One essential tool for the SAT is a good calculator, as it can help you perform complex calculations quickly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on the questions and concepts at hand.
However, with so many calculators on the market, choosing the right one for the SAT can be challenging. In this article, we will explore the best calculators for the SAT, considering factors such as functionality, ease of use, and affordability.
If you are a high school student preparing for the SAT or a professional tutor, this guide will help you find the best calculator to help you ace the exam.
Top 9 Calculator For The SAT: In A Nutshell (2024)
If you are in a bit of a hurry, then here is a quick overview of the best calculators for SAT.
| Sr. No. | Best Calculator For SAT | Price | Rating |
| 1. | TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator | $126 | 4.8/5 |
| 2. | TI-89 Titanium Graphing Calculator | $52.99 | 4.9/5 |
| 3. | TI-Nspire CX CAS | $115 | 4.6/5 |
| 4. | Casio fx-9750GII Graphing Calculator | $65.99 | 4.5/5 |
| 5. | Casio Prizm FX-CG50 Graphing Calculator | $91.99 | 4.7/5 |
| 6. | TI-34 MultiView Scientific Calculator | $23.90 | 4.8/5 |
| 7. | Casio fx-115ES PLUS | $9.19 | 4.4/5 |
| 8. | Casio fx-9860GII | Starts at $60.79 | 4.2/5 |
| 9. | TI-73 Explorer Graphing Calculator | $179.89 | 4.6/5 |
Let’s have a look at the detailed overview of the best calculators for SAT.
1. TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator
TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator by Texas Instruments is the most widely used calculator among students, especially for those who are preparing for the SAT.
It is a new successor of the TI-84 Plus from 2004. With its slim design, it is 30% lighter than the TI-84 Plus model.
This calculator is specially designed for the SAT with key functionalities like matrix operations, graphing functions, function analysis, etc.
TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator is on our top list because it allows you to enter fractions and equations in proper notion. So yes, it is useful in various topics ranging from pre-algebra to AP calculus.
With its colorful and vibrant 7.5-inch display, you can seamlessly characterize two different graphs with different colors.
TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator uses a 1200 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and you can simply charge it via a USB cable.
Key Features:
- Expanded graphing technology.
- Horizontal and Vertical split-screen options.
- More than 14 interactive zoom features.
- Allowed in PSAT, SAT, and ACT.
- Rechargeable.
Price: Amazon price – $126
2. TI-89 Titanium Graphing Calculator
If you are looking for something that can solve algebra, calculus, stats, and metrics with one device, then this calculator is a perfect choice.
This model has 188KB RAM and 2.7 MB flash memory that stores important functions, data, and graphs. You can also connect this calculator to your PC to transfer all the important data.
It is designed in dimensions of 7.5*0.9*3.3 inches and weighs around 5.2 ounces. So yes, it is handy and easy to use.
Other than that, you can also make changes to your equation by moving back. This calculator is reliable for dealing with complex numbers and for integrating and differentiating the value of x.
The feature that amazed me the most is that you can customize the menu and apps as per your choice. Plus, as a graphing calculator, you can plot graphs with 3D capability to better understand complex equations.
It has exceptional features and is more efficient, so the price is slightly higher than the TI-84. But overall, it is durable and efficient to use for SAT.
Key Features:
- Get 16 preloaded graphing calculator software applications.
- Built-in USB port.
- Advanced mathematics software functionality.
- Real-time rotation of 3D surfaces.
- Memory management to create folders for specific applications or subjects.
- Calculate with precision.
Price: Amazon price from $52.99
3. TI-Nspire CX CAS
Coming to the TI-Nspire CX CAS this calculator has advanced features and a good design, allowing users to solve and analyze algebraic equations easily.
It features a 3.5-inch rich screen and offers a clear view when laying out graphs on the x and y-axis. With its impressive battery life, it has a color display, and you can use it in a dark environment.
This calculator has CAS functionality, allowing you to solve complex math equations quickly and easily. Moreover, animations and sliders can help you to explain the behavior of different graphs on this device.
It can also solve the anti-derivatives and negative complex numbers and returns the exact answers. Simply like a computer, you can save, edit and create documents in it.
This calculator is perfect if you want a quick solution to your complex equations in less than 8 seconds.
Key Features
- Advanced graphing functionality.
- Rechargeable.
- Integrated mathematics templates.
- Click, scroll, create, and save like a computer.
- Numeric evaluations in table format for all graphing modes.
- Six different graph styles.
Price: Amazon price – $115
4. Casio Fx-9750GII Graphing Calculator
Casio fx-9750GII is the most highly-rated graphing calculator among users. It is a non-color graphing calculator allowed for PSAT, SAT, and ACT college entrance exams and AP tests.
With 62 KB of internal RAM, you can accurately calculate and compute the most sophisticated equations.
The battery backup is quite impressive and lasts for more than a year on normal use. Plus, it has a high-resolution LCD effect that covers 21 characters per 8 lines.
The unit comes with the various multifunctional tools of Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Calculus, AP Statistics, AP Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, Finance & Business, and Engineering.
As per my experience with this calculator, it is a good entry-level graphing calculator and perfect if you are on a tight budget.
Key Features
- Fulfilling basic functions.
- Plot a variety of graphs.
- Financial calculation functions.
- Direct projector connection.
- Basic arithmetic operations and functions.
Price: Amazon price starts from $65.99.
5. Casio Prizm FX-CG50 Graphing Calculator
Casio Prizm FX-CG50 features a high-resolution display and performs 3D graphing that allows you to make custom graphs of real-world pictures.
It has 4 AAA batteries, but the downside is it is not rechargeable. Also, with its super easy-to-use interface, you can easily access different functions.
This calculator does not use an ordinary technique and provides precise results. For instance, if you enter the value as a fraction, it will simplify the answer in fraction form.
Additionally, the Casio PRIZM FX-CG50 has some financial features like compound interest and net cash flows.
It also includes built-in functions for converting decimal and irrational fractions.
This affordable calculator can also be used for summation, integral, and trigonometric functions.
Key Features
- Incredibly easy to use.
- 3D graphing and catalog functions.
- E-CON4 Application
- Examination Mode
- Connectivity to various devices.
Price: Amazon price – $91.99
6. TI-34 MultiView Scientific Calculator
This one contains a four-line display allowing you to enter many calculations simultaneously.
With this calculator, you get MathPrint capabilities, which means that the numbers and equations written look similar to those found in textbooks.
Additionally, it has a scientific notation output that displays values with the appropriate exponents in scientific notation.
You won’t need to change the battery as frequently because it contains a tiny solar panel that automatically recharges it. A slide case is included to protect the device’s body and screen.
This might not be the most advanced calculator available, nor does it have the best design. But its affordability is what got it on our list.
As compared to most Texas Instruments calculators, this one is significantly less expensive. It has the fundamental elements you’ll need for the SAT at significantly less cost.
Key Features
- Four-line display
- MathPrint™ feature
- One- and two-variable statistics
- Step-by-step fraction simplification
- Advanced fraction capabilities
- Solar and battery powered
- Edit, cut, and paste entries
Price: Amazon price $23.90.
7. Casio Fx-115ES PLUS
This Casio calculator is reasonably priced and durable. The fx-115ES plus differs from other calculators in terms of use and functionality. The fact that this calculator lacks a graphing capability sets it apart much from the other calculators on this list.
The Virtually Perfect Algebraic Method, also known as NATURAL-V.P.A.M., is an outstanding feature of this calculator. This feature, like MathPrint, enables you to read equations and values in a textbook-like manner.
This calculator also displays results in various formats, like answers in radical or decimal form.
Key Features
- Basic mathematical functions.
- Exponential calculation.
- Logarithmic calculation
- Absolute value calculation.
- Mathprint access.
Price: Amazon’s price starts at $9.19
8. Casio Fx-9860GII
This powerful and versatile tool can perform a wide range of calculations, from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus and statistical analysis.
The fx-9860GII features a large, high-resolution LCD display that can display up to 21 characters per line and up to eight lines of text. It has 62KB RAM and 1.5MB flash ROM, which means it can quickly store large amounts of data and perform complex calculations.
fx-9860GII has the ability to graph functions and data in multiple ways. It can display graphs in up to four colors, and users can zoom in and out to see different parts of the graph in detail.
The calculator also has a built-in spreadsheet program that allows users to input and analyze data quickly and efficiently.
The fx-9860GII is designed with ease of use in mind. It also has a variety of built-in tutorials and examples that can help users get started quickly.
Key Features
- User-friendly interface.
- High-resolution LCD.
- High-speed CPU.
- 1.5MB flash memory.
- USB connection portal.
- Built-in software like a spreadsheet and E-CON2.
- Financial calculations.
Price: Amazon price starts at $60.79
9. TI-73 Explorer Graphing Calculator
TI-73 Explorer Graphing Calculator is a powerful calculator that can perform basic arithmetic operations and advanced graphing and statistical analysis functions.
This calculator has a built-in equation solver that can solve linear, quadratic, and other types of equations and various statistical functions that are useful for data analysis.
You get 32KB RAM and 256KB flash ROM, which means it can quickly store large amounts of data and perform complex calculations.
It has a built-in programming language that allows users to create custom programs and functions, and it can perform calculus functions such as differentiation and integration.
All in all, it is the perfect calculator to go for if you are looking for most of the features in one model.
Key Features
- Step-by-step simplification and operations.
- Scrollable home screen.
- Stacked functions.
- Seven different graph styles.
- 13 zoom features.
- Programming capabilities.
- Statistical plot setups.
- Interactive equation solver.
Price: Amazon’s price is $179.89.
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Conclusion: Best Calculator For The SAT (2024)
We have explored some of the best calculators available on the market, considering their functionality, ease of use, and affordability.
However, with our guide, you can make an informed decision and select a calculator that will help you perform complex calculations quickly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on the concepts and questions presented in the SAT.
Still, if you are in confusion, then here is my recommendation:
- Casio fx-115ES PLUS – Most affordable.
- TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator – Best overall
- TI-89 Titanium Graphing Calculator – Best for all-in-one features.
I hope this article helped you to find the best calculator available for SAT. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comment section below.