Best Calculators for Elementary Students
The best calculators for elementary students are simple and sturdy. A four-function calculator with big keys works for kindergarten through grade 3. By grades 4 to 6, a calculator that shows fractions, like the TI-34 MultiView, helps kids check their work. This guide is for parents and teachers.
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Quick picks
| Grades | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| K–2 | large-key desktop calculator | Big keys and a big display for small hands |
| 2–4 | Amazon Basics 8-digit desktop calculator | Simple four functions plus percent and memory keys |
| Any grade, on the go | Casio SL-300SV | Pocket size, solar power, very low cost |
| 4–6 | TI-34 MultiView | Shows fractions the way they look in a textbook |
How to choose a calculator for a young child
- Ask the teacher first. Many elementary classes use calculators only for some activities. The supply list often names a model.
- Match the grade. Four functions (add, subtract, multiply, divide) are enough until fractions and decimals show up in grades 4 and 5.
- Pick big, clear keys. Small children press the wrong key less often on a desktop-style calculator.
- Choose solar or long battery life. A dead calculator at school is a lost lesson.
Our picks for elementary students
large-key desktop calculator
This desktop calculator has large keys and a wide screen. It’s easy for a young child to see each number they type. It stays on a desk, so it’s a good fit for home or a classroom math center.
Best for: kindergarten to grade 2, and classroom sets
Amazon Basics 8-digit desktop calculator
A plain eight-digit calculator with percent and memory keys. It does everything a child needs through grade 4 without extra buttons to confuse them.
Best for: grades 2 to 4, and checking homework at home
Casio SL-300SV
A thin, solar-powered pocket calculator that fits in a pencil case. The keys are smaller, so it suits older kids more than kindergartners.
Best for: a backpack calculator for grades 3 and up
TI-34 MultiView
The TI-34 MultiView shows fractions with a top and bottom, just like on paper. It can switch between fractions and decimals and shows several lines at once. It’s a good step before the scientific calculators used in middle school.
Best for: grades 4 to 6, especially fraction and decimal units
Using a calculator without skipping the basics
Kids still need to know their math facts by heart. A calculator works best for checking answers and for long problems where the idea matters more than the arithmetic.
- Have your child solve the problem on paper first, then check it with the calculator.
- Ask, “Does that answer make sense?” before they write it down.
- Keep the calculator away during fact practice and timed drills.
When your child moves on to fractions, our Fractions lesson and the Pre-Algebra Index walk through each skill step by step.
Frequently asked questions
Should elementary students use calculators?
Yes, in small doses. Use one to check work and explore patterns, but keep math facts and paper methods first.
What kind of calculator does a 4th grader need?
A basic four-function calculator is enough for most of grade 4. If the class is working with fractions, a fraction calculator like the TI-34 MultiView helps.
Is a phone calculator OK for homework?
It works for a quick check, but most schools don’t allow phones in class. A cheap calculator is less distracting.
More calculator guides
- Best Calculators for Middle School Students
- Best Calculators for High School Students
- Best Calculators for High School and College
- Best Calculators for College Students
- 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.