Best Calculators for College Students
The best calculators for college students depend on your major. Most students do fine with a scientific calculator like the TI-36X Pro. Math and engineering majors may want a graphing or CAS calculator, and business majors need a financial calculator. Check each syllabus first, since many college math exams ban calculators.
Disclosure: product links on this page are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Our lessons never contain affiliate links.
Quick picks
| Major or need | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most students | TI-36X Pro | A powerful scientific calculator at a low price |
| Engineering and physics | Casio fx-991CW ClassWiz | Equation solver, matrices and many built-in functions |
| Calculus and statistics | TI-84 Plus CE | The graphing calculator most courses expect |
| Math majors who want CAS | HP Prime G2 | Touchscreen and a computer algebra system |
| Business and finance | TI BA II Plus | Loans, interest, cash flows and present value |
How to choose a calculator for college
- Read the syllabus before you buy. Many calculus exams allow no calculator at all. Engineering and science departments sometimes allow only certain models on exams.
- Match the calculator to your major. STEM students use scientific or graphing models. Business students need a financial calculator.
- Don’t overspend. A good scientific calculator covers most general-education math and science courses.
- Know what CAS means. A CAS calculator can do algebra with variables. It’s handy for homework but often banned on exams.
Scientific calculators
TI-36X Pro
TI’s top scientific calculator solves equations and systems and works with vectors, matrices and complex numbers. It can also estimate derivatives and integrals. It’s the best value for most STEM students.
Best for: engineering, physics, chemistry and most math courses
Casio fx-991CW ClassWiz
Casio’s ClassWiz packs an equation solver, matrices, vectors, statistics and a spreadsheet into a clear, high-resolution display. It’s a strong alternative to the TI-36X Pro.
Best for: engineering and science majors
Sharp EL-W516TBSL
Sharp’s WriteView display shows problems the way they look on paper. It covers the functions a general science or statistics course needs.
Best for: general-education science and statistics
TI-30XS MultiView
A simpler four-line scientific calculator. It’s enough for college algebra, intro statistics and chemistry. This listing includes a protective case.
Best for: non-STEM majors who need a calculator for one or two courses
Graphing and CAS calculators
TI-84 Plus CE
Many college algebra, precalculus, calculus and statistics courses still teach with the TI-84 Plus CE. If you already own one from high school, keep it.
Best for: calculus, statistics and courses that use TI-84 steps
TI-Nspire CX II
The TI-Nspire CX II (non-CAS) is faster than the TI-84 and handles longer work with documents and menus.
Best for: students who want a stronger graphing calculator without CAS
HP Prime G2
The HP Prime G2 has a color touchscreen and a computer algebra system, so it can solve and simplify with variables. Many exams don’t allow it, and it’s banned on the ACT and SAT.
Best for: math and engineering majors who want CAS for homework and allowed exams
TI-89 Titanium
An older CAS calculator that’s still popular with engineering students. It has a black-and-white screen and runs on AAA batteries.
Best for: students whose courses allow a CAS calculator
Financial calculator
TI BA II Plus
The TI BA II Plus handles time value of money, loans, cash flows, net present value and internal rate of return. Finance and accounting courses often require it.
Best for: business, finance, accounting and economics majors
Brushing up before a college math course?
If it’s been a while since high school math, our course indexes cover the topics college algebra and precalculus build on, starting with Algebra 1, Algebra 2 and Precalculus. Every lesson shows each step by hand, so you’re ready for no-calculator exams.
Frequently asked questions
Do college students need a graphing calculator?
Only for some courses, such as calculus or statistics classes that teach with one. Many students get by with a scientific calculator.
Can I use a calculator on college math exams?
It depends on the course. Many calculus exams ban calculators, so check the syllabus.
What calculator do business majors need?
A financial calculator such as the TI BA II Plus is the usual choice for finance and accounting courses.
More calculator guides
- Best Calculators for Elementary Students
- Best Calculators for Middle School Students
- Best Calculators for High School Students
- Best Calculators for High School and College
- Best Graphing Calculators for School
Not sure which type you need? Start with Calculator Resources, which shows the calculator for each class and the SAT, ACT and AP rules.