If you’re studying maths, a good graphing calculator can help you with algebra, calculus, and other types of maths problems.

Graphing calculators have a significant role in high school education and are also essential in college. Graphing calculators are necessary for maths classes such as Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, and standardized testing. Remember to bring your calculators for the SAT or ACT exam if you plan to use them for college admission. While some schools may provide devices for in-class use, owning a calculator at home for practice can improve test results.

If you plan to take advanced maths classes in high school or pursue maths or science-based degree programs in college, purchasing a quality graphing calculator during high school can be a one-time expense that eliminates future concerns. Although basic graphing calculators are available, the advanced models are more suitable for the advanced maths students may come across in university. The high-quality calculators have advanced features such as a touchscreen and 3D color displays.

In recent decades, calculators have significantly improved and are crucial in helping students learn and enjoy maths classes. Here are some top options for graphing calculators, whether you’re a student searching for one or already have one.

6 Best Graphing Calculators of 2023 – A Complete Guide

Here is a list of the best graphing calculators 2023, ranked according to efficiency, performance, budget, and other factors. From here, let’s review each calculator aspect one by one.

Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE – Best Graphing Calculator Overall

Specs: 154KB RAM | 7.5 inches | 7 oz| Rechargeable lithium battery

For decades, Texas Instruments has been producing the best graphic calculators, and they continue to do so. The TI-84 Plus CE is a newer version of the calculator that many millennials use in high school. It has a color display that is fully backlit and is available in different colors. Furthermore, it is light in weight and effortless to transport in a backpack or purse.

This calculator has various applications and functions suitable for different maths classes and levels, making it an all-inclusive tool for students. Moreover, the rechargeable battery saves money usually needed to replace batteries. Students can easily remember to charge it with their phones and smartwatches. The device is approved for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams.

Pros:

• Full-colour Display
• Comes in a wide range of Colours.
• Legally Applicable for PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP like Exams.

Cons:

• Little Costlier as Compared to Others.

Catiga CS-121 – Best Budget-friendly Graphing Calculator

Specs: 7 inches | LR44 battery required | 4.8 oz| 

The Catiga CS-121 is a good choice for someone who needs a graphic calculator but is on a tight budget. You can purchase this calculator for less than $50, and it offers 280 different functions suitable for maths classes in both high school and college. If you don’t like the color black, other color options are available.

Even though the display is not colored, you can still use it to create graphics and perform mathematical calculations. Since it’s a non-CAS calculator, it’s approved for standardized testing. While it is labeled as a scientific calculator, it also can graph, making it a dual-function calculator.

Pros:

• Approved for PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams.
• Available in a Variety of Colors.
• Comes with 280 functions.

Cons:

• Has Primitive Display

Casio Prizm FX-CG50 – Best Graphing Calculator with 3D Colour Display

Specs: 7.2 inches | 4 AA batteries required | 13 oz | 

The Casio Prizm FX-CG50 is a powerful little calculator, although it is surprisingly weighty considering its small size. The graphic calculator has a color display that is both precise and visually appealing, allowing you to view and manipulate your 3D graphs more effectively. This calculator is great for students new to graphic calculators because the button display is simple and easy to understand.

This is a good choice, particularly for younger students, since the price tag is in the middle of the pack. However, the battery life for this product could be more impressive, and it needs four AA batteries, which might require frequent replacement. Rechargeable AA batteries can be cost-effective instead of frequently replacing disposable batteries.

Pros:

• Approved for PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams
• Easy to use
• With 3D-Colour Display

Cons:

• Device needs four AA batteries that require frequent and costly replacement.

NumWorks Graphing Calculator – Best Graphing Calculator for High School Students

Specs: 6.3 inches | Lithium battery required | 8.4 oz | 

The NumWorks Graphic Calculator is small, practical, and convenient for high school students to carry in their backpacks to class. The device features a color display of 320 x 240 pixels and is suitable for high school-level maths and science courses.

The calculator for high school students has preloaded app functions and can be recharged with a USB cable. The device’s rechargeable battery can last for 20 hours when fully charged. Although it was designed specifically for high school students by teachers, it has limited features and does not offer many fancy options.

Pros:

• USB cable can be applied to charge it.
• Simple interface for students.
• Colored Display

Cons:

• Not Suitable for advanced maths or science classes.

Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CAS – Best Graphing Calculators for College Students

Specs: 7.5 inches | Lithium ion battery required | 12.6 oz | 

If your student doesn’t require advanced functions and geometric animations, consider choosing a more straightforward graphing calculator, as the Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CAS is one of the most advanced options.

This calculator is suitable for college students taking higher-level classes as it can handle all the necessary computations. On this platform, you can access six different graph styles and a full-color screen that can be used to match your equations and functions. While working on your homework, the display can show 3D graphics and animations in real-time.

Pros:

• CAS functions
• 3D color display
• The rechargeable battery option is Available.

Cons:

• Costlier
• Too Little Advanced for the Younger Students
• Not approved for standardized tests

HP Prime Graphing Calculator – Best Touch Screen Graphing Calculator

Specs: 7.3 inches | Lithium battery required | 8 oz | 

The standout feature of the HP Prime Graphing Calculator is its touchscreen interface. Since HP is recognized for its touchscreen electronic devices, they have expanded that feature to its calculator products. The advanced calculator is capable of helping students with their advanced maths and science classes, including the ones that need a Computer Algebra System (CAS).

The touchscreen provides extra functions for performing calculations and viewing the shapes displayed on the screen. The calculator suits most students and would be a good investment for high school students who plan to take advanced college classes.

Pros:

• Featured with Touchscreen technology.
• Available with a Rechargeable battery option.
• Approved for IB, SAT, AP, ACT, and AP exams.

Cons:

• Pricey

What Is The Best Graphing Calculator?

Based on factors such as price, reviews, skill level, and features, the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE is the best graphing calculator available.

Which Graphing Calculator Is Right For You?

School supplies shopping can be expensive, especially when purchasing graphing calculators. Choosing the correct item for the school year is essential due to its high price. A budget-friendly graphing calculator that can perform the required functions without additional features will suffice for younger students who do not intend to pursue advanced maths and science courses.

Consider purchasing a high-quality graphing calculator that can handle advanced maths functions as a gift for your high school student pursuing a maths or science major in college. It’s important to remember that companies release upgraded versions of technology every few years, including this one. A newer and better graphing calculator may be available when your student reaches college, so purchasing one now may result in needing to buy another one later. Purchasing a quality calculator will benefit students if it’s within the current budget. Remember, though, that any of these graphing calculators recommended here are great picks — no matter the price.

How Did We Choose These Graphing Calculators?

Here, you can find a selection of calculators with different price ranges and features suitable for parents and students. We compared the functionalities of each calculator by analyzing their respective specifications. When choosing the graphing calculators to recommend, we considered their price and reputation among different brands. Online shoppers have given positive reviews for every option available.

What Is A Graphing Calculator?

A graphing calculator is a calculator that can create graphs, which is a necessary tool for numerous advanced maths or science courses. These tools, commonly used in high school and college maths classes, help students understand equations, geometry, and plot points on a graph. Unlike a basic calculator, these machines have a larger display that shows equations and numbers in a visual format while calculating.

What’s The Best Graphic Calculator Brand?

While Texas Instruments is often considered the best brand for graphic calculators, other brands are also strong competitors. Casio offers multiple high-quality graphic calculators. HP is also a competitive company. One safe recommendation would be to consider purchasing a Texas Instruments calculator.

How Do I Know Which Graphic Calculator To Get?

To choose the appropriate graphic calculator, it’s crucial to understand the classes you’ll be utilizing it in. College students taking Calculus and Trigonometry may require a more advanced calculator than those taking Algebra and Geometry. If you need more clarification, consult the teachers for their suggestions and assess your financial situation.

Is A Colour Display Important In A Graphic Calculator?

While the color display on calculators can help view graphs, even calculators with black-and-white screens can still be practical for completing calculations. Choosing the color calculator instead of the one without color would be the better option since they are the same price, and having color would make it easier to use.

What’s the Difference Between A CAS Calculator and a Non-CAS Calculator?

Computer algebra systems are abbreviated as CAS. CAS-enabled calculators are more advanced and suitable for algebra-based courses as they are designed explicitly for variables and equations. Non-CAS calculators are lower-level calculators that are still very useful though they don’t have the same functionality.

Are All Graphing Calculators Approved For Standardised Tests?

Some graphing calculators may not be allowed on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. Reviewing the rules and regulations to determine which calculators are permitted is essential. Remember that calculators with stored memory and CAS calculators are often not allowed during these tests.

Are There Alternative Graphing Calculators Worth Considering?

Both Texas Instruments and Casio offer a range of graphing calculators. Each has its features and pricing, with some being more advanced and expensive. Despite this, any of these calculators is an excellent choice for many students. Before buying one from a store, please review the specifications to confirm it meets your classes’ requirements.