Best Scientific Calculators 2025 — Reviews & ComparisonsChoosing the right scientific calculator matters for students, engineers, and professionals who need reliable calculation, clear displays, and the right feature set for coursework or work. This guide reviews the best scientific calculators for 2025, compares key features, and helps you pick the model that fits your needs and budget.
How I evaluated these calculators
Evaluation focused on:
- Functionality: support for trigonometry, statistics, algebra, complex numbers, matrices, and programmable features.
- Display: number of digits, multi-line/natural textbook display, graphing ability (if present).
- Usability: key layout, menu structure, learning curve, and exam acceptability.
- Battery & build: power source (solar/battery), durability, and portability.
- Price & value: features relative to cost and warranty/support.
Quick recommendations (by use case)
- For most students (high school/college): Casio fx-991EX / fx-991EX ClassWiz — excellent feature set, natural display, and exam-friendly.
- For advanced college STEM and engineering: Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro (non-graphing) or TI-Nspire CX II (graphing/programmable) depending on whether graphs are needed.
- For budget-minded buyers: Casio fx-300ES PLUS — solid basics at a low price.
- For programmable/calculus-heavy work: Hewlett-Packard HP 35s (RPN option) or TI-89 Titanium (symbolic algebra / CAS on many models).
- For graphing and visual learners: Desmos (app) or TI-84 Plus CE — full-color screens and strong classroom support.
Detailed reviews
Casio fx-991EX ClassWiz
Pros:
- Natural Textbook Display (easy-to-read fractions, radicals, and formulas).
- High-resolution LCD with icon menus.
- Extensive functions: matrix, vector, complex numbers, statistics, numerical integration, differential equation solvers (numerical), and spreadsheet-like features.
- Solar + battery backup; long battery life.
- Exam-approved for many standardized tests (non-programmable).
Cons:
- No symbolic algebra (CAS).
- Some advanced features accessed via menus — slight learning curve.
Who it’s for: Students who need a powerful, exam-permissible scientific calculator with modern display and a wide function set without CAS.
Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro
Pros:
- Strong feature set for engineering/science: multi-line display, advanced statistics, polynomial and system solvers, numerical calculus tools.
- Robust build and school acceptance (no CAS).
- Familiar TI interface for users of TI devices.
Cons:
- Display and interface less modern than ClassWiz; steeper menu navigation for some tasks.
- No symbolic algebra or graphing.
Who it’s for: STEM students and professionals who want a trusted, rugged scientific calculator with numerical solvers but no CAS.
Casio fx-300ES PLUS
Pros:
- Very affordable, reliable for basic scientific functions.
- Natural textbook display for fractions and formulas.
- Lightweight and simple layout — great for middle/high-school use.
Cons:
- Limited advanced features (no matrices beyond small sizes, minimal statistics compared to premium models).
- Battery only (no solar).
Who it’s for: Budget-conscious students needing a dependable calculator for basic algebra, trigonometry, and precalculus.
Hewlett-Packard HP 35s
Pros:
- Classic features with both RPN and algebraic entry modes.
- Programmable; trusted by professionals for years.
- Solid metal-like build and satisfyingly tactile keys.
Cons:
- No modern natural display; steeper learning curve for RPN newcomers.
- Limited compared to modern models in raw function list (no large symbolic CAS).
Who it’s for: Professionals and enthusiasts who prefer RPN or want a programmable scientific calculator with a classic HP experience.
Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium (if CAS permitted)
Pros:
- Powerful symbolic algebra system (CAS) — simplifies, differentiates, integrates symbolically.
- Large screen and robust graphing and programming capabilities.
- Ideal for calculus, differential equations, and symbolic manipulation.
Cons:
- Often banned in standardized testing that disallows CAS devices.
- Higher cost and steeper learning curve.
Who it’s for: University students in calculus-heavy majors and professionals who need symbolic computation and strong programmability.
Comparison table
| Model | Natural Display | CAS (Symbolic) | Programmable | Power | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casio fx-991EX ClassWiz | Yes | No | No | Solar + battery | Most students |
| TI-36X Pro | Yes | No | Limited | Battery | Engineering students |
| Casio fx-300ES PLUS | Yes | No | No | Battery | Budget students |
| HP 35s | No | No | Yes | Battery | Professionals, RPN users |
| TI-89 Titanium | Yes | Yes | Yes | Rechargeable/battery | Advanced university work |
Tips for choosing the right scientific calculator
- Confirm exam policies (SAT, ACT, AP, IB, university exams) — many ban graphing/CAS calculators.
- Prefer natural textbook displays for readability of fractions, roots, and stacked expressions.
- For long-term value, choose a model with solar backup and strong manufacturer support.
- If programming or symbolic math is required, verify whether CAS is allowed for your course/exam.
- Try keypad layout in-store if possible — comfortable, well-spaced keys make long problem sets less painful.
Maintenance and longevity
- Use a soft brush to clean between keys; avoid liquids.
- Replace batteries before long exams; keep a spare in your bag.
- Keep hard covers to protect displays and keys when carried in backpacks.
- Back up any programs or notes externally if the model supports saving/exporting.
Final recommendation
For most 2025 students the Casio fx-991EX ClassWiz is the best all-round scientific calculator: modern display, rich features, solar backup, and exam acceptance. Choose TI or HP models if you need specific interface preferences (TI familiarity or RPN) or CAS/programmability for advanced coursework.
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