to enter notes and steps alongside the math on its screen.
Why choose this AP Statistics calculator:
- It is a great choice for an AP Statistics calculator if you value power over any other factor.
- Useful for the AP exams as well as for engineering courses once you get to college.
- Ideal for Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1 & 2, Trigonometry, Geometry, Pre-calculus, Statistics, Business & Finance, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Calculus, AP Statistics, AP Physics, AP Calculus, and Linear Algebra.
- Full-color screen with backlit display.
- All the functionality of the TI-Nspire CX handheld plus a built-in Computer Algebra System (CAS)
Last update: 2024-12-02
Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator
The Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator is a solid choice for you if you are going for a fundamentally sound graphing calculator that has all the necessary functions and features you need to perform well in your AP Statistics exam. And the good part is that it does not cost as much as some of the other Texas Instruments graphing calculators.
As an entry-level graphing calculator for your AP Statistics exam, the Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator has more than enough power for your many problems and functions and is also a good calculator for other math courses such as Algebra, Trigonometry, and Physics. It might not have the advanced functions of the other calculators on this list but it is already more than enough for AP Statistics and other basic math-based exams and courses.
The Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator’s screen is large enough for you to see the data clearly. It does not have a high-resolution display but it is already good enough for you to see with clarity all the necessary values on the backlit screen. You can also use the split-screen function to do things simultaneously so that you will be able to solve problems in an efficient manner.
As to the memory, you also do not have to worry about its power and capacity because it can store up to 10 matrices, which is more than enough of what you need for your AP Statistics exam. It also runs smooth enough that you will not notice any lag in its processing.
The Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator comes with all the advanced statistics, graphical, and regression analysis that are necessary for you to perform well in AP Statistics. And while it might not be as powerful and as full-featured as some other calculators, it is also incredibly useful for other AP and standardized tests. Basic and fundamental, the Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator already covers the necessities.
What makes it unique:
- Comes with all of the fundamental statistical functions at an entry-level price.
- Offers a split-screen feature that lets you compare functions, graphs, and tables all in one screen.
Why choose this AP Statistics calculator:
- It is already more than enough to answer your needs for a good AP Statistics calculator.
- Great for your budget and comes with all the great features of a standard Texas Instrument graphing calculator.
- Permitted for use on SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, ACT, AP, IB and Praxis exams
- Offers large 64 x 96 pixel, 8 x 16 display; 24KB of RAM; and 160KB Flash ROM memory
- Also graphs 3 recursively-defined sequences; TVM, cash flows, amortization, and complex numbers
Last update: 2024-12-02
The Value Pick for the Best AP Statistics Calculator (good and affordable)
Casio FX-CG10 PRIZM Color Graphing Calculator
Who says that you cannot get a high-quality graphing calculator for the AP Statistics exam for an affordable price? Well, the Casio FX-CG10 PRIZM Color Graphing Calculator would beg to differ because of how great of a value it is for the price that you are paying for it.
The Casio FX-CG10 PRIZM Color Graphing Calculator has a full-colored display, which is great compared to all other calculators within its price range. Moreover, the LCD screen is large and spacious enough for you to see graphs, numbers, and other values clearly. This feature alone already gives you the bang for your buck.
However, if you factor in all of its other features, you will see how fantastic of a choice it is for your AP Statistics exam. It boasts of statistical graphs and diagrams that look so real and vivid. It even has the ability to create 3D graphs, which is more than helpful for you to understand the more complex types of graphical data.
On top of all that, it is easy for you to navigate through its many functions as it has an interface that is menu-driven. Going through the different functions is like choosing an app on your smartphone as it really is easy to choose one the types of programs and functions you need to solve a certain statistical problem. And when you are entering data, it looks so natural that it displays them in such a way as a Stats textbook would. While it might not be as powerful or as full of features as other graphics calculators, the Casio FX-CG10 PRIZM Color Graphing Calculator certainly gives you the bang for your buck.
What makes it unique:
- Great life-like display of graphs and data as if you were coursing through a textbook.
- The way you navigate through it makes you feel like you are using a phone.
Why choose this AP Statistics calculator:
- It has a vividly colorful LCD screen that is at the top of its class if you consider its price.
- Going through this calculator is so easy.
- Color graphing Calculator with High resolution LCD display (over 65, 000 colors)
- Natural textbook display
- Picture plot technology/ Real life images
Last update: 2024-12-03
Summary for the Best Calculator for AP Statistics
Putting everything together, in this guide we reviewed the following:
Last update: 2024-12-03
As mentioned, students will be expected to bring their own calculators for the AP Statistics exam because it is a necessity. Like most standardized tests, the College Board also has rules on which types of calculators you may bring to the AP Statistics exam. In that case, going over the list of the allowable calculators is a good idea but using our guide for the best AP Statistics calculator makes it all easier for you.
In that case, choosing the TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator may be the best option for you because of how it has all the graphical capabilities and statistical functions you need in a calculator that functions smoothly and has a great and clear full-colored display. If you are worried about the price but still want a great calculator, the Casio fx-9860GII Graphing Calculator fits the bill because of its large screen size and its complete list of statistical functions.
However, if these suit your preferences, either the Texas Instruments Nspire CX CAS Graphing Calculator or the Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator make great choices as well. But if you really want to get the bang for your buck, you will not find a calculator that mixes price and functionality better than the Casio FX-CG10 PRIZM Color Graphing Calculator. Whichever of those five you choose, what we promise is that these calculators will be more than helpful for you during your AP Statistics exam.
If you’re looking for the best AP Calculus calculator, check out our post on that here. Or explore our other calculator reviews here.
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