The best calculators for high school in the UK 2023

A calculator is one of the most important school supplies. This is especially true if your child is already in high school. Whether it's for algebra, geometry or trigonometry, a high school calculator will affect your child's math grades. Texas Instruments, Casio, HP or others, this guide to the best high school calculators will help you find the right one for your teen.

Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE 1
9/10

Best value for money

Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE

The best high school calculator in 2021

This is the color version of the world's best-selling graphing calculator, the TI-84 Plus. It is recommended by many math teachers.

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The TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator comes preloaded with a dozen applications such as graphing inequalities, correct mathematical notation and data collection, and of course has a radian/degree mode and handles non-real and real numbers. The slim and light appearance is enhanced by a high resolution color backlit display. The color screen greatly improves plotting and display. This TI-83 Plus CE is very suitable for beginners, being very user-friendly. It is powered by 4 AAA batteries.

Casio FX-991EX 2
8/10

Best value for money

Casio FX-991EX

The best entry-level high school calculator

This calculator has received excellent reviews and high ratings, and for good reason. It benefits from high accuracy and a high-resolution black and white display.

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The Casio ClassWiz fx-991EX has one of the best screens among scientific calculators. It has about 4 times more pixels than the Texas Instruments models, and that's with the same screen size. Given the space on the screen, the numbers are easy to read. The Casio FX-991EX has 12 different applications that take it far beyond what you would expect from a high school calculator. One of the best features remains its ability to give answers in exact form. This means that if you type in an expression with fractional radicals or both, you will get an exact answer in the simplest form.

HP 50G 3
8/10

Best premium

HP 50G

The best high-end high school calculator

HP remains little known when it comes to calculators for high school. But that should change with the HP 50G. Without doubt one of the most powerful and accurate high school calculators.

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There's a lot to like about the HP 50G, starting with the operating system. Aside from the buttons for numbers and operations, most buttons will display a modern on-screen context menu or a discrete set of selections accessible with the F1-F6 buttons. The other great feature of this model is the ability to write in Reverse Polish Notation or RPN. This gives users the ability to enter their calculations in a different way, often more efficient for long calculations (for example, "3 + 4" becomes "3 4 +"). HP is the only manufacturer to include this feature in its graphing calculators.

Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus 4
7/10

best-seller

Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus

The best-selling high school calculator

This high school calculator is the most popular and also the oldest. The design and finish quality seem outdated, but the accessibility, simplicity and performance are still top notch.

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The TI-84 Plus graphing calculator has all the essential functions to meet graphing needs. It does not have a color screen, but the display is still excellent. Users can easily access advanced functions by scrolling through the menus. We like the horizontal and vertical split-screen options, allowing users to view essential information without having to scroll . Good to know, the TI-84 Plus has been approved by standardized testing agencies for use on national exams. It uses 4 AAA batteries as well as a lithium backup battery, which protects the RAM.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best high school calculator

Any specific needs?

The best high school calculator in 2021

The best entry-level high school calculator

The best high-end high school calculator

The best-selling high school calculator

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best calculators for high school

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE 5
9/10
Casio FX-991EX 6
8/10
HP 50G 7
8/10
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus 8
7/10
OUR SELECTION
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE
Casio FX-991EX
HP 50G
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus
This is the color version of the world's best-selling graphing calculator, the TI-84 Plus. It is recommended by many math teachers.
This calculator has received excellent reviews and high ratings, and for good reason. It benefits from high accuracy and a high-resolution black and white display.
HP remains little known when it comes to calculators for high school. But that should change with the HP 50G. Without doubt one of the most powerful and accurate high school calculators.
This high school calculator is the most popular and also the oldest. The design and finish quality seem outdated, but the accessibility, simplicity and performance are still top notch.
Excellent value for money
Exact form response
RPN input
Split display
Easy to use
12 applications
Expandable memory
Lithium backup battery to protect RAM
High resolution color display
High resolution monochrome display
Very advanced features
EasyData analysis function

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Buying guide - high school calculator

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How to choose your high school calculator

It would be a huge mistake to think that all high school calculators are equal. There are certain factors you need to consider before making a final purchase, as the calculator must meet specific needs.

#1 - The functions

The buttons on a graphing calculator for high school usually have at least two functions. For example, the COS button also contains the COS-1 function. You must press a SHIFT key or some other button to access the second function on the same button. If a high school calculator has too many extra functions, it can create a cluttered and confusing reading area. You should look at a variety of models to select the unit that best meets your needs. Favor models that offer two, or at most three, levels of function.

#2 - Graphics capabilities

One of the key elements when choosing a calculator for high school is the display capabilities, or the type of graphs the calculator can display. A high school student may not need the same display capabilities as an engineer. You should also consider the calculator's ability to download applications and programs. If a calculator has this capability, it allows the calculator to progress as the user progresses.

#3 - The display screen

The display is based solely on preference. All monochrome displays work essentially the same way. However, with graphing calculators, you can choose a larger screen or even a colored screen. The choice depends on your child's needs and desires.

#4 - Autonomy

Most high school calculators require batteries or battery power to operate. The best choice then would be to choose a rechargeable model if your child plans to use the calculator extensively.

What is a high school calculator?

The best calculators for high school 9

Some of you may be asking what a high school calculator is. Well, to make a long story short, it's a graphing calculator. It is essentially a device designed to help you visually understand math calculations and concepts.

The primary function of a graphing calculator is to solve various equations simultaneously. The results of these equations are then plotted on a graph that is displayed on the calculator's single screen. When you look at any brand of graphing calculator, you will immediately notice that this single screen is much larger than any other calculator.

A graphing calculator is also equipped with a wide range of buttons, functions and programs to perform a multitude of tasks that calculators should not be able to do. The most basic models will have fairly limited functions, but there are also more expensive models with advanced features. These features are useful when you are trying to work with quadratic, polynomial and linear functions.

You can also use a graphing calculator to determine points of intersection, parabolas, cubic functions, graphing lines and a variety of other mathematical problems. If you're working with precise numbers that involve a lot of numbers and scientific notation, you can manipulate algebraic equations using brackets and answers stored on the calculator's visual graphic display.

Scientific calculator or graphing calculator for high school?

Scientific calculator for high school

A scientific calculator can perform a variety of complex calculations. These calculations include trigonometry functions such as sine, tangent and cosine and their inverse functions.

A scientific calculator can also handle logarithms and exponentiation calculations. These are the basic features for high school students. While most models consist of a single-line display similar to basic calculators, some have 10 to 12 digits with extra digits for floating-point arithmetic.

Typically, high-end scientific calculators offer Boolean calculations, hexadecimal calculations, fractions and probability calculations, complex numbers, physical constants, unit conversion, calculus and matrix calculations.

Graphing calculator for high school

However, a graphing calculator is much more complex and offers a huge advantage over simple scientific calculators. When solving complicated functions like calculus, you will need a graphing calculator. This ability is invaluable in various types of math problems.

Graphing calculators are extremely useful in physics, engineering, statistics and some areas of applied biology. If a problem requires different steps, large numbers, decimal values, etc., you will need a calculator that can record various calculations.

A graphing calculator needs a large screen to present a visual representation of the problem. Overall, graphing calculators are more sophisticated and offer more calculation capabilities.

Verdict

A graphing calculator can be used to solve any mathematical problem. It can perform all the basic calculations and a variety of more complex problems. It is therefore more complete and can be used by the high school student during the three years of high school, especially if he or she is taking a science course. A simple scientific calculator will suffice for high school students in 10th grade or who will only be doing basic math throughout high school.

Tips

Do not skimp on the means

A good graphing calculator should be considered a long-term investment. Choose wisely and the calculator will serve your child well throughout high school and beyond. While new models come on the market from time to time, the basic functions of calculators remain the same, which means your child can also pass the device on to his or her little sister or brother to reinvest in a new calculator.

Choose a graphing calculator with Wi-Fi

Some

high-end calculators have Wi-Fi connectivity so that data from other scientific devices such as weather gauges, decibels, photometers, electronic thermometers, etc. can be evaluated

.

Use the memory function to solve logarithms

Another reason you might want to consider using a graphing calculator for logarithms is that it has built-in memory, which allows you to store some equations. If you're working on something that requires multiple sessions, you can have your calculator store what you've already entered into the device. This makes it easier to return if you need to take a break or want to try a different combination.

Make sure the calculator has sine, cosine and tangent functions

Like

logarithms, calculating sine, cosine, and tangent on paper takes some time. With high school calculators, you can get the answer almost immediately once you enter the function correctly. Look for the sin, cos and tan buttons on any calculator to make sure it includes these functions.

FAQ

What is the best calculator for high school?

The best calculator for high school depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide to find the best products out there.

Can a high school calculator solve binary functions?

Similar to the way you enter equations into your calculator to calculate notations, tangents, and sines, the vast majority of graphing calculators for high school can solve binary functions. These equations require two inputs.

What is the main difference between a scientific calculator and a graphing calculator?

A scientific calculator has the ability to perform calculations that are a little more complex than simple division, multiplication, subtraction and addition. You can perform functions, such as trig, exponents and logarithms. On the other hand, with a graphing calculator you can enter a function and see a graph of it in the display screen. In addition, the graphing calculator can solve integral and matrix calculations, which is not possible with a scientific calculator.

Does my child really need Wi-Fi connectivity on their calculator?

Your child doesn't need the most sophisticated model to be successful, but there have been significant advances with graphing calculators in recent years. These include Wi-Fi and the ability to share calculations with classmates or the instructor.

Is the use of a graphing calculator allowed in class?

Often, finding the answers to equations is as simple as using one or two keys, which can make solving difficult problems faster and easier. And while most teachers now encourage the use of calculators in their classrooms, it's worth asking first if this type of device is allowed.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE 10
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE
Casio FX-991EX 11
Casio FX-991EX
HP 50G 12
HP 50G
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus 13
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus

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