The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Scientific Calculator in 2025

Introduction

Despite the rise of smartphone apps and advanced computing tools, scientific calculators remain essential in 2025. Whether you're a student preparing for standardized exams, an engineering undergraduate solving complex equations, or a teacher guiding learners through algebra and trigonometry, a reliable scientific calculator is still a must-have. They are exam-approved, distraction-free, and tailored for academic and technical use.

In this guide, we help you navigate the best scientific calculators on the market in 2025, comparing their features and recommending the ideal models for various needs.

What to Look for in a Scientific Calculator (2025 Edition)

When choosing a scientific calculator, consider the following features:

• Display Type: Multi-line displays (e.g., 2-line or 4-line) make it easier to view expressions and results simultaneously.
• Power Source: Battery, solar, or dual-power options.
• Functions: Check for support for logarithmic functions, trigonometry, statistics, fractions, matrix operations, and complex numbers.
• Exam Compatibility: Many exams like SAT, ACT, AP, and IB have restrictions on calculator models.
• Build and Usability: Button layout, durability, and screen clarity all affect the user experience.
• Special Features: Innovations like writeable LCDs or natural textbook displays can enhance usability.

Calculator Comparison Table

Top Picks by Category

• Best Overall: Casio - fx-115ES Plus 2nd Edition
• Best Budget Calculator: Casio - FX-82MS 2nd Edition
• Best for Engineering Students: Texas Instruments - TI-36X Pro
• Best for High School Students: Casio - fx-300ES Plus 2nd Edition
• Most Innovative Design: ROATEE - Calcpad with LCD Writing Tablet
• Best Exam-Friendly Option: Texas Instruments - TI-30X IIS

In-Depth Reviews

Texas Instruments - TI-34 MultiView A versatile 4-line display calculator great for middle and high school students. It supports fraction and statistics functions and is dual-powered for reliability.

Casio - fx-115ES Plus 2nd Edition This model is a top-tier choice for science and engineering students, offering advanced math functions like integrals, matrices, and complex numbers in a natural textbook display format.

HP - 300s+ Compact and affordable, the 300s+ provides over 300 functions and good support for statistics and basic engineering tasks.

Casio - fx-300ES Plus 2nd Edition Ideal for high school use, it supports a wide range of scientific operations with an intuitive natural display and dual power sources.

CATIGA - CS229 A budget-friendly option for students who need standard scientific capabilities, though it lacks more advanced engineering functions.

ROATEE - Calcpad Combines a 4-line calculator with an erasable LCD writing tablet for quick calculations and note-taking. Great for visual learners.

Texas Instruments - TI-30X IIS One of the most popular choices for exam takers. Simple, functional, and affordable.

Casio - FX-991ES Plus-2nd Edition A powerful all-rounder with support for matrix operations, complex numbers, and statistical analysis.

Saillong - 2-Line Engineering Calculator A basic option for budget-conscious users. Gets the job done for general scientific needs.

Casio - FX-991ES Plus-2 An updated and reliable model for students and professionals needing advanced math capabilities.

Casio - FX-82MS 2nd Edition A classic, dependable calculator with 240 functions. Great for everyday classroom use.

Texas Instruments - TI-36X Pro Feature-rich with MultiView display, advanced math functions, and a sturdy build. Great for higher education.

Final Thoughts

Scientific calculators have stood the test of time by continuing to offer unmatched practicality and exam compatibility. The right calculator depends on your level, discipline, and specific needs. For advanced functions, the TI-36X Pro or Casio fx-115ES Plus are excellent. For budget-conscious users, the FX-82MS or CATIGA CS229 are great options. And if you want a blend of innovation and utility, ROATEE’s Calcpad is a unique choice.

In 2025, investing in a quality scientific calculator is still a smart, exam-ready decision.