Buying the Best Scientific Calculator on the Market

At one point in almost everyone's life, they'll need to buy a scientific calculator for use either in school or at work. The need for a scientific calculator arises when the four basic functions of math, and regular calculators, just aren't enough. Scientific calculators are able to perform the usual functions, plus exponential and logarithmic ones as well. These functions are applied by those either taking classes or in the fields of technical math, trigonometry, and calculus, for example.

With the sheer number of calculators available on the market, however, purchasing one can be a daunting task. What functions do you need? How much memory should it have? Is the $60 calculator really that much better than the $15 one? Here is a list of the most popular and best scientific calculators available, in no specific order:

Casio FX-260 (about $8): This calculator offers a two line display (one line for the equation, one for the answer) with 144 preset functions at a reasonable price. It's solar powered, so you don't have to worry about running out of batteries, and offers an easy to navigate key layout. This is a great basic scientific calculator.

Casio FX-115w Plus (under $20): Multiple memory, two line display and 279 preset functions set this calculator apart from the rest. Easily switches modes, and can be used in a variety of settings as it offer features such as metric conversions, which come in handy in both the math and science fields.

TI 30Xa (about $12): Texas Instruments calculators are often specified by teachers as to what their students should buy, and this is a perfect student calculator. It's inexpensive and durable, and is battery powered.

TI 30x IIS (under $15): This is a slightly more sophisticated TI calculator than the TI 30Xa. It has the popular two line display, a good amount of memory, and through its menu allows you to specify appropriate settings.

Sharp EL-531VB (around $10): One of the best values available, the EL-531VB is a battery powered calculator with a two line display. It's among the best selling scientific calculators on the market, with 183 preset functions and a durable cover.

Hewlett Packard HP9s (about $12): This is a highly versatile calculator great for students or even to just have handy around the house. It has all the basic scientific functions, and can perform metric conversions, calculate currency exchanges and has an above par memory option.

Hewlett Packard HP 20s ($45): Raved about by professionals and students alike, the HP 20s is a durable model with 100-plus mathematic functions as well as a built in program library. It has a scrolling display and a 10 data registry option, and continually gets the highest reviews among regular users of scientific calculators.