If you are an aspiring computer programmer, then there are many different tools and pieces of knowledge that you need to have at your disposal. In order to properly program code, whether we are talking about simple applications or complex games, you will need a good calculator. With that being said, not all calculators are ideal for programmers, and in fact, few of them actually are.
However, this is exactly what we are here to help you with today. We want to take a much closer look at the top five contenders for the best calculator for programmers. We evaluated each calculator based on its overall functionality, the display, and how ideal it is for programming. Let’s get to it and help you find a good calculator for programming.
Comparison Chart
Best Calculators for Programmers: Reviews
1. Catiga Scientific Calculator with Graphing Functions
If you are looking for a powerful scientific calculator that is ideal for programmers, mathematicians, and more, then here we have a relatively affordable option for you to consider. If you need a scientific or graphing calculator that is going to help you solve problems, this might just be one of the best ones to use.
Review
This is a scientific calculator that is very comfortable to use, as it comes in at 7 by 3.3 inches, therefore making it fairly large and easy to hold. At the same time, the buttons are also fairly large and easy to press. It even comes with a screen that is big enough to show all of your graphs and equations at the same time.
What’s pretty cool is that this calculator comes with three different modes which include display, calculation, and annular measurement mode. At the same time, it also comes with over 280 different functions, including complex number calculations, linear regression, fractions, statistics, standard deviation, variable solving, permutations, and more.
Keep in mind that this particular calculator is battery powered and eventually that battery will run out, although it should last for many years to come. One of the only downsides with this calculator is the fact that you have to press on the buttons fairly hard or else the calculator may not register them.
Pros
- Large size and display
- Features all of the most important functions
- Easy to use
- Reliable
- Good battery life
Cons
- Buttons are hard to press
2. Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator
If you need a super advanced and functional high-end graphing calculator that comes complete with all of the bells and whistles you could ever imagine, as long as you are willing to invest a good bit of money, this is a great calculator for programmers, mathematicians, and everyone in between.
Review
This graphing calculator comes in at over 7 inches tall, which does make it fairly large. However, this is because it comes complete with nearly 300 different functions that are packed into just a few dozen buttons. If you need a graphing calculator that can do literally everything you would expect a calculator of this nature to do, then this is probably your best option.
What you might also appreciate is the large 3.2-inch display that is able to display your graphs and variables with great clarity. Even better is the fact that this is a full color graphing calculator, so everything displayed is very clear and easy to read. The display here is also high-resolution and full color, complete with backlighting, so it is easy to see.
What also stands out is that there are four key interactive zoom features that allow you to zoom in. There are then also seven different graph styles to choose from. The fact that this calculator also comes with a rechargeable battery is a big bonus because you never have to worry about buying new disposable batteries.
Pros
- All of the essential functions
- Great display
- Good size
- Long battery life – rechargeable
Cons
- Complicated to use
3. Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator
If you need a decent scientific graphing calculator that is ideal for basic functions and is something that would work well for beginner programmers, then this is a great calculator for you to check out.
Review
Although it is a very simple calculator in the grand scheme of things and not quite as complex as the two others that we have looked at, it should still work fine for basic functions. If you need a basic calculator that can perform all kinds of advanced mathematical analysis, then this is a good option to consider.
If you are in any of the sciences, mathematics, computer programming, or anything in between, this is a good calculator to consider. What is also worth noting is that this calculator comes complete with an extremely fast processor, so you never have to wait for equations to be completed.
Moreover, it also comes complete with a display that can show up to 12 characters and eight different lines, complete with 64 by 96 pixels. It has an LCD screen.
What it really comes down to is that this calculator has quite a nice display that is easy to read. Furthermore, this calculator is powered by 4 AAA batteries, which actually come included with your purchase. However, they are not rechargeable and will eventually need to be replaced.
Pros
- Ideal for basic use
- Good display
- Good battery life
- Durable
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Uses disposable batteries
- Not designed for very advanced functions
4. Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II Color Graphing Calculator with Student Software
Here we have what is perhaps one of the most highly advanced calculators on the list today. It’s ideal for programmers, mathematician, scientists, and so much more. To be clear, this is also by far one of the most expensive calculators on the list today, although you get what you pay for, and what you get here is functionality, quality, and more.
Review
This is the kind of calculator that you can use for geometry, statistics, calculus, algebra, chemistry, physics, biology, business, finance, and programming. It is by far one of the most advanced scientific and graphing calculators on our list, as it comes complete with literally hundreds and hundreds of different functions.
What is nice about this calculator is that the buttons are very well organized in an intuitive manner, so you never have to spend a long time looking for the function that you need. Moreover, you know that this is a fully functional graphing calculator because not only does it come with literally hundreds and hundreds of different mathematical functions, but it even has a fully functional numeric keyboard and a fully functional alphabet keyboard.
Using this calculator is actually quite easy. Yes, there are a lot of functions that you need to figure out, but the keyboard is organized in such a way that it makes this calculator very easy to use.
Speaking of ease of use, this calculator also comes with a very large 3.2-inch full color LCD display with very high resolution. This makes it very easy to read no matter what you are doing. The resolution here is actually 320 by 240 pixels, with 16-bit color, so you can see that the quality is quite high.
In the terms of the battery life, this particular scientific graphing calculator can last for up to two weeks on a single charge and that is with a whole lot of use. The battery is also rechargeable, so you never have to worry about buying disposable batteries. Another thing that you might appreciate about this calculator is the fact that it has a very lightweight design which allows for great portability and storage capabilities.
Pros
- Highly advanced
- All of the functions you need
- Great display
- Durable
- Comfortable to hold
- Rechargeable battery
Cons
- Expensive
5. CASIO PRIZM FX-CG50 Color Graphing Calculator
If you are looking for a really nice scientific graphing calculator that comes with all of the functions you need for programming, mathematics, and more, all without having to spend a ton of money, then here we have another great option for you to consider.
Review
What we have here is a simple graphing calculator that comes complete with all the functions that you would expect such a device to have. it features literally hundreds of different functions that are packed into one small package.
Although the calculator may be a little bit difficult to use at first, especially when it comes to switching between functions, it is not overly difficult to get the hang of. What does need to be said is that it is more than functional enough for programming, mathematics, and more.
It comes complete with three-dimensional graphing capabilities, built in conic sections, natural textbook display, and more. You might also like how this screen is a full 3.17 inches large, and it is full color too, complete with a high-resolution display. All in all, it’s very high quality in terms of the visuals.
Yes, this graphing calculator is battery powered, but it should last for a very long time. It needs four AAA batteries to function, although the battery life is quite good. On that note, we think that the quality of this calculator is quite high, especially considering the fairly low cost that it comes to us at.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Plenty of functions
- Ideal for most basic purposes
- Durable
Cons
- A little hard to use at first
Conclusion
If you are looking for the best calculator for programming, the Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II Color Graphing Calculator is definitely our number one choice.
