After graduating from middle school and into high school, there are a lot of preparations that you are going to make. Buying new books, stationery and of course, a new calculator. Making sure that you buy the right instruments is essential as it can help you a lot along the way.
Currently, everyone who is getting into high school needs a calculator. Although an argument can be made on whether if you really need it or not. But what is important is that you are getting the calculator that you think is right for you and your course.
We understand that buying the right calculator is a difficult decision and therefore our team of experts has created a list of the best calculator for high school. Not only that, but we are also going to tell you all the things that you need to know before buying a calculator.
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Best Calculator for High School Reviews
There are multiple factors that you need to think about. And to help you narrow your choices down so that you do not have to spend too much time looking, we have come up with on what we think are the top 5 calculators that you can use in high school.
1. Texas Instruments TI-30XIIS Scientific Calculator
Some students prefer having a display that is big which will allow them to solve large mathematical problems on the same screen.
The Texas Instruments TI – 30XIIS Scientific Calculator is perfect for that. It comes with a two-line display that allows you to solve mathematical problems that can help you input your problem and show the answer on its big display.
Most likeable features
For students who need help with statistical calculations, this calculator can easily handle 1 and 2 variable statistical problems. It also comes with three angle modes which are degrees, radians, and grads. This will save you time as you do not have to convert to it manually.
The calculator works on both battery and solar power. You do not have to manually recharge it and the battery can last a long time. The calculator automatically switches to battery power when solar power is not available and the use of solar power saves battery power.
Probable drawbacks
We noticed that the buttons on the Texas Instruments TI – 30XIIS are not as sensitive as some of the other calculators in this list. This can lead to several typos, and it can take a while getting used to. Please keep this in consideration when deciding.
Key Features
- 2-line display
- Handles 1 and 2 variable statistical problems
- Solar and Battery powered
- 3 angle modes
2. Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator
Some students prefer having a display that is bright so that they can easily read from the calculator and do not have to worry if they somehow end up working in poorly lit room.
For them we recommend the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator. It comes with a high resolution and a fully colored backlit display. You do not have to worry about not being able to read your calculator even if you are working in the dark.
Most likeable features
This calculator will enable you to plot graphs easily with just a simple input. This can save you a lot of time as you do not have to plot a graph manually to get your answer. The calculator will do most of the work for you, all you must do is make sure the input is correct.
Since it is multicolored, the graphs are represented in different colors as well. So, if you are solving a problem which includes a graph with multiple plot lines then you can easily read it on your calculator as they are easily distinguishable since the are plotted in different colors.
Probable Drawbacks
The biggest turn off for us on this calculator is that it comes with a hefty price tag. This price tag can be upsetting for a lot of people as they are working with a smaller budget and for them, we do advise at looking some of the other calculators on this list.
Key Features
- Backlit display
- Rechargeable battery
- MathPrint feature
- Seventeen interactive zoom features
3. Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro Engineering/Scientific Calculator
There are people who are in the market for a scientific calculator that comes with a large display and want to work and view the solutions in just one screen.
If you are one of those people, then the Texas Instruments TI-36x Pro Scientific Calculator is perfect for you. It features a four-line display which allows you to solve your mathematical problems and view it on the same screen.
Most likeable feature
This calculator is ideal for students who are on a curriculum which does not allow graphing technology. It can almost everything that a graphing calculator can except the graphing part. Making it an ideal replacement if you are switching out from a graphics calculator.
It runs on both solar and battery power. This results to having a huge lifespan of the battery on this calculator. It runs on solar power but if solar power is not available then it will switch to battery power. As a result, extending the battery’s lifespan.
Probable Drawbacks
If you are in the market for a calculator that can plot graphs and help you solve them, then this product is not the right one. There are graphing calculators that plot entire graphs and show you all the solutions you need and if you are looking for that, then look at the other calculators in this list.
Key Features
- Choose from three solvers
- One and two variable statistics
- Four-line display
- Solar and battery powered
4. Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Graphics Calculator
There are certain curriculums which must require a graphics calculator. And we understand that a graphics calculator can be expensive.
If you are on a budget and need to buy a graphics calculator due to the requirements of a curriculum then the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Graphics Calculator is the best calculator for high school. Coming in a much more affordable price, it can perform most of the things that the expensive models can.
Most likeable features
It comes preloaded with a Cabri Jr, interactive geometry software which can really help with solving all the geometry problems that you may come across during your high school. It also comes preloaded with over a dozen applications which can be of great help.
We can guarantee that you will be completely satisfied with this purchase. You will find all sorts of resources that will help you find answers to all your questions while also getting access to a customer services and technical services.
Probable drawbacks
The Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Graphics Calculator does not come with a screen that can support color. So, if you want to compare two different plot lines, then the calculator will come up with two different graphs instead of plotting on the same graph.
Key Features
- Preloaded software
- Ten defined graphing functions
- Horizontal and vertical split screen options
- I/O port to communicate with other TI products
5. Texas Instruments TI-30Xa Scientific Calculator
There are students who are enrolled in curriculums that do not require any sort of algebraic problems or any other type of complex mathematical problems.
If you are included in that kind of curriculum then you can save a lot of money by buying the Texas Instruments TI-30Xa Scientific Calculator. It is very cheap and since you do not have to solve complex problems, you do not need to buy more advanced calculators.
Most likable features
It is a very simple calculator that we believe is very user-friendly. It can perform all the basic functions that a calculator can while not being overly complex, so you do not have to worry at all about getting used to it or learning how to use the calculator efficiently.
It comes with a one-line 10-digit display. Making the numbers appear large and easily readable. It can also perform basic scientific and trigonometric functions while also being able to show calculations in degrees, radians, and grads.
Key Features
- One-line, 10-digit display
- Fraction features
- Conversions
- One-variable statistics
Things to Consider Before Buying a Calculator for High School
Before finally deciding on which calculator, you think is going to be best for use during your study while in high school, there are going to be a few things that you should know. Therefore, we are going to discuss all the factors that you should know before making a purchase.
Display
Different models can come with all sorts of different type of displays. You need to understand which kind of display is going to be the most suitable for your use. There are calculators that have a bigger display, but other calculators can show different type of solutions in different colors.
You also must consider on whether you want a backlit display. Working in a room with poor lighting can be a problem since non-backlit displays do depend on the lighting of the room to be easily readable. Having a backlit display can get rid of that issue once and for all.
Battery
You must prioritize on the lifespan of the battery you are going to buy. You do not want to be in a situation where you are sitting in the middle of an exam and your calculator runs out of battery. That will put you in a very problematic situation.
Before making a final decision, you must understand that different kinds of calculators can have different kinds of battery. Before making that final purchase, please ensure that the calculator comes with a good battery, and you are comfortable with it.
Price
We understand that a lot of students do their preparations for high school while being on a budget. Even if you are not on a budget, you do not want to be spending too much on a calculator, specially if you do not need it.
Different types of calculators come with different costs. Some calculators are very expensive while others are much friendlier towards a budget. Please make sure to check the price and that you are comfortable with the price point of the calculator you decided to buy.
Type of Calculator
Different kinds of calculators can solve different types of mathematical problems. You must understand what your curriculum requires. If you do not buy a calculator according to the requirements, then you may end up not being able to solve certain mathematical problems.
Different types of calculators are efficient at solving different type of mathematical problems. Graphical calculators are better at solving graphing problems while scientific calculators are easier to operate. Make sure you are comfortable with the type of calculator you are going to purchase.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions & Answer
1. Do batteries come with the calculator?
Yes, most calculators do include a battery. This is because calculators are supposed to be something that you can just unpack and use. But if you want to be completely sure then please check before purchase.
2. Are cases included with the calculators?
Yes, most calculators do come with a hard cover case. Hard cover cases are important as it can save your calculators from any sort of damage.
3. Can all calculators plot graphs?
No, not all calculators can plot graphs. There are specific calculators in the market that can plot graphs, if you are looking for that then make sure to check before confirming your purchase.
4. Do calculators feature a speaker?
No, calculators usually do not come with a speaker. Most standard calculators do not come with a speaker as it is not necessary. If you are specifically looking for that feature, make sure to check before purchase.
5. Can the language be changed on a calculator?
No, unless stated, most calculators do not allow you to change language. Calculators usually display answers in English numerical format and if you are looking to be able to change language the make sure to check before purchase.
Final Word
We hope that you now have all the information you need to decide. Now that you have gone through our guide and reviews, you can be confident of the calculator that you are going to buy. So now go out there and make your final decision on what you think is the best calculator for high school.