Calculator Resources
Which calculator do you need for math class? A scientific calculator covers Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1 and Geometry. From Algebra 2 on, most classes use a graphing calculator. Check your syllabus before you buy, since some teachers ban calculators on tests. This page shows what each class needs, our picks, and the calculator rules for the SAT, ACT and AP exams.
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One calculator for all of high school: the TI-84 Plus CE is a graphing calculator without CAS. It works in every class, and it is allowed on the SAT, the ACT and the AP math exams. Many teachers use it to show steps in class.
Which calculator do you need for each class?
| Class | Calculator | Our pick | What you use it for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Algebra | Basic or scientific | Casio SL-300SV or TI-30XS MultiView | Checking arithmetic with decimals and percents |
| Algebra 1 | Scientific | TI-30XS MultiView | Exponents, square roots and checking answers |
| Geometry | Scientific | TI-30XS MultiView or Casio fx-991CW ClassWiz | Pi, square roots and trig values like \sin 35^\circ |
| Algebra 2 | Graphing | TI-84 Plus CE | Graphing functions, logarithms and lines of best fit |
| Trigonometry | Graphing (a scientific one often works) | TI-84 Plus CE or TI-36X Pro | Trig values in degrees and radians, and trig graphs |
| Precalculus | Graphing | TI-84 Plus CE | Graphs of functions. Part of the AP Precalculus exam requires one. |
| Calculus 1 and Calculus 2 | Graphing | TI-84 Plus CE or TI-Nspire CX II | Checking graphs and estimating values. Part of the AP Calculus exam requires one. |
| Statistics | Graphing, with statistics functions | TI-84 Plus CE | Mean, standard deviation, regression and probability |
Tip: check your calculator’s angle mode. Use degree mode for Geometry and most Trigonometry problems. Use radian mode in Calculus. The wrong mode is one of the most common reasons for a wrong trig answer.
Types of calculators
| Type | What it does | Who uses it | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (four-function) | Adds, subtracts, multiplies and divides | Everyday math. Not enough for most high school classes. | Casio SL-300SV |
| Scientific | Adds exponents, roots, fractions, trig and logarithms | Pre-Algebra through Geometry, plus chemistry and physics | TI-30XS MultiView, Casio fx-991CW ClassWiz, TI-36X Pro |
| Graphing | Does everything a scientific one does, plus graphs, tables and statistics | Algebra 2 through Calculus and Statistics | TI-84 Plus CE, TI-Nspire CX II, Casio fx-9750GIII (lower price), Casio fx-CG50 |
| CAS (computer algebra system) | Works with variables, so it can factor x^2 - 9 or solve for x | Some college courses. Banned on the SAT and ACT. | TI-89 Titanium |
Taking college business or finance? Those classes often use a financial calculator such as the TI BA II Plus, which handles loans, interest and cash flows.
Calculator rules for the SAT, ACT and AP exams
These rules come from each test’s official calculator policy, checked in October 2026. Rules change, so check your test’s official policy again before test day.
| Test | Calculator allowed? | Key rules |
|---|---|---|
| SAT | Yes, on the whole Math section | A Desmos calculator is built into the Bluebook testing app. You may bring your own, but CAS calculators are not allowed. |
| ACT | Yes, on the math test only | Basic, scientific and graphing calculators are allowed. CAS models such as the TI-89, TI-92 and TI-Nspire CAS are banned. The regular TI-Nspire is allowed. Online testers get a built-in Desmos calculator. |
| AP Precalculus, AP Calculus AB and BC | A graphing calculator is required on the calculator parts | Some parts of the exam allow no calculator. A Desmos graphing calculator is built into Bluebook. |
| AP Statistics | A graphing calculator with statistics functions | Starting with the 2027 exams, non-graphing calculators are not allowed. A Desmos graphing calculator is built into Bluebook. |
Safe for the SAT and ACT: every graphing calculator in our picks except the TI-89 Titanium, which is a CAS model. If you plan to take the SAT or ACT, practice with the calculator you’ll bring on test day.
Calculator buying guides
- Best Calculators for High School Students: basic, scientific and graphing picks for grades 9–12
- Best Calculators for College Students: picks for STEM, business and general courses
- Best Calculators for High School and College: one calculator that lasts through both
- Graphing Calculators for School: the TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus CE, TI-Nspire CX II and TI-89 Titanium compared by class
- Best Calculators for Middle School Students: picks for grades 6–8
For parents and teachers of younger students: Best Calculators for Elementary Students.
How our lessons use calculators
Our lessons teach every skill by hand first, since many quizzes and test sections allow no calculator. Calculator steps appear only where students use one in class:
- Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1 and Geometry: no calculator for core skills.
- Algebra 2, Trigonometry and Precalculus: only for values you can’t find by hand, like \log 7 or \sin 35^\circ.
- Calculus: by hand, with a graphing calculator only to check a graph or estimate a value.
- Statistics: the formula by hand first, then the same problem with TI-84 steps.
More resources: Math Book Resources · A–Z Math Topic Index · All Resources