Best 11 Graphing Calculators for College

This is the model to grab if you want one calculator that lasts all four years. The TI-84 Plus Silver Edition runs the same operating system and apps as the standard TI-84, so every classroom walkthrough applies directly. At 69% off it’s the deepest cut in this group, and the USB port makes transferring programs and updates simple.

The TI-84 Plus CE is the newer, slimmer version with a color screen and rechargeable battery, and this Coral unit is a brand new model rather than renewed. It ranks #6 in its category for a reason: the color display makes graphs far easier to read than the older monochrome screens. Good choice for statistics and pre-calc where you’re plotting a lot.

The Nspire CX CAS adds a computer algebra system, meaning it solves equations symbolically and factors expressions rather than just spitting out decimals. Calculus, differential equations, and engineering students get the most out of that. This one is renewed, so expect refurbished condition, but the CAS capability is what you’re paying for.

The Nspire CX II is the current generation with a faster processor and the bundled student software for working on a laptop. It was added to this pool three days ago. If your program uses Nspire devices but you don’t need the CAS symbolic features, this color model covers graphing and statistics cleanly. Renewed condition here.

The TI-89 Titanium is the choice for heavy math and engineering loads, with symbolic algebra and 3D graphing built in. Note that many standardized exams ban the 89, so check your course rules before relying on it as your only calculator. This is a renewed unit, and packaging may differ from retail.

The TI-83 Plus is the budget entry into TI graphing, and this renewed unit ranks #19 in its category. It handles algebra, trig, and intro statistics without trouble, though it lacks the color screen and faster processor of the CE models. A solid pick if a course specifically requires a TI-83 or you want to spend less.

The TI-30XIIS is the #1 bestseller in its category and the workhorse for college algebra and statistics courses that don’t require graphing. It shows entries and results on a two-line display, runs on solar plus battery, and costs a fraction of any graphing model. If your syllabus only calls for a scientific calculator, start here.

The BA II Plus Professional is the financial calculator for accounting, finance, and business majors, and it’s approved for the CFA exam. It handles net present value, internal rate of return, and amortization schedules that general calculators can’t. This one is sold by Amazon, so fulfillment and returns are straightforward.

The Casio MS-80B ranks #4 in its category and is the basic desktop calculator most people picture, with tax and currency keys and a large eight-digit display. It runs on solar with battery backup, so it won’t die mid-task. A cheap, reliable pick for a desk drawer or kitchen counter.

The Canon P1-DHV-3 is a printing desktop calculator that ranks #14 in its category and keeps a paper tape of every entry. That tape is the point for bookkeeping and retail, where you need to verify a long string of numbers. It’s sold by Amazon and prints in two colors for negatives and totals.

The Casio SL-300SV is the pocket-size budget option, ranked #7, and it’s the cheapest item in this roundup. Solar powered with an eight-digit display, it covers basic math for a backpack or a spare drawer. Don’t expect tax functions or memory beyond the basics, but for simple arithmetic it does the job.