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# Best Programmable Calculators

By Kathleen Cantor, 02 Dec 2021

Programmable calculators are useful in both professional industries and academics. They have allowed so much advancement in developing skills in logical calculation.

## What are Programmable Calculators?

Programmable calculators are modifiable to improve function through designed programs. It enables users to develop and store programs in the calculator.

These programs help in improving the functionality to make algebraic calculations easier.

## The 5 Best Programmable Calculators

Here’s our list of best programmable calculators:

### Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator

The TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator is a quality product worth its price. For a programmable calculator, its functions are the best set among available calculators.

The pros of buying the TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator are as follows:

• It has a high-resolution, full-colour backlit display perfect for your graphical representation demands
• Its rechargeable batteries allow heavy-duty calculations
• This calculator presents preloaded with apps and images that varied for users' needs
• It has a MathPrint feature for inputting equations the same as in the textbooks.
• The TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator presents itself in many colors to choose from.
• It follows standardized test rules required for SAT, PSAT, ACT, and AP tests

Before buying this calculator, you should know its limitations. It might not be helpful for math problems requiring automatic correction. It has no Computer Algebra System that can help you with that, unlike the next one on our list.

### Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium Graphing Calculator

Unlike the TI-84 Plus CE, the TI-89 Titanium Graphing Calculator offers Computer Algebra System (CAS). It is a more advanced device with extended functions. It provides a wider variety of applications but is more pricey.

As a programmable calculator, TI-89 Titanium takes an edge for its storage. With its 2.7MB flash memory, users can store programs. Programs for usual functions needed in basic mathematics and statistics are pre-installed.

Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium provides an option for its users to organize programs. This feature makes it easy for users to master how it works.

Buying a Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium is an investment for many years. Aside from its sleek design, it has built for long-lasting use.

Texas Instruments Nspire CX II CAS Graphing Calculator

Like the TI-89 Titanium, the Nspire CX II CAS is an exemplary programmable calculator. It provides massive storage and Computer Algebra System (CAS) function. It is an improved version of Nspire CX CAS. The difference is the overwhelming operating system and hardware features.

It adheres to the regulations on SAT, PSAT, AP, and Praxis exams despite its features. This calculator is best if you need a device for fast calculations. It helps solve problems involving formulas and other math notations. It offers superior visualization that allows the exploration of graph behaviors.

The Nspire CX II CAS graphing calculator offers data analysis functions. Specifics are lists, spreadsheets, and graphical representations. Its Vernier DataQuest Application can give users a better experience for data analysis.

This calculator is very complex to use due to its powerful functionalities. It may not be the best for beginners as it’ll take at least a week to explore all that it has to offer. Yet, it can be a good investment for students and professionals in their calculations.

The Casio fx-9860GII Graphing Calculator

The Casio fx-9860GII Graphing Calculator is a mid-level calculator from Casio. Like our top pick, it does not have a Computer Algebra System (CAS). Yet, it has a competitive set of functionality.

The Casio fx-9860GII comes with Program-Link Software. It allows high-speed data communication with a computer. This feature is an advantage for a programmable calculator.

It comes with a high-resolution display and backlight feature. The Casio fx-9860GII works to visualize data and graphs better. Its MathPrint feature also improves the visualization of inputs. Also, its accelerated processing speed help solves complex Math problems faster.

The downside of this calculator is it does not have enough high-end functionality. Compared to more expensive calculators, its weight might be a con. A set of non-rechargeable batteries powers this calculator.

The Casio FX-CG50 PRIZM Color Graphing Calculator

On our last spot is the Casio FX-CG50 PRIZM Color Graphing Calculator. Casio also offers this calculator that does not have CAS. Yet, it can give its users a satisfying experience for its features. It has outstanding visualization and programming capability.

Through its 3D Graph application, the Casio FX-CG50 PRIZM secures its spot on our list. With its presentation, this is a solid programmable calculator for your math class.

It is one of the calculators allowed in standardized exams such as PSAT, SAT, ACT, Math AP, and IB. This calculator will help beat time limits in these exams. The Casio FX-CG50 PRIZM offers faster calculation capability more than expensive units.

## Conclusion

Texas Instruments and Casio are top brands offering programmable calculators. HP is on the third spot. For the cost and functions combined, the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE deserves the top spot for us.

The Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE is all you ever need. Whether as a student, teacher or any professional, this is useful in every way. The TI-84 Plus CE is the most valuable programmable calculator that you could ever buy.

## FAQ

### Who uses Programmable Calculators?

Programmable Calculators are not limited to school tasks and exams. It is also useful for other professionals. Engineers, architects, and entrepreneurs also use programmable calculators for their daily computations.

### What are the considerations in buying a programmable calculator?

Choosing a programmable calculator can be a challenging task. The key is finding the one with the most pre-installed programs and functions. If you are a student, it is wise to choose the ones with the most exam allowances. Pick the calculator that suits your needs combined with your budget.

Be the first to comment below.

### Comment Preview

HTML: You can use simple tags like <b>, <a href="...">, etc.

To enter math, you can can either:

1. Use simple calculator-like input in the following format (surround your math in backticks, or qq on tablet or phone):
a^2 = sqrt(b^2 + c^2)
(See more on ASCIIMath syntax); or
2. Use simple LaTeX in the following format. Surround your math with $$ and $$.
$$\int g dx = \sqrt{\frac{a}{b}}$$
(This is standard simple LaTeX.)

NOTE: You can mix both types of math entry in your comment.

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