What type of calculator do you need?
Basic calculator
Ideal for: Home (balancing checkbooks and budget work), office, and school use.
Key features:
- Performs basic mathematical calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Some basic calculators feature specialty keys, such as markup, square root, grand total, and memory.
- Displays 8 to 12 numbers in an LED or LCD panel. LED devices require more power than LCD devices, but typically are easier to read.
- Digit size ranges from 8 to 14 millimeters.
Scientific calculator
Ideal for: Engineers, mathematicians, programmers, and teachers/students who need to solve complex equations.
Key features:
- Performs basic as well as advanced mathematical calculations such as trigonometric functions, logarithms, roots, powers, reciprocals, and factorials. Can offer between 25 and 66 built–in functions.
- Displays 8 to 12 numbers typically in an LCD panel. Some offer two–line display, which shows you what you entered and the results.
- Digit size ranges from 8 to 14 millimeters.
- Look for a model with a backspace button to correct entry errors easily.
- A calculator that offers an unlimited number of parentheses will allow you to solve the most complex equations.
- 1k (kilobyte) to 10k memory available. A greater amount of memory will allow you to save more work.
Graphing calculator
Ideal for: Engineers, mathematicians, programmers, and teachers/students who need to solve complex equations. A graphing calculator offers more functions than a scientific calculator. An important addition is a graphing calculator's ability to display equations numerically, graphically, or symbolically.
Key features:
- Displays up to 21 characters in an LCD panel. Up to 8 lines of display available.
- Offers between 350 and 750 built–in functions, such as graphing, scientific, fractions, statistics, and trigonometry functions. For maximum versatility look for one that creates color, 2–D, and 3–D graphics, and offers seven graphing styles.
- Choose a calculator with memory capabilities if you plan to save your work regularly.
- Flash technology allows you to upgrade applications and software.
- To communicate with other colleagues’ calculators, or your own computer, look for a model that offers a connectivity option (I/O port and cable needed for data sharing).
- Typically battery–powered.
Printing calculator
Ideal for: Home and office use (such as taxes, business computations, and finances). Creates a permanent record of important calculations.
Key features:
- Performs basic mathematical calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Some printing calculators feature specialty keys, such as the markup, square root, grand total, +/–, and memory.
- Typically displays 12 numbers in an LCD panel.
- Digit size ranges from 8 to 15.5mm.
- Print speed ranges from 1.4 to 5 lines per second (lps).
- Prints using a print drum or print ribbon.
- Generally powered by an AC adapter. Some hand–held and desktop models available.
Financial and business calculator
Ideal for: Business schools and such fields as real estate, engineering, and financial services.
Key features:
- Performs basic mathematical calculations as well as advanced ones, such as alphanumeric display notation, algebraic IRPN formula notation, mark up/down, time value of money, interest rate conversion, statistics, standard bond calculations, depreciation, and cash flow (NPV, IRR).
- Generally offers 100+ business and math functions.
- Display 10 to 22 numbers in an LCD panel.
- Opt for a calculator with memory capabilities if you plan to save your work regularly.
