Best Graphing Calculators for School
The best graphing calculator for school is the TI-84 Plus CE. It works from Algebra 2 through AP Calculus and AP Statistics and is allowed on the SAT, ACT and AP exams. Casio’s fx-9750GIII costs less and does the same core jobs. CAS models like the TI-89 Titanium are banned on the SAT and ACT.
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Graphing calculators compared
| Model | Screen | Power | CAS? | SAT and ACT | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TI-84 Plus CE | Color | Rechargeable | No | Allowed | Most students |
| TI-Nspire CX II | Color | Rechargeable | No | Allowed | More power and speed |
| TI-83 Plus | Black and white | AAA batteries | No | Allowed | A basic, older option |
| Casio fx-CG50 | Color | AAA batteries | No | Allowed | Color for less |
| Casio fx-9750GIII | Black and white | AAA batteries | No | Allowed | Lowest cost |
| TI-89 Titanium | Black and white | AAA batteries | Yes | Not allowed | College courses that allow CAS |
| HP Prime G2 | Color touchscreen | Rechargeable | Yes | Not allowed | College math and engineering |
Which classes need a graphing calculator?
| Class | Graphing calculator? |
|---|---|
| Algebra 1 and Geometry | Usually not. A scientific calculator is enough. |
| Algebra 2 | Yes, for graphing functions, logarithms and regression. |
| Trigonometry and Precalculus | Yes. AP Precalculus requires one on parts of the exam. |
| AP Calculus | Yes, on the calculator parts of the exam. |
| AP Statistics | Yes, with statistics functions. |
How to choose a graphing calculator
- Ask what the teacher uses. If class demos are on a TI-84, the same model makes notes easy to follow.
- Avoid CAS for high school. CAS models are banned on the SAT and ACT.
- Decide on color and charging. Color screens make graphs easier to read. Rechargeable models save on batteries.
- Set a budget. Casio’s black-and-white models cost much less and cover the same core math.
Our graphing calculator picks
TI-84 Plus CE
The model many teachers use. It has a color, backlit screen, a rechargeable battery and a slim case. It covers every high school class and many college courses.
Best for: almost every student
TI-Nspire CX II
Faster than the TI-84, with a touchpad and a document system that saves work in pages. This is the regular (non-CAS) CX II, so it’s allowed on the SAT and ACT.
Best for: strong students who want more power
TI-83 Plus
An older TI model with a black-and-white screen. It uses the same basic keys as the TI-84, so class demos still make sense. It’s slower and runs on AAA batteries.
Best for: students who want a familiar TI layout and don’t need color
Casio fx-CG50
Casio’s color graphing calculator, with 3D graphing. It costs less than the TI color models but uses different menus.
Best for: students who want color for less
Casio fx-9750GIII
Casio’s black-and-white graphing calculator. It handles graphs, tables, statistics and regression at a much lower price.
Best for: the tightest budgets
TI-89 Titanium
A CAS calculator that can solve equations and simplify expressions with variables. It’s banned on the SAT and ACT, so it’s best as a college tool.
Best for: college courses that allow CAS
HP Prime G2
A color touchscreen CAS calculator with a rechargeable battery. Like the TI-89, it’s banned on the SAT and ACT.
Best for: college math and engineering students
Learn the math, then use the calculator
A graphing calculator helps you check a graph, but tests still ask you to explain it. Our lessons show the math by hand first, from slope to exponential functions.
Frequently asked questions
Which graphing calculator is best for high school?
The TI-84 Plus CE. It’s allowed on the SAT, ACT and AP exams, and many teachers use it in class.
Is the TI-84 Plus CE better than the TI-83 Plus?
Yes. It has a color screen, a rechargeable battery and more speed. The keys work almost the same way.
Can I use a TI-89 on the SAT or ACT?
No. The TI-89 has CAS, which both tests ban.
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 Calculators for College Students
Not sure which type you need? Start with Calculator Resources, which shows the calculator for each class and the SAT, ACT and AP rules.