Having to buy any school supplies can put a strain on a student’s budget, but some tools require a greater investment. That’s why it’s important to research and choose carefully! We’ve put together this list of the best graphing calculators to take the guesswork out of finding the right one. Since everyone’s needs may vary, we recommend reading the specifications of each model before making a purchase.
(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)
Best Overall — Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator
If you’re looking for one of the overall best graphing calculators, this is the one.
Pros:
- Full-color display
- Excellent high-resolution screen
- Color-coded equations, plots, and objects
- Approved for PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams
- Available in a variety of colors
Cons:
- Cost
- Python is not pre-installed
Buy it: Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator at Amazon
Best on a Budget — CATIGA Scientific Calculator With Graphic Functions
Need a great graphing calculator but you’re on a budget? This is a good choice!
Pros:
- Includes more than 280 functions
- Easy to program
- Approved for PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams
- Comes in a variety of colors
Cons:
- It may feel cumbersome at first
- The display is outdated
Buy it: CATIGA Scientific Calculator With Graphic Functions at Amazon
Best Battery Life —NumWorks Graphing Calculator
The last thing you want is for your graphing calculator to shut down when you need it the most. This one has staying power and other good benefits.
Pros:
- Includes a USB cable for convenient charging
- Long battery life
- Easy to use/simple interface
- Color display
Cons:
- There’s no stat button
- Not useful for advanced math or science classes
Buy it: NumWorks Graphing Calculator at Amazon
Best Color Display — CASIO PRIZM FX-CG50 Color Graphing Calculator
A great color display can make all the difference when you’re using a graphing calculator. This model gives you that and more!
Pros:
- High-resolution LCD
- 3D color display
- Natural textbook display
- Easy to use
- Intuitive, simple menus
- Approved for PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams
Cons:
Buy it: CASIO PRIZM FX-CG50 Color Graphing Calculator at Amazon
Best Touchscreen — HP Prime Graphing Calculator
The sleek design of this touchscreen graphing calculator is among the reasons why people love it!
Pros:
- Touchscreen technology
- Built-in 3D graphing
- Brushed metal body
- 256 MB flash memory
- Rechargeable battery
- Approved for IB, SAT, AP, ACT, and AP exams
Cons:
- Cost
- User manual is lacking
Buy it: HP Prime Graphing Calculator at Amazon
Best for College — Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CAS Color Graphing Calculator
This graphing calculator’s large screen and lightweight design make it a clear winner.
Pros
- 3D color display
- CAS functions
- Color-coded graphs
- Long battery life
- Rechargeable battery
Cons:
- Cost
- Too advanced for younger students
- Not approved for standardized tests
Buy it: Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CAS Color Graphing Calculator at Amazon
Casio fx-9750GIII Standard Graphing Calculator
This model features a high-resolution LCD display, rechargeable battery, and 3MB flash memory. The natural textbook display shows fractions, and the USB connectivity makes it easy to share files.
Buy it: Casio fx-9750GIII Standard Graphing Calculator at Amazon
Casio Touchscreen With Stylus Graphing Calculator
One of the biggest selling points of this color graphing calculator is that it has an extra-large 4.8-inch touchscreen LCD and stylus. It’s also a touchscreen with tap-and-drag functionality.
Buy it: Casio Touchscreen With Stylus Graphing Calculator at Amazon
Osalo Scientific Calculator
This scientific calculator has 417 functions and covers the most scientific functions that college students will need in university. It’s also a two-way calculator that draws power not only from batteries but solar energy!
Buy it: Osalo Scientific Calculator at Amazon
Texas Instruments TI-34 MultiView Scientific Calculator
This scientific calculator features pull-down menus similar to those on a graphing calculator. Easily explore an (x, y) table of values for a given function, view scientific notation with the proper superscripted exponents, and perform fraction computations and explorations in familiar textbook format.
Buy it: Texas Instruments TI-34 MultiView Scientific Calculator at Amazon
What do you think are the best graphing calculators? Come share in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
Plus, check out 11 of the Best Free Grade Calculators for Teachers.
