The Best Scientific Calculators
We compared five Texas Instruments scientific calculators on owner ratings, expert reviews, and specs. The TI-30XS MultiView is our top pick for its multi-line display and ease of use.
Updated
The bottom line
The TI-30XS MultiView is our top pick for a scientific calculator, thanks to its four-line display that allows for multiple calculations at once and its ease of use, backed by 40,137 owner ratings averaging 4.8 stars. The closest alternative is the TI-36X Pro, which offers similar functionality at a slightly higher price of $21.48. For a budget option, the TI-30Xa at $10.63 provides basic scientific functions with a 10-digit display, making it a good choice for those who don't need advanced features.
TI-30XS MultiView $12.81
Best for multi-line display and ease of use
The TI-30XS MultiView has a four-line display and user-friendly interface, priced at $12.81. With 40,137 owner ratings averaging 4.8 stars, users appreciate its functionality and clarity. The tradeoff is a slightly steeper learning curve for some users, but the benefits outweigh this for most.
Check price on Amazon
Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro $21.48
Great functionality for engineering and science
The TI-36X Pro has a multi-line display and textbook-like display for $21.48. It's approved for the FE Exam and has 23,008 owner ratings averaging 4.8 stars. The tradeoff is its higher price and lack of graphing capabilities, making it less versatile for some users.
Check price on Amazon
TI-30Xa Scientific Calculator $10.63
Affordable and reliable for basic calculations
The TI-30Xa provides essential scientific functions at $10.63, with 18,579 owner ratings averaging 4.7 stars. Its 10-digit display and ease of use make it a good budget option. The tradeoff is the lack of advanced features found in more expensive models.
Check price on AmazonThe field, ranked
- TI-30XS MultiView Best for multi-line display and ease of use 9.0/10 $12.81 Amazon
- Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro Great functionality for engineering and science 8.5/10 $21.48 Amazon
- TI-30Xa Scientific Calculator Affordable and reliable for basic calculations 8.0/10 $10.63 Amazon
- TI-30XIIS Scientific Calculator Good for high school math and science 7.5/10 $13.88 Amazon
- TI-34 MultiView Scientific Calculator Suitable for middle and high school math 7.0/10 $19.99 Amazon
Where the differences show up in daily use
The TI-30XS MultiView and TI-36X Pro both have multi-line displays, which are particularly useful for complex calculations and checking work. The TI-30Xa, while more basic, is praised for its simplicity and reliability, making it a favorite for users who need a straightforward tool for everyday calculations. The TI-30XIIS and TI-34 MultiView, though slightly less advanced, still provide essential functions and are well-suited for high school and middle school math, respectively.
What owners complain about after buying
Across the board, owners are generally satisfied with their purchases. However, some users of the TI-30XS MultiView and TI-36X Pro mention a learning curve when getting started. The TI-30Xa has received some feedback about the lack of a multi-line display, but most users find it sufficient for their needs. The TI-30XIIS and TI-34 MultiView have fewer complaints, indicating a high level of user satisfaction with these models.