Best Scientific Math Calculator – Which One?

Students need all of the best tools when they are in math class and one of those is a scientific calculator. There are so many scientific calculators on the market that it can become overwhelming which one to get. Many of the operations required by the syllabus and the final examination require specific functions that not all calculators have. And some are easier to operate than others. Some have graphing capabilities while others have several lines of text that make it easy to read and operate. But which one is the best scientific math calculator?

First of all Scientific Calculators are different than business/financial calculators. The way you can tell the difference is by looking at the keys. If you notice keys like AMORT, BRKEVEN, PROFIT, DEPR, PV, PMENT it is likely a business calculator and will not have the keys required for most Math Classes needed scientific functions. Business calculators will have some simple seemingly ‘scientific’ functions like square root and percentage, but these are only a few. Look harder and you will not see keys lke TAN, SIN, COS, etc.

So you will need to ensure the calculator is noted specifically as a ‘Scientific Calculator’. This kind of calculator will have keys like LOG, COS, SIN, TAN, A/B or fraction key, Pi, 10 to the power of x, and so on. These are the functions that will be needed to complete those mathematical tasks required by high school students and needed for examinations.

But which calculators are the best scientific calculators for math class? Here are a few that I have used or seen others use that have various capabilities. You can decide which scientific calculator is best for your an your math class.

1. SHARP EL-W516

This calculator has all the functions needed for math class.

• Large 16 Digit, WriteView 4 Line LCD Display
• 7 Modes: Normal, Stat, Drill, Complex, Matrix, List & Equation with 640 Functions
• Home Key Allows Users To Start Fresh From Any Screen
• Quadratic & Cubic Equation Solvers and 3 Variable Linear Equation Solvers
• Durable, Gloss Black FInish with Silver Accents and Protective Hard Casedf

This scientific calculator has an advanced, 4-line scientific calculator with WriteView display and allows calculations to be entered and displayed as they would appear in a textbook. With 640 functions, the EL-W516TBSL is ideal for students studying general math and science, pre-algebra, algebra I & II, geometry, pre-calculus, calculus, trigonometry, statistics, biology, chemistry, and physics. I like the four arrow keys at the top which allow you to move around on the screen. I also like the durable matte black finish with silver accents and the fact that it operates on twin-power (solar with battery backup).

2. TEXAS INSTRUMENTS TI-34 MULTIVIEW

Allows 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.

Scroll through previous entries and investigate critical patterns as well as viewing and pasting into a new calculation.

This scientific calculator comes with a manual/that shows all the functions that’s pre-programed. It also has an ‘ans’ button that allows you to perform an operation based on the last answer. Multiple fraction buttons let you do mixed numbers as well as proper fractions. The screen allows you to see the working exactly as you would write it on paper, especially with fractions. There is an off and on button which can help save battery life. The f-d button lets you switch quickly between a fraction and a decimal. The arrow buttons are conveniently located at the top left in an all-in-one style that is easy to maneuver. A convenient ‘delete’ button lets you erase mistakes quickly. The TRIG button allows you to choose any of the trig functions (SIN, COS, TAN).

3. CASIO FX-991ESPLUS

This scientific calculator comes with a large display that shows integrals, fractions and trig functions very clearly. It also has an ‘ans’ button that allows you to perform an operation based on the last answer like the TI-34. The fraction button is easy to visually see how to enter the information for fractions.

Other buttons have a small filled in dot letting you know where the number should go. Shift allows more functions and the Alpha button allows even more functions. The S-D button switches back and froth to decimal and fraction values. You can work with matrices as well as other number systems like binary. One great tool is the minus key which makes working with negative numbers awesome. There is also separate on and off buttons to save power. Separate cube roots and cubes give more flexibility. I really love this calculator. There is a newer version of this called the CASIO FX-991ESPLUS2

4. CASIO FX-991ES Plus 2

This newer version of the FX-991ES has a totally new look.

Just released July 23, 2020 the FX-991ES Plus 2 is an ideal scientific calculator for secondary school and university students. It has a natural textbook display feel so the writing looks exactly as it appears in books. It has over 400 functions including equations,, synthesis values, variability indexes, matrices, vectors, regression, correlation coefficients, complex numbers, memory formulas, physical constants, integral and differential numerical calculation. It is definitely worth the upgrade from the 991 Plus with more control of the arrow buttons and a more business like interface.

• Admitted to maturity exams
• Natural display to insert and display numerical expressions as they appear on textbooks
• 24 levels of brackets
• Regression and correlation coefficients
• Solar power and battery

5. TEXAS INSTRUMENTS TI-30XS

This scientific calculator has a display that is easy to read and shows fractions, roots and other symbols clearly. It is longer in size and the oblong shape is a little clumsy in your hand but provides a good user experience due to its many features. The arrow buttons are located in the top right making it easy to scroll up and down on the screen.

• 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.
• Scroll through previous entries and investigate critical patterns as well as viewing and pasting into a new calculation.
• Explore an x, y table of values for a given function, automatically or by entering specific x values.

Use multiple power and root keys to perform calculations (there are separate keys for x to the power of -1 and x squared). Switch between fractions and decimals with the F-D button. There are separate keys for PI, delete, x10, on/off, enter, screen brightness, log, mode and 2nd function.

In Summary

I have used all of the calculators and find usefulness in all of the above scientific calculators for math classes. However, my favorite one is the Casio 991ES. The location of the functions, the negative key and the ease of switching between fractions and decimals along with the roots and powers buttons right next to each other with the ability to press the button and then enter the numbers is powerful. It is very similar to the Casio FX115ESPLUS which works almost the same.