The Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX Graphing Calculator is our best graphing calculator which has a full color screen. As for its power, the battery is rechargeable and the design is very thin and slim. With this graphing calculator, it is easy to change the surface color or wire of your 3D graph.
Top Pick: Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX Graphing Calculator
Our step-up pick is the Texas Instruments Nspire CX-CAS Graphing Calculator and it has a very thin and light design. It also has a backlit display that is on full color which is able to display color code equations, lines, points and other geometric objects. You can easily rotate and graph 3D functions both manually and automatically. The battery of the rechargeable graphing calculator can last up to 2 weeks of ordinary use on a full charge and you can use your own photos or digital images for color code and overlaying on math and science functions. It has a 1 year limited warranty.
The budget pick is the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Graphics Calculator and it has up to 12 preloaded apps on the go. It has tons of functions such as trigonometric, calculus, engineering and financial and it comes with a handy USB cable for file sharing or syncing data to and from PCs. Also, it has a split screen in which tables and graphs are displayed so you can scroll through the table values while tracing the graph and it comes with a 1 year warranty.
A Little Background
Graphing calculators are a step further than regular scientific calculators. They can provide you with real-time graphs based on the information you input on them. These types of calculators are very ideal for those in the calculus, geometry or statistics field or studying the said subjects.
Today, graphing calculators have somewhat become an alternative to regular graphing papers and have become a paperless solution to a student’s problem in math and science homework. Most graphing calculators can also be used in finance as well as in other subjects due to their ability to sync between computers via USB cable.
How We Picked
In choosing the best graphing calculator, we took into consideration the following criteria and guidelines to pick the best of the best:
What is the price of the graphing calculator? Strictly speaking, most graphing calculators are more expensive than regular scientific calculators, since they are able to perform more operations such as plot a graph and show you real time data, in comparison to digit based calculators with a simple display.
Is the said calculator allowed on most college entrance exams? You have to know if the graphing calculator is allowed on most exams such as PSAT, SAT, AP, ACT and others. It also depends on the ruling of your classroom teacher or adviser.
Does it have more features such as CAS or computer algebra system? Take note that most calculators that have CAS feature may not be allowed on some entrance exams, but are very useful if you are a STEM junior or senior high school student.
Does it have a sleek, thin and light weight design despite its large screen display? If you want a very bright and wide LCD screen display or LED screen display, you may also want to have a graphing calculator that has a sleek design.
Which fields or subjects is the calculator best used for? Most graphing calculators can be used for science, math and other similar courses or subjects. However, they can also be used in other subjects for taking down notes.
What do the reviews say about the graphing calculator? Know if the graphing calculator has a good reputation online from the reviews on Amazon and other sites.
How efficient and easy to use is the navigation system and graphical user interface of the graphing calculator and what other features does it have? Most graphing calculators have an icon or drag and drop menu WYSWIG interface that gives you hassle free operation.
Our Pick
Top Pick: Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX Graphing Calculator
Out best graphing calculator is the Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX Graphing Calculator in which the design is very thin and slim. For its visual appeal, it has a full color screen in which you have the functionally that makes it easy to change the surface color or wire of your 3D graph. As for its power, the battery is rechargeable.
With a fair enough price, the TI-Nspire CX Calculator is great for students or for workers in the field of mathematics and science. Enjoy its full color display that is backlit which can display equations that are color-coded as well as points, lines and objects.
For operation, equations can be connected in a stronger and faster way where you can easily display representations of geometric figures and graphs. In its build, it has a very compact size to handle and use. In addition, it also has an option for probes such as motion detector and thermometer probe for analysis right off the bat.
As for its graphical user interface, you can easily use sliders to navigate geometry tools and individual proofs. The graph tools, lists and tables are all well-organized. It also uses Nspire technology like most of its similar brands. As for its accessibility, the TI-Nspire CX is great for use even in darker lighting. As for its user customization and convenience, you can even use your own photos or digital images to illustrate your graphs. For power, it does not require alkaline batteries and uses lithium metal batteries.
In terms of display, it is a high resolution graphing calculator with a vibrant display where you can easily perform 3D graphing as you can manually or automatically graph and rotate 3D functions. You can expect it to be used for a long time as the battery can last up to 2 weeks when used normally.
Regarding its measurements, the calculator weighs 1.3 lbs and has a size of 14 inches. As for its eligibility, do know that this calculator is also approved for taking ACT tests as well as SAT, AP, IB, PSAT / NSMQT and it is ideal for junior and high school students taking STEM. What’s more, you can even load work notes and school notes to and from your computer or your phone or tablet. In addition to that, it has a memory of 115 MB.
One neat feature of the Texas Instruments Calculator is that this graphing calculator also has a few games that you can download and play and it is ideal for most math and science projects and use. Being colored in black and white finish, it is also available in other bundles such as pink case, galaxy case, blue case, essential bundle and TI-N-spire CX.
Flaws but Not Dealbrakers
Perhaps the only thing that the Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX Graphing Calculator lacked is CAS or computer algebra system that, fortunately, our step-up pick has, but for a bigger price. So if you consider its price value, this graphing calculator is alright for someone who just needs a graphing calculator with a fair budget.
Step-up Pick
Texas Instruments Nspire CX-CAS Graphing Calculator
The Texas Instruments Nspire CX-CAS Graphing Calculator is our step-up pick which has a backlit display that is on full color which is able to display color code equations, lines, points and other geometric objects. For its sleekness, it has a very thin and light design.
One of its very neat features is that you can use your own photos or digital images for color code and overlaying on math and science functions. As for its power, the battery of the rechargeable graphing calculator can last up to 2 weeks of ordinary use on a full charge. Regarding its functions, you can easily rotate and graph 3D functions both manually and automatically.
The Texas Instruments Nspire uses CAS or computer algebra system technology and in addition, you can easily exchange notes and assignments between your computer and this calculator which is very helpful for students who are always on the go. For its functionality, aside from the standard numeric calculations, you can also use symbolic algebra and symbolic calculus with this graphing calculator.
In terms of its operations, you can easily view exact values of variables and perform any calculations for arithmetic, algebraic expressions and calculus. Also, the connections between equations have been improved as well as geometric and graphical representations on the calculator screen. For its interface, you can easily graph and rotate and choose the surface or wire color of the 3D graph you have just made.
Equipped with a very bright screen which has a high resolution, the Nspire CX-CAS Calculator does not require alkaline batteries to run due to its rechargeable lithium metal battery. The calculator weighs 12.8 oz and has a height of 10 inches and is also available with other cases and bundles. For accessibility, it comes with a wall charger / USB cable for uploading and downloading data to and from a PC.
This is an ideal high-end calculator to consider. However, because this graphing calculator has CAS, it isn’t allowed on ACT and some other tests, but is definitely handy for a lot of STEM based options and calculations which have more features than our best graphing calculator, hence it is pricier. This calculator is backed by a 1 year limited warranty.
Budget Pick
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Graphics Calculator
The Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Graphics Calculator is our budget pick and it has a split screen in which tables and graphs are displayed so you can scroll through the table values while tracing the graph. As for its functionality, it has up to 12 preloaded apps on the go. For accessibility, it comes with a handy USB cable for file sharing or syncing data to and from PCs. It also has tons of functions such as trigonometric, calculus, engineering, logarithm, hyperbolic functions and financial.
The Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus has a memory of 24 kb of RAM and has a flash ROM of 480 kb. For technology, it uses a super fast processor that is 2.5 times faster than its older model. The preloaded apps of the calculator include Science Tools, Probability Simulations, StudyCards, Inequality Graphing, Conic Graphing, Cabri Jr., Topics in Algebra Ch 1 to 4, TimeSpan, CBL/CBR, Transformation Graphing, Topics in Algebra Ch 5 and a lot more.
You can easily store up to 10 functions in graphing and analysis and in addition to that, you can use a lot of plot types with this graphing calculator such as histogram, XY-line, box and whisker, scatter and probability plots. Being environment friendly, the TI-84 Graphics Calculator has an energy saving feature in which it automatically shuts off when not in use.
Using this calculator, you can easily access graphical analysis, regression and data analysis as well. This graphing calculator is definitely ideal for work in the field of statistics, math, science, finance and similar fields.
As for its visual appeal, it is colored in standard black and white finish but it is also available in other colors such as blue, pink, green, purple or starbursts. In terms of power, it requires 4 AAA batteries to run (batteries not included) but it has a silver oxide battery for backup and it is also available in an essential bundle and a case bundle.
The TI-84 Calculator comes with the usual hard normal slide case and also includes full reference guide book and warranty information and it also includes the USB cable. This high quality graphing calculator made in the USA and weighs only 12 oz and measures 7.8 inches. It comes with a 1 year warranty.
Best White Colored Graphing Calculator
Casio fx-9750GII White Graphing Calculator
The Casio fx-9750GII White Graphing Calculator is an ideal white colored graphing calculator which has a CPU RAM of 62 kb which makes it super high speed. Its software design is very intuitive and you can easily make bar graphs and pie charts.
With this calculator, you are able to connect via USB to your computer for sharing files and as for its eligibility, it is allowed to use for various college exams such as ACT, SAT, AP, PSAT / NMSQT and others. The Casio fx-9750GII is ideal for the fields of finance, business, chemistry, algebra, geometry, calculus, AP calculus, pre-algebra, AP statistics, biology, physics and others. In addition to its features, it comes with conic equations that are built-in as well as AP statistics.
Any person can easily graph x = f(y) or x > f(y) as well as constants as it also has a simple 1-step feature for graph solving. For graphical user interface, the menu system is icon based for a better visual appear and it is able to provide you with a variety of graph types such as: inequality graph, integration, dual graph, dynamic graph, bar and pie graph, conic section, integral graphs and others.
Adding to its list of functions, it also has a random number generation feature and for better organization, the statistics are list-based. It is also equipped with financial functions for your convenience. The Casio Graphing Calculator has a super sharp and high resolution LCD screen display in which you can clearly and easily see formulas, statistical data and graphics.
Visually, the calculator measures 6 inches and weighs 1.3 lbs so it is very light weight and has a white front and blue back color finish. It is also available in pink and yellow colors and has been made in the USA. It comes with 4 AAA alkaline batteries, a protective hard case, a user’s manual and a USB cable for sharing data.
Best Pink Colored Graphing Calculator
Texas Instruments TI-84 Pink Graphing Calculator
For those who like it pink and unique when it comes to color, they might want to have the Texas Instruments TI-84 Pink Graphing Calculator. This calculator has a color screen that is backlit and vibrant and in addition to that, it also has a math print functionality.
With this calculator, all apps and images have come preloaded and in addition to that, you can also order and choose from a variety of colors ranging from blues to reds and to grays. As for its design, it is very thin and light to about 30 percent compared to older models of the TI-84.
In terms of functionality, you can easily make connections between your expressions and equations. All objects, plots and equations can all be color coded as well as display of multiple graphs as well as plots. In general, it has a very readable screen with a high resolution in full color. The TI-84 Pink Graphing Calculator comes with an 8-page user’s manual and the calculator measures 7.6 inches and weighs 15.5 oz.
Graphing Calculator with QWERTY Keyboard
Texas Instruments VOY200/PWB Graphics Calculator
If you like to work on your math or statistics in QWERTY style, you may want the Texas Instruments VOY200/PWB Graphics Calculator. The LCD screen has a very large screen size of 128 pixels by 240 pixels and it also comes with a lot of popular apps such as The Geometer’s Sketchpad and more.
The calculator uses flash technology so it can be upgraded for software apps in the future and the unique feature of this graphing calculator is that you can easily type in your data using its convenient QWERTY keyboard for homework and study use. It uses an icon desktop display for easily looking for apps and accessing them.
It has a flash ROM of 2.5 M and has a RAM of 188 kb for its memory specs and it also accepts StudyCards for a variety of subjects such as English, foreign language, history and others. The functions include numeric and symbolic ones that allow you to differentiate, integrate, solve, factor and more.
This calculator is large at 10.25 inches and weighs 2.3 lbs and it also uses CAS or computer algebra system that allows you to use more functions and expressions for use on calculus and similar fields of mathematics.
What’s more, you can also use its differential equation features and easily solve using Runga Kutta or Euler methods. You can easily graph direction fields as well as slope fields. It is great for use on a lot of subjects and not just on math and science and ideal for reviewing during vacant periods or on the bus. The calculator requires 4 AAA batteries to run, which is included in the graphing calculator and it also includes a user’s manual.
Programmable Graphing Calculator
Texas Instruments TI-83 Programmable Graphing Calculator
The Texas Instruments TI-83 Programmable Graphing Calculator has display digits which are up to 10 and has 16 by 8 display characters and display lines and has a graphic display notation. It comes with features for comparing and graphing as well as analysis and data plotting.
There are options for split screen in horizontal or vertical mode and the functions can be accessed from display menus that are pulled down for more advanced users. It comes in handy with finance features and functions and it also has an I/O port for compatibility with other TI products and calculators.
The calculator weighs 7.2 oz and measures 7.2 inches. As for power, it only requires 4 AA batteries and it is also available in clear blue, clear green and silver edition.
Graphing Calculator with Screen Protector
Texas Instruments TI-84 with Screen Protector
The Texas Instruments TI-84 with Screen Protector comes complete with all functions for trigonometry, engineering, finance, calculus and most similar fields. In addition, it is also able to share and transfer files between PCs and the calculator using its USB connectivity.
The calculator comes with 4 AAA batteries plus a CD manual and all other needed accessories. What makes this graphing calculator package unique is that it already includes a Guerilla screen protector set that is of military grade so that your calculator is protected from the elements. It has preloaded apps of up to 12.
Anyone can easily scroll while tracing the graph in its split screen functionality as this calculator comes with analysis tools for statistics, regression analysis, data and graphical analysis. It is definitely ideal for computing hyperbolic functions, logarithm, calculus, trigonometry, engineering, statistics and finance. The TI-84 with Screen Protector graphing calculator measures 10 inches and weighs 1.3 lbs and colored in black finish.
Best CAS Graphing Calculator
TI-Nspire CAS Graphing Calculator
For those who specifically want a CAS graphing calculator then you may want the TI-Nspire CAS Graphing Calculator, which of course, uses CAS or computer algebra system for complicated functions that are not present in most graphing calculators out there. It has a gray and white color finish.
This calculator is eligible for use on AP tests as well as PSAT and SAT college exams and the single screen is able to display multiple representations of any problem either together or individually. Most problem representations can be easily linked so you can see how one problem affects another and the patterns and relationships can be observed in real time due to its function to grab and above graphical elements.
Overall, it is a great calculator for classroom use and similar uses and it also has a feature to block features of geometry which are not allowed during exams. The calculator weighs 2 lbs and has a size of 7.8 inches.
In addition to that, it can also perform symbolic manipulation and it comes with everything such as battery, cover and USB cable. It is ideal for calculus when working with definite integrals or limits and has a click and drag feature on its graph screen. With a very large resolution of the screen, it uses 4 AAA batteries to run.
Ideal Graphing Calculator for Teachers
Texas Instruments TI-84 CE Teacher’s 10-Pack
The Texas Instruments TI-84 CE Teacher’s 10-Pack is a rather expensive but feature packed graphing calculator, an ideal calculator for math teachers. It is very thin, sleek and light weight design and the display is backlit and in full color with a high resolution.
With this calculator, you have the ability to connect through USB cable as it comes with 5 USB cables for computer connectivity and 5 cables for unit to unit use. It is quite large in length at 17 inches and weighs 10 lbs and it has a familiar 84 plus family function.
This calculator comes with a rechargeable battery. The CE Teacher’s 10-Pack comes with a CE charging station as well as a product poster and it also includes a user’s manual and a quick reference card and EZ spot units. In addition, it also includes a built-in math print feature so you can easily enter stacked fractions, math symbols and formulas just as how they appear in regular textbooks. All in all, it is ideal for high school, middle school and college and for math, science and similar fields and subjects.
The Competition
Other graphing calculators out there that did not get their spot in our review are not as standing out as the ones we have reviewed here because they do not have enough useful or unique features to be a great graphing calculator.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the uses of a graphing calculator?
A: According to TI Education Technology , it gives better visualization of the problems they are working on in math, science and similar subjects and enhances the problem solving skills of a student. Furthermore, it gives a student an opportunity to learn and explore more and delve deeper into making connections between problems, expressions and formulas with the use of graphs and plots.
Q: What are the benefits of using a graphing calculator?
A: They are beneficial for students in the subjects and courses of algebra, pre-algebra, calculus, pre-calculus, statistics, biology, geometry and similar fields and also, they are also allowed for a lot of state college entrance exams. It enhances the skills and understanding of a student in the fields of math and science for a better career ahead. The technology of a graphing calculator allows students to easily take down notes, review and prepare for the next lessons ahead without wasting paper.
Q: Can graphing calculators be used on tests and exams?
A: They are used and even required on a variety of exams such as AP, PSAT, SAT and ACT and may also be allowed in classroom exams depending on the usage policy of the teacher or the school.
Wrapping It Up
Overall, the Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX Graphing Calculator is our best graphing calculator which is feature packed with functions that you need for any STEM or college exam purposes.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.