Best Scientific Calculators for School and College: Casio vs. TI

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This is a comparison of published manufacturer specifications, not a hands-on speed, durability or battery-life test. It covers three scientific calculators and one clearly labeled graphing alternative. Prices and seller availability vary; no model is ranked as the cheapest or fastest.

Which scientific calculator fits your course?

Before spending: check your teacher’s required model or function list. If you already own a permitted calculator that meets those requirements, practicing with it may be more useful than buying a replacement. For school or college work, match graphing, solver and programming permissions to the actual course; an exam allowance does not establish classroom permission.

Casio fx-991CW: advanced functions in a non-graphing model

The fx-991CW combines a high-resolution textbook-style display with icon and catalog menus. Casio lists matrix and vector calculations, simultaneous and polynomial equations, numerical tables, statistics and a spreadsheet. It uses solar and battery power.

Consider it when: your course needs those functions but does not require graph plotting. Check first: it is non-programmable and non-graphing. Try the menu workflow in the manufacturer’s manual before switching from a calculator you already know.

Manufacturer specifications · Check Casio fx-991CW listing on Amazon

TI-36X Pro: numerical calculus, matrices and solvers

The TI-36X Pro has a four-line display, numeric equation, polynomial and linear-system solvers, matrices and vectors. It can calculate numerical derivatives and integrals of real functions. TI specifies battery power with solar assistance.

Consider it when: you need advanced numerical calculations in a non-graphing device, including for a suitable college math or engineering course. Check first: numerical calculus is different from symbolic algebra and does not make this a graphing calculator. Do not assume it is permitted everywhere a basic scientific model is allowed.

Manufacturer specifications · Check TI-36X Pro listing on Amazon

TI-30XS MultiView: fractions, algebra and statistics

The TI-30XS MultiView provides a four-line MathPrint display, fraction/decimal conversion, function tables, and one- and two-variable statistics. It uses solar and battery power.

Consider it when: your required work centers on arithmetic, fractions, algebra, trigonometry or introductory statistics rather than advanced solvers. Check first: a function-value table is not a plotted graph. Compare the TI-36X Pro or fx-991CW if your syllabus specifically requires matrix, vector or numerical-calculus functions.

Manufacturer specifications · Check TI-30XS MultiView listing on Amazon

Graphing alternative: Casio fx-9750GIII

The fx-9750GIII is a graphing calculator, so it belongs in a different category from the three scientific models above. Casio lists graph plotting, vector arithmetic, spreadsheets, CASIO Basic and MicroPython programming, and four AAA batteries. Casio states that it has no built-in CAS.

Consider it when: your class requires graphs or a graphing model. Check first: programming and stored-content rules differ by test. Follow the exam provider’s current restrictions rather than treating the manufacturer’s general exam badge as permission to use every feature.

Manufacturer specifications · Check Casio fx-9750GIII listing on Amazon

SAT, ACT and AP: check the specific calculator policy

SAT and PSAT-related assessments: College Board allows permitted non-CAS scientific and graphing calculators and provides scientific and graphing Desmos options in Bluebook. CAS calculators and symbolic-algebra programs are prohibited. Buying a new handheld is not required just to access a calculator on the digital test. Read the current SAT Suite calculator policy, including stored-program and document restrictions.

ACT: permitted four-function, scientific and graphing calculators can be used on Math, subject to the prohibited-feature list and required modifications. The online ACT provides an embedded Desmos graphing calculator. Read the current ACT calculator policy for your administration.

AP: “AP approved” is not a blanket permission. The allowed calculator type and sections depend on the subject. AP Calculus uses graphing-calculator capabilities for specified parts; a scientific calculator is not a substitute for those capabilities. Check your subject and the built-in tools in the official AP calculator policy.

A short checklist before you buy

1. Confirm the exact model name and your course or exam’s current rules.
2. Compare the functions your assignments need, not just a headline function count.
3. Check the seller, total price, return terms and included accessories on the actual listing.
4. Practice fractions, parentheses, negative numbers, scientific notation and degree/radian settings before test day.

For example, in degree mode sin(30) = 0.5. Enter (3 + 5) ÷ 2 to get 4; entering 3 + 5 ÷ 2 gives 5.5. These quick checks help you learn the mode and grouping controls without relying on a particular brand’s key sequence.

Once you have a suitable calculator, continue with free lessons and practice in our Algebra 1 Online Center, SAT Math Online Center or ACT Math Online Center.

Calculator rules for the SAT, ACT, and AP exams

Check the rules for your exam before you buy. Here is what the official policies say as of 2026.

• SAT and PSAT: The testing app has a built-in Desmos calculator with graphing and scientific modes. You may also bring a scientific or graphing calculator. Calculators with a computer algebra system (CAS) are not allowed. That includes the TI-89, TI-92, TI-Nspire CAS, and TI-Nspire CX II CAS. A TI-Nspire without ‘CAS’ in its name is acceptable.
• ACT: Calculators with CAS are prohibited, including all TI-89 and TI-92 models, the TI-Nspire CAS, HP Prime, and Casio ClassPad models. Most scientific calculators are fine. Turn off sound and remove stored programs before test day.
• AP Calculus: A graphing calculator is required on the calculator sections. The TI-89 is on the approved list, and Bluebook’s built-in Desmos graphing calculator is also available.
• AP Statistics: A graphing calculator with statistics functions is expected. Non-graphing calculators are not allowed on the 2027 exams.
• AP Physics and AP Chemistry: A scientific or graphing calculator is allowed.

A scientific calculator covers most class tests and the SAT and ACT. If you plan to take AP Calculus or AP Statistics, a graphing calculator will save you buying a second one later.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best scientific calculator for high school students?

For most high school students, the TI-30XS MultiView is a strong choice. Its four-line display shows fractions and expressions the way they look in a textbook, and it handles function tables and one- and two-variable statistics. It is non-graphing with no computer algebra system, which fits SAT and ACT rules. Still, check whether your teacher requires a specific model.

What is the best scientific calculator for college students?

For college science, engineering and statistics, compare the TI-36X Pro and the Casio fx-991CW. Both solve equations and systems, work with matrices and vectors, and compute numerical derivatives and integrals. The TI-36X Pro has a four-line display, while the Casio uses icon and catalog menus. If your course needs graphs, look at a graphing calculator instead.

Which is the best scientific calculator for engineering students?

Engineering students usually get the most from a calculator with equation solvers, matrices, vectors and numerical calculus, which is why the TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-991CW are popular picks. Many engineering exams limit you to non-programmable models, so check your department’s and licensing exam’s approved list before you buy.

Can scientific calculators do combinations?

Yes. Most scientific calculators have an nCr key for combinations and an nPr key for permutations, often as a second function. To find how many ways you can choose 2 items from 5, enter 5 nCr 2 to get 10. Permutations count order, so 5 nPr 2 gives 20. This is handy in probability and statistics classes.

Can scientific calculators be wrong?

The calculator follows the order of operations exactly, so most wrong answers come from how the problem is typed or from the wrong mode. For example, sin(30) gives 0.5 in degree mode but about −0.988 in radian mode. Missing parentheses cause errors too: 6 ÷ (2 × 3) is 1, while 6 ÷ 2 × 3 is 9. Check the mode and parentheses first.

Are calculators allowed in college?

It depends on the course and the instructor. Many math and science classes allow a scientific calculator, some ban graphing or programmable models on exams, and a few allow no calculator at all. Read the syllabus for each class before buying, and if a specific model is named, get that one so you practice on the same buttons you will use on tests.