Best Calculators for High School Students
Our top pick among the best calculators for high school students is the TI-84 Plus CE, a graphing calculator allowed on the SAT, ACT and AP exams. If you only need Algebra 1 and Geometry for now, a scientific calculator like the TI-30XS MultiView costs far less. Below are our picks for each need.
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Quick picks
| Need | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | TI-84 Plus CE | Works in every class and on the SAT, ACT and AP exams |
| Best scientific | TI-30XS MultiView | Enough for Algebra 1, Geometry and chemistry |
| Scientific with more power | TI-36X Pro | Solves equations and works with vectors and matrices |
| Lower-cost graphing | Casio fx-9750GIII | A graphing calculator for much less than a TI-84 |
| Color Casio graphing | Casio fx-CG50 | Color screen and 3D graphs at a lower price than TI |
| Most powerful (non-CAS) | TI-Nspire CX II | Fast, with a document system for long projects |
Which calculator for each high school class?
| Class | What you need | Our pick |
|---|---|---|
| Algebra 1 | Scientific (some teachers use graphing) | TI-30XS MultiView |
| Geometry | Scientific | TI-30XS MultiView |
| Algebra 2 | Graphing | TI-84 Plus CE |
| Trigonometry and Precalculus | Graphing | TI-84 Plus CE |
| AP Calculus and AP Statistics | Graphing (required on parts of the exams) | TI-84 Plus CE |
| Chemistry and physics | Scientific or graphing | TI-30XS MultiView or TI-84 Plus CE |
How to choose
- Check the class supply list. If the teacher demonstrates on a TI-84, the same model makes class much easier.
- Think four years ahead. If you’ll take Algebra 2 or higher, one graphing calculator now can cover all of high school.
- Skip CAS models. Calculators with a computer algebra system, such as the TI-89, are banned on the SAT and ACT.
- Look at the power source. The TI-84 Plus CE and TI-Nspire CX II are rechargeable. The Casio graphing models use AAA batteries.
Graphing calculators
TI-84 Plus CE
The most common high school graphing calculator. It has a color, backlit screen and a rechargeable battery. Most teachers and online tutorials use it, so help is easy to find. It’s allowed on the SAT, ACT and AP math exams.
Best for: almost every high school student from Algebra 2 on
TI-Nspire CX II
The TI-Nspire CX II is faster than the TI-84 and uses a touchpad and menus, a bit like a small computer. This is the regular model, not the CAS version, so it’s allowed on the SAT and ACT. It takes longer to learn.
Best for: strong students who want more power and like menus
Casio fx-CG50
Casio’s color graphing calculator. It can draw 3D graphs and costs less than the TI models. Its keys and menus differ from the TI-84, so class demos may not match.
Best for: students who want color and features for less
Casio fx-9750GIII
A no-frills graphing calculator with a black-and-white screen. It covers the graphing, tables and statistics a high school student needs, and it’s allowed on the SAT, ACT and AP exams.
Best for: a tight budget
Scientific calculators
TI-30XS MultiView
A four-line scientific calculator that shows fractions and exponents like a textbook. It handles everything in Algebra 1 and Geometry. This listing includes a protective case.
Best for: Algebra 1, Geometry and science classes
TI-36X Pro
TI’s most capable scientific calculator. It solves equations and systems, and it works with vectors, matrices and complex numbers. It’s a good choice if you don’t want a graphing calculator.
Best for: physics, chemistry and students who prefer a scientific calculator
Casio fx-991CW ClassWiz
Casio’s ClassWiz has a sharp display, an equation solver and a spreadsheet mode. It’s a strong scientific calculator for science-heavy schedules.
Best for: science classes and future engineering students
Calculators on the SAT, ACT and AP exams
Every calculator in this guide is allowed on the SAT and ACT. AP Precalculus, AP Calculus and AP Statistics require a graphing calculator for parts of the exam, so a scientific calculator alone isn’t enough there. See the full rules on Calculator Resources.
Our lessons teach every skill by hand first. Calculator steps show up only where students use one in class, such as evaluating exponential functions in Algebra 2.
Frequently asked questions
What calculator do most high schools use?
Many high schools use the TI-84 Plus CE or another TI-84 model, and teachers often demonstrate on it in class.
Do I need a graphing calculator for Algebra 1?
Usually not. A scientific calculator works for Algebra 1, but some teachers use graphing calculators. Check the supply list.
Is the TI-Nspire allowed on the SAT?
The regular TI-Nspire CX II is allowed. The CAS version is not.
More calculator guides
- Best Calculators for Elementary Students
- Best Calculators for Middle 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.