As kids enter secondary school, mathematics quickly advances beyond basic adding and subtracting. A standard calculator just won't cut it, which is why it's best to upgrade to a scientific calculator for school to help them learn algebra, trigonometry and calculus.
The right scientific calculator will become a handy companion as they complete GCSEs and move on to A-levels and VTU exams. They're also essential for physics and engineering students. This article compares the key functions and features needed to solve complex equations before ranking the top 10 best scientific calculators in the UK, including big brands like Casio and sharp, which are all available from Argos, ASDA, John Lewis and Amazon!
Quick List - Top Scientific Calculators
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Unlike a standard calculator, scientific calculators can have up to 276 functions. For the most part, all scientific calculators can perform the same tasks, like solving trigonometry problems (using sin, cos, tan), probability problems and logarithm problems.
For students taking their GCSEs, AQA recommends a calculator with the following functions: four rules and square, square root, reciprocal and power, brackets, exponential, trigonometric and statistical. Thankfully, most scientific calculators have these, including those in our ranking!
When choosing a scientific calculator, check the number of functions included. Calculators with a minimum of 200 is usually a good sign, but if you're still unsure of which functions you need, teachers or course leaders can usually recommend which are required for a particular course.
'Natural textbook' and 'two-line' are the two most common ways data is displayed on a calculator. Two lines is the most popular display method, as it lays out information clearly for easy viewing. The top line shows the equation, and the bottom line displays the result to ten plus two digits.
Other scientific calculators display equations and results written in a textbook. These are best for classroom learning as the calculator will show results in the same format as they're written, with data displayed in an easy to understand table.
For anyone who's already been to school, you'll know that highlighter pens are the key to any successful revision session!
Some calculators have features like replay and non-stick keys to improve performance. Non-stick buttons, as the name implies, prevent buttons from getting stuck, which is one unnecessary stressor that no one needs during an exam!
Replay lets you go back through a calculation and edit it, so you can calculate your answers again. This is handy if you've made a mistake or things just don't add up, as you'll be able to go back and correct the problem without starting from scratch.
Kids' school supplies often get scratched and damaged while they're carrying them around in a bag all day. Fortunately, some calculators come with a hard cover that protects against scuffs and scrapes. By sliding on the cover before placing it in a bag, it'll stand up longer against wear and tear.
If the calculator is for revision or homework, select a model with an in-built clock. The clock will help kids schedule and organise their study time for a healthy work-play balance. It's important to encourage good organisational skills from a young age, as these are transferable to work when they grow up!
Academic planners are excellent tools for planning study and revision. Here's our pick of the best in the UK!
You should take note of the type of batteries your calculator uses. Scientific calculators either run off battery or are twin-powered, using solar power with a battery backup. Each have their pros and cons.
Solar power calculators are much better for the environment, as it's a renewable energy source that can be recharged near a window during the day. This means that there's a low chance of it running out, and you won't need to factor in the cost of replacement batteries.
If you purchase a battery calculator but still want to save power, look for one that has an auto shut-off. The calculator will turn itself off when not in use after a set amount of time, which is handy if they accidentally forget.
If your child doesn't yet own the required maths equipment, or it needs replacing, look for bundles online. Some scientific calculator sets come with extras like protractors, rulers, compasses, pencils, rubbers and sharpeners. These are essentials your child will need in a maths classroom, so why not save time by buying them all together?
On the other hand, if your child already has a lot of stationery, there's no need to buy extras. They'll only go to waste, and it'll cost you extra money as some bundles can be more expensive than purchasing a calculator separately.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Casio FX-83GTX Scientific Calculator|fx-83GT X | ![]() | A Best Seller With a Wealth of Extra Functions | |
2 | Sharp Scientific Calculator|EL-531TH | ![]() | Lots of Functions and a Two-Line Display | |
3 | Casio FX-85GT PLUS PK Scientific Calculator|fx-85GT PLUS | ![]() | Eco-Friendly With a Longer Life | |
4 | RENUS 2-Line Engineering Scientific Calculator | ![]() | A Robust Design You Can Bulk Buy | |
5 | Milan Scientific Calculator|M 240 | ![]() | A Splash of Colour for Creatives | |
6 | KAPEK Maths Set and Scientific Calculator Bundle|KAPEK - P101 | ![]() | Built-in Digital Clock for Organisation and Planning | |
7 | Aurora Scientific Calculator|AX-595PK | ![]() | An Attractive Calculator With Handy Case | |
8 | Pen & Gear Scientific Calculator | ![]() | Inexpensive Model if You're on a Budget | |
9 | Helix Oxford Scientific Calculator|OX-240 | ![]() | Easy Reading With a Large Display | |
10 | HANPURE Scientific Calculator|fc-82MS | ![]() | A Ruler and Protractor to Help With Homework |
Casio is by far the best brand for scientific calculators, and this is their best-selling model in the UK. It's no wonder why, as it has many extra functions, including ratio, digital separator and variable lists. It even comes in a natural textbook display, so it'll be easy for kids to understand as they learn.
It's been fully approved for use for KS3 and KS4, including GCSEs, so you can guarantee it will have everything they need. Plus, it comes with a wealth of features like non-stick keys and replay that make it wonderfully user friendly.
This calculator has a total of 273 functions, that's almost the highest number on this list! This ensures your kids will be able to perform all the tasks they need, whether it's in class or during exams. It's also solar powered with battery backup, making for a reliable choice whilst also being kinder to the environment.
Sharp is an established brand in the UK, so you know this calculator is a trustworthy buy. It even comes with extra-large directional buttons, which will make it easier to use.
If you care about your impact on the environment, this calculator is a perfect pick. It runs off solar power, converting sunlight into energy. It also has a longer battery life than other options, so you know it'll always be there, ready to help them solve equations!
An excellent tool for learning, it has a multi-replay function, so you can go back through previous steps to edit equations if something has gone wrong. Plus, the natural textbook display makes it very easy to use and understand.
This calculator has a robust outer casing, so it can withstand a good deal of wear and tear without getting damaged. It also comes with a helpful manual providing ample instructions on how to use it, which is especially useful for beginners.
If you have a large family or tutor maths, you can bulk buy these calculators in packs of two and eight. You even get a discount for purchasing multiple calculators, so you might want to consider putting in a group order to save you some cash!
This calculator will add a splash of colour and creativity to maths class. Artistic kids are sure to love it, as it has a unique two-tone gradient design. It has a great memory, so they'll be able to store all the variables needed for GCSE exams.
The two AAA batteries are easy to replace, unlike LR44s, which can be quite fiddly! Plus, it comes with a translucent protective cover to keep it safe in-between use, and features 240 functions.
This calculator has a unique design that includes a digital clock. This is handy if you're buying the calculator to help with revision or homework as they'll be able to organise their time without getting distracted.
It comes with all the essential tools they'll need for a maths lesson, including compasses and protractors. And if that wasn't enough, there's an additional case that you can use to store both the extras and the calculator itself.
Here's an inexpensive alternative to the popular Casio pink calculator. It has a similar number of functions, multi-replay, and it even has a protective cover that will keep it safe from scratches when inside a bag or pencil case.
It's a bit slower than higher-end calculators, which isn't ideal for timed exams. That said, it's still a useful resource for when they're in the classroom and has all the functions they'll need.
Sometimes you just don't have the money in the budget to splash out on an expensive calculator. Luckily, this affordable option will do the job and more for a pocket money price! It's even available in a choice of pink or black.
Unfortunately, this calculator doesn't have as many functions as others. Although it still has the basic ones you need to complete GCSEs, like trigonometric functions, fractions and square roots.
Here's a calculator with an extra-large display that makes it much easier to read. This makes it ideal for children with visual impairments that find it difficult to view smaller screens.
It comes with a durable cover that's sure to protect it from scratches, which is much needed if they have it in their bag all day. Unfortunately, the buttons are a bit hit or miss, as you may have to press them a few times for them to work.
This calculator has been upgraded to work faster and have better accuracy, which is great for exams. Better yet, it comes bundled with a protractor, set square and a ruler, which is handy if your child is just starting to use these calculation tools in maths classes.
Sadly, the material this calculator is made from isn't the best quality, so it may not hold up as long as you would like. However, the battery works well and will last a while, so you won't need to replace it often.
Check if your calculator contains graphic capabilities and the A-Z alphabet buttons. If so, then it's most likely a programmable calculator. Another way to check is by looking at the model number - if it ends in a P, it's programmable.
Yes, they do, but as they use so little power, the battery on a calculator can last for literally years! As mentioned above, scientific calculators either use batteries or are solar-powered, so make sure you check this spec before purchasing to ensure you're prepared if the power does run out!
Written and researched by Rosa Fairfield
No. 1: Casio|FX-83GTX Scientific Calculator|fx-83GT X
No. 2: Sharp|Scientific Calculator|EL-531TH
No. 3: Casio|FX-85GT PLUS PK Scientific Calculator|fx-85GT PLUS
No. 4: RENUS|2-Line Engineering Scientific Calculator
No. 5: Milan|Scientific Calculator|M 240
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