For students planning to take advanced math classes in high school or move on to math- or science-based degree programs in college, investing in a good graphing calculator while in high school can mean paying that one expensive price tag and not worrying about it again. While there are basic graphing calculators on the market, some of the more advanced models are better equipped for advanced math that students may encounter in university. These high-quality calculators have everything from touchscreens to 3D color displays.
Calculators have come a long way in the past few decades and are making it easier and more fun for students to engage in math classes. If you are or have a student who needs a graphing calculator, here are some of the best options currently available.
Texas Instruments has been making the graphic calculator for decades, and they’re still the best of the best. The TI-84 Plus CE, which is the latest version of what millennials probably used in high school, has a fully backlit color display, comes in a variety of colors to choose from, and is lightweight enough to fit into a backpack or purse easily.
This calculator has everything students need for class: It’s fully loaded with several applications and functions for a variety of math classes and levels. Plus, the battery is rechargeable, so not only are you saving money on constantly replacing batteries, but it’s easy enough for students to remember to charge it at the same time as their phones and smartwatches. Best of all, it’s PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exam approved.
Pros:
Full-color displayIt comes in a variety of colorsApproved for PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams
Cons:
A bit on the pricey side
Also: The 7 best calculators for school: Standard, scientific, and graphing If you’re on a tighter budget but still need a graphic calculator, the Catiga CS-121 gets the job done. This calculator is under $50 but still has 280 functions available for various math classes in high school and college. It’s also available in a few different colors if boring black doesn’t suit. Though the display isn’t in color, it will still give you the functionality of building graphics and crunching numbers. It’s also approved for standardized testing, as it’s a non-CAS calculator. Though it’s classified as a scientific calculator, it has graphing capabilities, which means it doubles as both options. Pros:
Approved for PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP examsVariety of colors available280 functions available
Cons:
Primitive display
The Casio Prizm FX-CG50 is small but mighty (and actually a bit on the hefty size for as small as it is). This graphic calculator comes with a precise and stunning color display, so you can really see your graphs in 3D as you’re building them. The button display, however, is on the simple side, making this a great entry-level graphic calculator for students who haven’t spent a lot of time working with them before. The price tag puts it in the middle of the pack, making this a good all-around choice, especially for younger students. The battery life on this one, though, isn’t great, and it does require four AA batteries that could need replaced often. It’s not a bad idea to use rechargeable AA batteries to cut down on the cost of replacing them so often. Pros:
Approved for PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP examsSimple to use3D color display
Cons:
Requires 4 AA batteries, which can get expensive to replace often
The NumWorks Graphic Calculator is compact, functional, and easy for high school students to toss into their backpacks for class. It has a 320 x 240-pixel color display and can handle most high school-level math and science classes. It has a battery that lasts up to 20 hours and can be charged with the included USB cord. This calculator comes with preloaded app functions but doesn’t include a lot of bells and whistles – it’s designed for high school students by teachers. Pros:
Can be charged with a USB cable (included)Simple interface for studentsColor display
Cons:
Not designed for advanced math or science classes
The Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CAS is one of the most advanced graphing calculators you’ll find, so if your student doesn’t have a need for advanced functions and geometric animations, go ahead and opt for something simpler. For college students who have those higher-level classes, though, this calculator can handle it all. You’ll find six graph styles on here as well as a full-color screen that you can coordinate with your equations and functions. The display is also 3D, so your graphs and animations will come to life in front of your eyes while you’re doing your homework. Pros:
CAS functions3D color displayRechargeable battery option
Cons:
PriceyMore advanced than most younger students needNot approved for standardized tests
What makes the HP Prime Graphing Calculator stand out is its touchscreen. HP is known for its touchscreen electronics; naturally, the brand extended that into the calculator space. This advanced calculator can get students through all their advanced math and science classes (including those that require Computer Algebra System [CAS]). The touchscreen also allows for even more functionality while crunching numbers and watching the shapes unfold on the screen. This calculator should suit pretty much any student and is a solid investment for high schoolers who will take more advanced college classes. Pros:
Touchscreen technologyRechargeable battery optionApproved for IB, SAT, AP, ACT, and AP exams
Cons:
Pricey
However, if you’re shopping for your high school student who will likely go into college to study a math- or science-based major, investing in a high-quality graphing calculator that can handle advanced math functions in high school isn’t a bad idea. What you need to keep in mind also, though, is that – just like other technology – companies release upgraded models every few years. So even if you’re investing in a graphing calculator now, there might be a better one on the market by the time your student gets to college, and you might find yourself buying another one. If a quality calculator is in the budget now, though, it’s a good product for students to have. Just remember, though, that any of these graphing calculators recommended here are great picks – no matter the price.
