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A non-graphing calculator also commonly known as the scientific calculator is a handheld electronic device that is able to solve complex scientific or mathematical concepts.
They are used by students and professionals all over the world. Despite the fact that they cannot plot graphs, they can do everything else.
They have a keyboard where you can input entries as well as a screen to display the results.
Top Non-Graphing Calculators
In this article, we will review some of the standout non-graphing calculators available in the market today. As well, we will help you navigate through the buying process by highlighting several factors that you need to put into consideration before making your purchase.
1. Sharp EL-W516TBSL 16-Digit Advanced Scientific Calculator
Let’s begin with one of the most pocket-friendly yet affordable non-graphing calculators in the market—the Sharp EL-W516TBSL 16-Digit Advanced Scientific Calculator. This is a premium quality device with 7 modes, including complex, equation, list, drill, normal, and stat modes.
For the price, we feel that a device offering an incredible 640 functions is a pretty decent deal.
Construction-wise, this option is a real gem. It comes with a well-made casing that boasts of an alluring gloss black finish with silver accents. While the calculator’s aesthetics will definitely grab your attention, most students opt for the device because it is approved for use on a range of exams, including geometry, physics, trigonometry, pre-calculus, engineering, and chemistry.
Among the best features, you will enjoy is the WriteView display function. It allows writing symbols, expressions, and fractions in textbook form. With a large, 4 line LCD display and 16 digits, you get yourself a super easy to use advanced calculator designed to eliminate confusion and typos.
Pros
- Lightweight calculator with a compact design
- Aesthetically appealing perfect for many exams
- WriteView display
- Ideal for solving quadratic and cubic equations
- 640 scientific and functions
- Both battery and solar-powered
Cons
- Some users noted slight rounding off errors
2. New CASIO Scientific Calculator FX-350ES Plus
Ask any university student or professor about the best scientific calculator brands, and there is a good chance that the name Casio will pop up. If you’re in search of a non-graphing calculator for your exam, a model you can count on is the Casio FX 350ES plus Scientific Calculator. It has a host of features to make your life easier, is well-built for maximum longevity, and comes with a surprisingly budget-friendly price tag.
This is a calculator with 252 functions. While this may seem like a lesser deal compared to the range of functions of other top models like the Sharp EL-W516TBSL 16-Digit Advanced Scientific Calculator, this device is a beast that handles just about anything you throw at it.
This includes exponents, mixed fractions, and other functions you are likely not to get at the price range.
Something else that genuinely makes the Casio FX model tick is that it runs on one AAA battery. We wish it were more accessible without having to remove the whole back, although this is just a small price to pay for the otherwise top-tier device.
Pros
- Lightweight with a solid build for unrivaled longevity
- 252 Functions
- Allows Natural textbook display formats
- 9 different memories
- User-friendly interface
- Excellent value for the money
Cons
- Not solar powered
- The backside has to be removed completely to change the battery
3. Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro Engineering/Scientific Calculator
In all honesty, it’s hard to talk about the best non-graphing calculators without mentioning the TI-36X Pro Engineering/ Scientific Calculator. This is a model most people opt for when in high school and proceed to use in college. Whether you want a device to help you with geometry, biology, statistics, calculus, trigonometry, or Algebra, it’s hard to go wrong if you choose this calculator from Texas Instruments.
Because this is a non-programmable scientific calculator, it is highly recommended by educators and widely accepted in lecture and exam halls. It makes solving basic and complex mathematical problems a breeze with its range of functions and MultiView display that allows viewing multiple calculations simultaneously.
It is worth mentioning that users appreciate the sleek design that hardly adds any bulk to their luggage. The snappy keys are also an innovative design that reduces the risk of accidentally pressing the wrong keys.
Pros
- Popular non-programmable scientific calculator recommended by educators
- Sleek design with a robust build
- Four-line display perfect for engineering courses
- Allows a MultiView display
- MathPrint function offers Natural textbook display formats
- Quite affordable good calculator
Cons
- It may be challenging to read the screen in low-light conditions
4. Helect 2-Line Engineering Scientific Calculator
If you are on a tight budget and simply need a functional non-graphing scientific calculator to help you smash your exams, the Helect H1002 non-graphing calculator is perfect for you. This professional-grade calculator is commonly used by college students and is loved for its robust build that ensures unrivaled durability.
With a total of 240 functions, you can confidently walk into an exam room with this device and expect to have the ability to quickly and perfectly handle both basic and complex mathematical problems.
Don’t let the minimalistic design fool you; this is a beast with the level of functionality that can only be found in premium scientific calculators.
The device is equipped to handle 1-2 different statistical calculations simultaneously. It also allows switching between scientific and engineering notation modes. Better still, it offers 3 angle modes, which include grads, degrees, and radians. Thanks to the two-line display, you can conveniently work on large equations and view them on your screen from end to end.
Pros
- Offers 240 functions
- Wide-screen accommodates a two-line display
- Ergonomically designed with responsive buttons and comfortable grip
- Long battery life
- Reliable yet affordable
- Great for SAT reasoning test
Cons
- Not solar powered
5. (CASIO) Scientific Calculator (FX-991ESPLUS)
The FX-991ESPLUS Scientific Calculator from Casio is the closest competitor of the TI-36X Pro. These two models rank high for their premium quality and range of functions. This calculator offers 552 different functions, making it one of the most practical non-graphing calculators to use when sitting for major exams like AP, SATs, ACT, and PSAT/NMSQ.
With the ability to support permutation & combination, complex numbers, logarithmic, Statistic Trigonometry, matrix, and simultaneous & polynomial equations just to mention a few, this calculator offers just the functions you need to tackle science, polytechnic, and even Engineering mathematical problems.
For the price, you get a whole range of great features that will make your life a whole lot easier.
Some of the most enticing features include the highly visible keys, Natural textbook display function, and temporary formula memory that allow quick reviewing of your input.
Pros
- 552 different functions
- Highly visible keys
- Natural Textbook Display
- Approved for use during major exams
- Battery and solar-powered
- Optimal bang for your bucks
Cons
- It has a bit of a learning curve
6.Texas Instruments Ti-30XII
Texas Instruments is one of the leaders in graphing calculator manufacturing but they also have plenty of the best non graphing calculator options on the market.
This Model TI-30XII comes at an affordable price point and is designed with unique features that make scrolling through entries quick and easy.
This reliable calculator is solar and battery-powered so you won’t have to worry about your calculator running out of battery like some of the other scientific calculators do.
Whether you are studying computer science, or engineering, or just want a programmable computer for home use, this Texas Instruments calculator has all the features you would want.
Pros:
- Great for ap physics, engineering or AP chemistry
- Hard protective case
- Fraction Math and conversion
- Mathprint features
Cons:
- Slightly bigger than some of the other models
7. Casio Scientific Calculator
Here is another option from Casio with the Casio fx 300 model that is another affordable scientific calculator worth considering.
This calculator has a small footprint of only 6×3 inches and would be great for mathematics or algebra students who don’t need a graphing calculator.
While some calculators out there may have more bells and whistles, this Casio fx calculator is a workhorse and has the ability to display fractions, derivatives, and other operations.
Pros:
- Solar power calculator
- 2 Function table of values
- Large LCD screen
Cons:
- Smaller Screen
8. Sharp EL Scientific Calculator
This is another high-quality model from Sharp that is targeted toward mathematics and science students that are looking for an affordable scientific calculator.
There is a large 12-digit display that shows the results quickly and easily.
There is a durable gloss finish and light-reflecting protective cover to give keep your calculator safe when it is not in use.
There are 273 functions and 2 modes to choose from with multiple calculation capabilities.
Pros:
- Ideal for math, science, calculus, and physics students
- 3D reflecting cover
- Solar power and battery-powered
- Algebraic entry system logic
Cons:
- Best for advanced students
9. Catiga Scientific Calculator
This Catifa programmable calculator is another one of the top scientific calculators on the market that would be perfect for a student or adult.
There are over 200 functions, including a variety of percentages, as well as a 2-line LCD screen.
If you want an easy-to-use calculator that won’t overwhelm a student this layout is much easier than some of the other scientific calculators.
The key thing to think about when buying a non-graphing calculator is to evaluate the type of calculations your student will be doing in that particular year.
Then you will want to buy the calculator that best meets the types of calculations they will need to compute.
If you aren’t sure, talk to your professor or teacher to get the best possible recommendation.
Pros:
- Over 200 functions
- 2 line LCD Screen
- Robust design
- Perfect calculator for a beginner
Cons:
- Not as many features as some of the other scientific calculator options
Summary
Most people need a calculator, regardless of whether they are in school or not. Depending on your needs, a non-graphing calculator can be a costly investment. Thus before choosing one, you should carefully scrutinize the various options available in the market.
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