If you or your kids are preparing for an advanced math or science course, a graphing calculator is an essential tool. These handy machines can process complex calculations, including graphing multiple equations at once, all displayed on a large screen. They can even store important equations and help you learn topics like trigonometry. While there are free online graphing calculators available, having a physical calculator is much more efficient for frequent use. In this article, we will explore the best graphing calculators available in the market that can meet your needs for advanced math and science courses.
Best Overall: Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator
The Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator is our top pick for its solid features and overall performance. It offers a wide range of functions and features a multi-line display with vertical and horizontal split-screen options, providing all the information you need at a glance. With 14-digit accuracy and 10 graphing functions, this calculator allows you to save and work on up to 10 graphs simultaneously. While it lacks a color display and is relatively heavy compared to other options, its versatility and value make it an excellent choice for high school students.
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 10.7 x 7 x 2 in.
- Weight: 14.4 oz.
- Power Source: One lithium metal battery
Best Budget: Casio fx-9750GIII Graphing Calculator
For those on a budget, the Casio fx-9750GIII Graphing Calculator is a versatile and affordable option. It is suitable for middle school through high school and even some early college classes. This user-friendly calculator features an icon-based display menu that covers all the basics students need, from pre-algebra to trigonometry and geometry. With a high-resolution backlit LCD, three megabytes of flash memory, and high processing speed, this calculator offers excellent performance at a budget-friendly price.
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 6.6 x 3.25 x 0.75 in.
- Weight: 7.5 oz.
- Power Source: Four AAA batteries
Best for Higher Education: Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II Color Graphing Calculator
If you're pursuing higher-level math courses, the Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II Color Graphing Calculator is an excellent choice. This slim and lightweight calculator offers interactive full-color visuals and 3D graphing capabilities, making it ideal for college-level math. It is approved for SAT, ACT, and AP exams, and comes with a software bundle that provides students with more graphing options. The calculator also includes a hard case and two USB cables. However, it has a steep learning curve, so it may be more suitable for advanced students.
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 7.5 x 3 x 0.6 in.
- Weight: 7 oz.
- Power Source: One lithium-ion battery
Best Value Color: Casio PRIZM FX-CG50 Color Graphing Calculator
The Casio PRIZM FX-CG50 Color Graphing Calculator offers excellent value for its features. With more than 65,000 colors and 82,000 pixels on its high-resolution LCD screen, this calculator provides a textbook-like display for easy reading. It also offers 3D graphing capabilities, making it a versatile tool for high school and college math students. The PRIZM model has an icon-based menu system that is easy to navigate, and its graphs are clearly laid out. However, some customers have reported issues with battery life.
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 2 in.
- Weight: 12.8 oz.
- Power Source: Four AA batteries
Best for High School: Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator
The Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator is a popular choice among high school students. It offers a wide range of functions and comes with a bevy of preloaded apps. The calculator can graph on images and has outstanding battery life, running for up to a month with average use on a single charge. It is available in eight attractive colors, allowing students to personalize their calculator. With its vibrant display and streamlined design, the TI-84 Plus CE is a reliable companion for high school math courses.
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 7.5 x 3.4 x 0.6 in.
- Weight: 12 oz.
- Power Source: One lithium metal battery
Best for Beginners: Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator
For beginners in graphing calculators, the Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator is a solid choice. It is perfect for middle school pre-algebra or early high school algebra classes. The TI-83 Plus is lightweight and user-friendly, with a built-in memory that can store up to 10 matrices. It features an LCD split screen for graph tracing and scrolling through tables, as well as an interactive equation solver. While it has a low-resolution, colorless screen, it provides all the essential functions for beginners.
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 7 x 3.5 x 1 in.
- Weight: 8 oz.
- Power Source: Four AAA batteries; one lithium metal battery
Best Design: NumWorks Graphing Calculator
If you're looking for a graphing calculator with a modern design, the NumWorks Graphing Calculator is worth considering. With its simple, minimalist white design, it stands out from the crowd. The calculator features a smartphone-like appeal, with a split keyboard for easy navigation. It comes with six built-in apps for high school math and science courses. The NumWorks calculator has a micro USB port for recharging and offers up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge.
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.4 x 3 in.
- Weight: 5.9 oz.
- Power Source: One lithium-ion battery
In conclusion, when choosing a graphing calculator for advanced math and science courses, consider the specific requirements of your course and the features that best suit your needs. The calculators mentioned in this article offer a range of options, from budget-friendly choices to high-end models with advanced capabilities. Select the calculator that aligns with your academic goals and provides the necessary functions for your coursework. With the right graphing calculator by your side, you'll be well-equipped to tackle complex calculations and excel in your math and science classes.
