The Best Financial and Business Office Calculators
We compared six financial calculators on owner ratings, expert reviews, and specs. The Texas Instruments BA II Plus Financial Calculator is our top pick for its balance of features, price, and user satisfaction.
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The bottom line
The Texas Instruments BA II Plus Financial Calculator (B00000JZKB) is our top pick for its strong user ratings, exam approval, and straightforward financial functions. It's priced at $36.99 and has a high aggregate owner rating of 9.2/10 from 22615 ratings. The closest alternative is the HP 10bII+ Financial Calculator (B00IELXG44), which is slightly cheaper at $29.28 and has a high owner rating of 9.4/10 from 275 ratings, but it lacks some advanced functions. There is no distinct budget pick as the price differences are minimal and all options offer good value.
BA II Plus Financial Calculator $36.99
Best balance of features and price
The BA II Plus Financial Calculator has advanced financial functions, is approved for several professional exams, and has a long battery life. Priced at $36.99, it has a high aggregate owner rating of 9.2/10 from 22615 ratings. The tradeoff is that it may not be as intuitive for some users.
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HP 10bII+ Financial Calculator $29.28
Great value with intuitive design
The HP 10bII+ Financial Calculator is slightly cheaper at $29.28 and has a high owner rating of 9.4/10 from 275 ratings. It offers over 100 built-in functions and an intuitive layout. The tradeoff is that it lacks some advanced functions compared to the BA II Plus.
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- BA II Plus Financial Calculator Best balance of features, price, and user satisfaction. 9.0/10 $36.99 Amazon
- HP 10bII+ Financial Calculator Great value with intuitive design, slightly fewer advanced functions. 8.5/10 $29.28 Amazon
- HP 12C Financial Calculator Industry standard with programmable functions, higher price. 8.0/10 $49.99 Amazon
- BA II Plus Professional Financial Calculator Good functionality with some usability issues, mid-range price. 7.5/10 $34.95 Amazon
- CATIGA Financial Calculator Business Analyst Master Professional-grade with advanced functions, mid-range price. 7.0/10 $37.99 Amazon
- HP 10bII+ Financial Calculator Versatile with travel case, but fewer ratings and less advanced functions. 6.5/10 $37.99 Amazon
Who should buy which
Students and professionals preparing for exams like CFA, FRM, and CMA should consider the BA II Plus Financial Calculator for its exam approval and advanced functions. Those looking for a more intuitive design and slightly lower price should opt for the HP 10bII+. Users needing programmable functions and willing to pay a premium should choose the HP 12C.
Common complaints
Some users find the BA II Plus and BA II Plus Professional less intuitive due to their order of operations and key press requirements. The HP 12C, while highly regarded, requires users to adapt to its RPN entry method.
Also-rans
The BA II Plus Professional and CATIGA Financial Calculator did not earn picks due to specific usability issues and lower overall ratings, respectively. The HP 10bII+ (B0FSX7DVK8) has fewer ratings and less advanced functions compared to the top picks.