Keep ‘Em Calculated: The 5 Best Scientific Calculators for Students

* A mini-guide to five best-value scientific calculators
* Find and compare features, from solar powered function to color displays
* Explore a full range of functions, from essential to top-of-the-line

Whether you’re doing a career 180 or there’s a blossoming scholar in your life, being well-equipped for any academic pursuit is a must in today’s competitive environment. So for all the future STEM leaders and innovators out there, we’ve rounded up five solid scientific calculators for students, with options from robust yet budget friendly, to models with all the bells and whistles.

1. Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS  Scientific Calculator

A great starter scientific calculator, or for those who just need essential functions, Texas Instruments is still the gold standard at any price point. The TI 30X IIS has a 2-line display and can handle 1 and 2 variable statistical calculations, 3 angle, scientific and engineering notation modes. And of course, the cheerful lime green casing doesn’t hurt, either.

2. Sharp Scientific Calculator

Though not as powerful as the full-color TI’s and the Casio PRIZM, the Sharp Scientific Calculator still covers the basics with 7 modes and 640 functions to aid you in everything from data plotting to cubic equations. Plus you’ll never have to buy batteries for this model – it runs on solar power.

3. Texas Instruments TI-84

This model TI comes preloaded with software, including key programs like Cabri Jr. interactive geometry software. This powerful tool also includes the ability for 10 graphing functions defined, saved, graphed and analyzed at one time. Our all-around best value for performance and price.

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4. Casio PRIZM Graphing Calculator

Priced a little lower than the TI Nspire, the Casio PRIZM isn’t exactly a slouch, either. This slick graphing calculator comes equipped with a full-color LCD screen, so you can view and assign colors to graphs, charts and spreadsheet formatting. However, with the drop in price also comes a lack of rechargable batteries or the ability to graph or rotate 3D functions.