KTLA

Best Texas Instruments calculator

The screens and buttons on Texas Instrument calculators can be surprisingly fragile, so be gentle and always make sure the cover is applied correctly when you’re not using it.

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details.

Which Texas Instruments calculator is best?

Even though our teachers were wrong, that we would, in fact, have a calculator on us at all times for double-checking that two plus two equals four, there’s still the problem of complex math that requires special functions our phones don’t have. In these situations, you need a dedicated calculator, and it’s hard to find a better brand than Texas Instruments.

The best Texas Instruments calculator is the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator. It has everything students up to the college level need.

What to know before you buy a Texas Instruments calculator

Texas Instruments calculator types

Texas Instruments makes four types of calculators.

Power source

Texas Instruments calculators run on one of three types of power.

What to look for in a quality Texas Instruments calculator

Display

The displays of a Texas Instruments calculator have several aspects to consider.

Testing compatibility

Many standardized tests require the use of a calculator, but these tests are also restrictive when it comes to the calculators allowed. Many Texas Instruments calculators are compatible with most standardized tests; in fact, most calculators’ packaging even lists the tests it’s compatible with.

If you aren’t sure if yours is compatible with your upcoming test, check with the test organizer.

How much you can expect to spend on a Texas Instruments calculator

They can cost as little as $5 or as much as $200. Basic and scientific calculators typically cost no more than $20. Financial calculators typically cost $30-$60. Graphing calculators typically cost $75-$175 and up.

Texas Instruments calculator FAQ

Does Texas Instruments offer a warranty?

A. Yes. Most of its calculators have a limited one-year warranty that covers the usual glut of manufacturer defects such as bad batteries and malfunctioning buttons or screens. There’s typically no option to purchase a more comprehensive warranty, though a retailer may offer a retailer-specific one.

Can you order Texas Instruments calculators in bulk?

A. Yes. Many of its calculators come in “teacher bundles” that include up to 10 calculators and any accessories those calculators may need. These aren’t usually discounted much, if at all. 

What’s the best Texas Instruments calculator to buy?

Top Texas Instruments calculator

Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator

What you need to know: This model has long been a favorite of students and schools the world over.

What you’ll love: The display is full color with a 320- by 240-pixel screen size. Its battery is rechargeable. A USB cable for both charging and updating its operating system is included. It comes in 11 colors and can be purchased individually or in a teacher-focused 10-pack.

What you should consider: There’s no backspace button; one wrong key and you need to delete and retype your entire equation. A few consumers thought the battery life was too short.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Staples

Top Texas Instruments calculator for the money

Texas Instruments BA II Plus Financial Calculator

What you need to know: This calculator is perfect for crunching business-related numbers.

What you’ll love: It splits its function in two. The standard mode handles basic calculations you might use your phone for. The worksheet mode handles business-related calculations such as cash flow analyses. It can handle up to two-variable statistics and has four regression options. 

What you should consider: It may not register a button press if you press too lightly and there’s no tactile feedback saying you successfully pressed a button.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Staples

Worth checking out

Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CAS Graphing Calculator With Student Software

What you need to know: This is Texas Instruments’ most powerful and fully featured calculator.

What you’ll love: It has a full-color display that’s 320- by 240-pixels large. There are six graph styles and 15 colors to choose from for clarity. It’s bundled with student-focused software that can be used on Macs or PCs. The battery can last for up to two weeks on a full charge.

What you should consider: It’s Texas Instruments’ most expensive calculator. Some purchasers found the buttons to be too small and too loud to comfortably use.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Staples

 

Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.

Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.

Jordan Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.