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For students, the start of a new school year is often synonymous with new clothes, yet perhaps the most important accessory of all is a graphing calculator. Used in middle school and college mathematics and science courses, graphing calculators have the ability to display plotted graphs for multiple complex equations and are necessary tools for algebra, geometry, calculus, and standardized tests. Here are the most advanced and accessible graphing calculators.
- Best overall: TI-84 Plus CE
- Best for math: Casio fx-9750GII Graphing Calculator
- Best for engineering students: TI-89 Titanium
- Best for data collection: TI-84 Plus
The best graphing calculators: Reviews & Recommendations
Best overall: TI-84 Plus CE
Texas Instruments
The TI-84 Plus CE makes comprehension and mastery of math and science topics quicker, easier, lighter, and brighter with color graphing and a slim design. Ideal for middle school through college, this enhanced calculator has a vivid backlit display, rechargeable battery, preloaded apps, and MathPrint mode. Not only are the high-resolution graphs colorful, but the calculators also come in a variety of mesmerizing colors like radical red, rose gold, and more. Like all Texas Instruments devices, the TI-84 Plus CE is approved for SAT, ACT, AP, and IB.
Best for math: Casio fx-9750GII Graphing Calculator
Casio
The Casio fx-9750GII has all the standard features of an entry-level graphing calculator, capable of graphing x= relations, rectangular, polar and parametric functions and inequalities, and conic sections with streamlined solving for intercepts and complex number calculations. Its icon-based menu is easy to navigate and the soft-menus makes it easy to access functionality for common tasks and encourages student engagement with Pre-Algebra, Algebra I & II, Geometry, Trigonometry, AP Calculus, AP Statistics, Biology, Physics, and Finance.
Best for engineering students: TI-89 Titanium
Texas Instruments
The TI-89 Titanium CAS features advanced functionality that makes problem-solving for mathematics and engineering courses easier. Graphing functions include basic function graphing, parametric graphing, polar graphing, sequence graphing, 3-D graphing, and differential-equation graphing. There are 16 preloaded graphing calculator software apps, including EE*Pro, CellSheet, and NoteFolio. Plus its flash technology allows upgrades to future software versions so you won’t have to continually invest in new calculators.
Best for data collection: TI-84 Plus
Texas Instruments
A predecessor to the TI-84 Plus CE, this TI-84 model still possesses advanced functions and software that meet students’ critical math and science requirements from high school through college. With over a dozen preloaded apps, clear display, and fast processing, the TI-84 Plus encourages exploration of interactive geometry, inequality graphing, real-world data collection and analysis, and other tools for math and science coursework.