Are you about to embark on your college journey and looking for the best items to take with you? Are you worried that you may need a new calculator to stay current in your math courses? Don’t worry; we got you. Within this list, we will provide you with information to help you choose the best calculator for college.
Depending on your discipline, a calculator is likely a necessary tool in a variety of subjects. This can include electronics, medicine, sciences, and so much more.
No doubt, college courses can be hard and are more challenging than high school classes. Therefore, we want to ensure that you are adequately prepared to take on all the math classes that college may offer you with a new and highly functional calculator.
Whether you are looking for the best graphing calculators or the best calculator for a specific course, we got you. As well as providing information on some of the best calculators, we will also provide you with some helpful tips for choosing the calculator, which will be best for you.
If you want to just get back to studying, get our top pick for calculator for college here.
Last update: 2024-04-28
Our Favorites for Best Calculator for College
Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView Scientific Calculator
The TI-30XS is a scientific calculator brought to you by Texas Instrument. It is a simple calculator that boast an abundance of features. Not everyone needs to have a large calculator with a large screen. This calculator is perfect chemistry and science students.
What Makes it Unique:
- You will never have to worry about your batteries going dead with this one. This calculator is excellent because it runs on solar power as well as batteries.
- The TI-30XS can input information, as you would see in a textbook. Students can see items like the fraction bar and radical sign as they would anywhere else. This makes formatting items on your calculator a breeze.
- With this calculator, you even can compare results and enter multiple calculations .
Why Choose this Best Graphing Calculator for College:
- You no longer have to learn your calculator before you learn your math with this Texas Instrument.
- If you are looking to purchase your calculator a little early, this is an excellent option for standardized tests. It has been
- approved for both the ACT and SAT..
- Purchasers found this calculator to be easy to use and extremely helpful. It is highly recommended over the TI-30XS.
- Sold as 1 Each.
- Designed with unique features to allow you to enter more than one calculation, compare results and explore patterns, all on the same screen. Enter and view calculations in common Math Notation via the MATHPRINT Mode, including stacked fractions, exponents, exact square roots and more.
- Quickly view fractions and decimals in alternate forms by using the Toggle Key.
Last update: 2024-04-28
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator
The TI-84 Plus is one calculator that is great for all-purpose graphing. It has several features that students in college will benefit from and can last students for a very long time. This is one of the most recommended TI products.
What Makes it Unique:
- The TI-84 plus can be used for an abundance of courses, including geometry, physics, biology, and so much more. This calculator is exceptionally well rounded. The TI-84 was initially created with the high school student in mind; however, it is excellent for college students as well.
- This is the newer version of a TI-84 plus. It boasts the same button layouts and features, but with a color screen, bring it into modern times.
- This calculator boasts a backlit display and is available in several different colors.
- The calculator even comes with a rechargeable battery and several pre-loaded applications. It also comes with the MathPrint.
Why Choose this Best Graphing Calculator for College:
- This calculator is an upgrade from its predecessor and presents information clearly and concisely.
- This calculator is also 30% thinner than the other options and has its own operating system.
- The calculator also comes equipped with a “deep sleep mode” which allows it to hibernate for extended periods.
- 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: 2024-04-27
Runner Ups for Best Calculator for College
Texas Instruments Nspire CX CAS Graphing Calculator
The Nspire CX CAS is a newer, more current graphing calculator. It includes an abundance of features. It also allows you to scroll and save items as you would on a computer. This is an excellent option for someone tech-savvy and able to learn new things quickly, or else you will spend more time learning the calculator than doing the actual math.
What Makes it Unique:
- The Nspire comes with a CAS, also known as a Computer Algebra System. This system allows you to be able to solve any equation by merely using the designated solve button. It also allows you to receive exact answers, perform factoring, perform trig functions, and so much more.
- The user interface looks like that of a small windows computer. It features a backlit display on its full-color screen and utilizes a trackpad and cursor for navigation. When graphing, you are even able to see color-coded lines for equations.
- The device has rechargeable batters and can work for up to two weeks with regular use.
Why Choose this Best Graphing Calculator for College:
- Purchasers found this calculator to be highly capable and appreciated the inclusion of the PC software.
- Students currently using this calculator found it extremely helpful. Several of the functions can aid you in your courses and help you get a better understanding of the material.
- This is an excellent calculator for engineering and math students. However, because of the CAS system, it is not able to be used on most standardized exams.
- 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: 2024-04-27
HP Prime Graphing Calculator
HP Prime is another excellent calculator option for students. Which comes fully equipped with a touch screen display. Yes, you read that, right! A calculator with a touchscreen!
What Makes it Unique:
- The HP Prime has a high resolution, color touch screen display. This makes it much easier when doing things like graphing, fractions, and so much more.
- HP Prime also comes equipped with features that are meant for educators and students. This includes several problem solvers.
- The calculator includes a rechargeable battery as well as a micro USB port.
- HP does not skimp on the features with this calculator. It consists of a variety of pop-up menus, spreadsheet applications, zoom options, and a CAS system.
- This calculator is speedy and boasts a sleek design.
Why Choose this Best Graphing Calculator for College:
- For all of the features you get with this calculator, you would assume it would be well over the hundred-dollar price mark like the Nspire, but it is not, making it even more attractive.
- Though this may not be the best calculator for engineers, based on purchasers’ criticism, it is excellent for students outside of the discipline.
- IB Diploma Programme exam approved
- Sleek, slim, brushed metal design that looks great and performs even better. Keep the calculator protected when it's not in use with a slide-on cover
- Enjoy a feature-rich calculating experience with familiar HP alphanumeric keypad and a large 3.5-inch diagonal, multi-touch display
Last update: 2024-04-27
Value Picks for Best Calculator for College
Casio fx-9860GII Graphing Calculator
This Casio calculator is a solid and easy to use option which can be directly compared to the TI-84 plus. It performs all of the functions that you would expect out of a graphing calculator. This is a great cheaper option if you simply need something functional for a couple of classes.
What Makes it Unique:
- The calculator has a series of mini menus that allow you to access various functions on the calculator. It makes finding different functions a quick and simple task.
- The calculator includes apps for geometry, financial functions like compounding interest, and cash flow, as well as several others.
- Answers are presented to the users in their simplest form.
- 4 AAA rechargeable batteries power this calculator.
Why Choose this Best Graphing Calculator for College:
- This calculator is great because it is easy to use and simple to understand.
- This is an older calculator; therefore, the screen may not have the best quality; however, it is excellent for the price.
- This is an excellent option for someone who does not have an abundance of math courses in their curriculum but still needs a calculator.
- 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: 2024-04-28
How to Choose the Best Calculator for College for You
How often do you take into consideration purchases for things as small as calculators? Most often, the student generally chooses the most recommended item by a professor and simply use that calculator for the remainder of its life. However, choosing a calculator that is specific to your needs and wants will not only make usage of the calculator easy, it also can help you to better understand your math or science courses. The list below provides you with common areas that should be taken into consideration when purchasing a calculator for college.
Calculator Type
Often time, many people do not know the difference between a graphing calculator and a scientific calculator. This can be an issue when it comes to assessing which calculator is better for you than others. Both of these are different calculators named for their functions. A graphing calculator can perform more complex operations.
This type of calculator would be ideal for calculus, or it can be seen as the best calculator for linear algebra. They will also offer varying price points. Scientific calculators are generally cheaper and used throughout your high school career. They can handle things like trigonometric functions and even inverse functions.
Calculator Functions
Calculator functions are another area that you should take into account when looking to purchase a new calculator. Different types of calculators may have a variety of more complex functions. Generally, your calculator will have multiple types of functions. These functions include functions that are notated by buttons, 2nd level functions, which you will need to use the shift or the function key to activate, and some more advanced calculators will even have third level functions.
Having an abundance of functions is not a necessity and can even work against the user. Having this many options may clutter the calculator, making it hard to use.
Processors
Processor consideration may sound confusing, but hear us out. Your calculator is essentially a mini-computer, much like your phone or a tablet. Like any of our other electronic devices, we will want it to run fast. If you are looking for the best calculator for SAT, chances are you don’t want a calculator, which takes 3 minutes to perform one operation. Calculator processor speed uses a measurement of Megahertz. If you are looking for a calculator that can download things like games, apps, and programs, the processor will be critical.
Screen Size & Color
Screen sizing is another make or break area for your calculator. By eliminating the screen sizes you know you do not want, you can quickly narrow down your options. This is an option that is all about preference. Some people may like smaller screens, whereas others may like larger screens. If you are someone who is consistently using your calculator for graphing, a larger screen may serve you more.
Color is another option that is available to you. Though calculators previously did not have the option to come with a color screen that has changed. Having a color screen is not needed; however, it is a matter of preference. Some calculators will give you the option to set images and pictures as screensavers, which would, of course, look better in color. Calculators also have the option to show various lines in various colors, making it easy to differentiate things like slope or intercept.
Price
Another strong consideration for narrowing down your calculator options is pricing. With anything else, the more features a calculator has, the price will likely be higher. As technology continues to advance, and more features are added to calculators, the price will likely increase. We have seen similar increases in the cost of cellphones.
Make a budget for yourself and stick to it. If you are looking for a calculator that will receive a good amount of use and will be needed for multiple classes, you may want to check out the mid-range options. Though you may want to spend as little as possible, cheaper is not always best. Also, if your college major is more math-focused or you are an engineering or math student, it may be helpful to look into more of the high-priced options.
Battery Life
Last but not least, battery life is another crucial factor in determining if a calculator is for you. Power sources for calculators can vary. Many smaller, featureless calculators use solar power to operate; however, more feature-rich graphing and scientific calculators often use battery power. It’s important to assess how often you will be using your calculator. Though batteries can be expensive, if you are not using your device as often, there is nothing wrong with simply using regular batteries. However, if you know that you will be using your calculator regularly, rechargeable batteries are def the better option.
With these tips, we are sure that you now have the information you need to find the best graphing calculator online or in-store. You can now be confident that you know what to look for when choosing the best one for you.
Wrapping Things Up: The Best Calculator for College Books
In closing, here are the best calculator for college we went over today:
Last update: 2024-04-28
These are some of the greatest calculator options to choose from when looking for the best calculator for college. They offer a wide variety of features and possibilities. Having the right calculator can make or break the way that you understand math. Calculators make solving complex problems that may be too tedious to do by hand much easier.
If you are looking for a calculator that is as current as the times, the Nspire or the HP Prime are two excellent options. Both come equipped with color, backlit display, and the Prime also has a touch screen. If you are looking for something without all the bells and whistles that are still great and easy to use, the Casio fx-9860GII is your man.
If you are not sold on the options we have included in this list, don’t worry, we have provided you with the tools to learn how to pick your own. There are several things that you must take into consideration when choosing a calculator. For example, battery life is one important feature. Having a calculator that can perform your function is useless if the calculator does not stay turned on.
With all of this information, you now should have everything you need to pick the perfect calculator for college.
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