Many electrical engineers rely on calculators to simplify their workload. I’ve asked many electrical engineering students about the calculator they prefer, and most of them replied with the TI NSPIRE CX II and TI-36X Pro. These best engineering calculators boast advanced features like symbolic manipulation and robust graphing capabilities, which are invaluable for tackling the complexities of electrical engineering coursework.
Engineers often prioritize calculators with spacious displays and ergonomic key layouts, as these enhance efficiency during calculations and problem-solving tasks
List of the Best Graphing Calculators for Electrical Engineering Students
After extensive testing across various brands like Texas Instruments, Casio, Sharp, and HP, these are the calculators I’ve found useful for engineering students.
1- TI NSPIRE CX II – Editor’s Pick
The TI NSPIRE CX II is one of the most powerful calculators for engineers. This calculator can solve advanced functions of Statistics, Math, Algebra, and Physics.
The calculator is equipped with CAS functionality to solve problems of complex nature. It also has the 3D graphing capability that allows users to comprehend an equation graphically.
Key Features
The TI NSPIRE CX II calculator is sleek and light-weighted. Its softer keypad makes it easier for the user to navigate through it.
It comes with a high-resolution colour screen of 320 x 240 pixels which its predecessors lack.
The backlit display makes it easier to use this calculator in dim light, especially during night hours.
The TI NSPIRE CX II comes with rechargeable batteries, so you don’t need to worry about replacing the batteries anytime soon.
The device is pre-loaded with useful features like the vernier data quest application, six different styles of graphs with 15 different colours to differentiate one from another, lists, dynamic coefficient values and spreadsheets, interactive geometry, etc.
The Computer Algebra System also known as CAS on this calculator allows you to insert and evaluate the equation in proper math notation.
The user can make notes, tick, or mark the points on graphs on this calculator. The device is programmable, which makes it useful for engineering students to work with STEM, math, and science.
Pros
- Rechargeable.
- Handy to use.
- Speedy processor.
Cons
- Expensive
2- Casio FX 115 ES – Best Value Calculator for Engineers
Casio is a well-known brand in the world of electronics. Casio calculators are most popular among students in engineering universities.
The Casio FX 115 ES calculator is loaded with almost 280 built-in functions. Its natural textbook display is what makes it most familiar among students. It has an easy user interface.
This calculator can evaluate problems related to Algebra, Math, Trigonometry, and Calculus.
The Casio FX 115 ES has a huge display, which makes it easier for students to review the data and the output next to each other.
The natural textbook display in this calculator allows you to concentrate on your work by inserting the data in proper math notation.
Key Features
The Casio FX 115 ES has a two-way power source i-e solar and battery. So, you don’t have to worry about battery running out while solving complex calculations.
This graphing calculator can easily solve Fractions, Statistics, Complex number calculations, Basic arithmetic, Linear regression, Standard deviation, Computer Science, Polar-rectangular conversions, Matrix and Vector calculations, and Differentiation equations related to the subject of engineering.
Pros
- Price friendly.
- Easy to operate.
- Allows the user to review and modify the values, while in process.
Cons
- Ends up with syntax errors in some calculations.
3- Casio FX-991EX – Best Engineering/Scientific Calculator
The Casio FX-991EX is the best non-graphing scientific calculator on our list. This calculator has all the needed features including a high-resolution screen for solving comprehensive calculations.
You can use the online visualization tool in this calculator to generate its own QR code for a problem. The unit’s two-way power source ensures its long-term usage.
Key Features
Casio FX-991EX has a sleek design which makes it much lighter.
This calculator has a more speedy processor than its predecessors.
An online visualization tool helps you to display and share the data collected with the entire engineering class.
To perform for longer times, it has a two-way battery source. (solar and battery)
The device has astounding performance working with vector inequalities, differentials, integrals, matrix calculation, trigonometry, calculus, algebra, maths, physics, and many others.
Pros
- QR functionality.
- High-resolution LCD.
- Faster process.
Cons
- The device loses all its history after the power is turned off.
4- CASIO FX 300 ES Plus (2nd Edition) – Best Cheap Engineering Calculator
The CASIO FX 300 ES Plus (2nd Edition) is the most budgeted calculator for solving complex engineering equations.
The CASIO FX 300 ES Plus 2nd Edition calculator has a dimension of W 3 1/8 x L 6 3/8 x H 1/2 inches. With its sleek and handy design, it weighs 6.1oz. The calculator is pre-loaded with 262 general and advanced scientific built-in functions
This calculator can compute the problems of Algebra 1 and 2, Calculus, Integrals, Derivatives, Exponents, Trigonometry, Geometry, Physics, Statistics, and related engineering subjects.
Key Features
The CASIO FX 300 ES Plus 2nd Edition has a natural textbook display that previews fractions, integrals, and derivatives similar to those printed in books.
Instead of typical tiring menus, this calculator comes with a customer-oriented interface.
It previews a separate table for values of f(x) and g(x). This calculator is ideal for solving linear regression and other statistical problems.
It can outperform the problems of GCD (greatest common divisor) and LCM (least common multiple)
The calculator is enabled to convert fractions into decimals and decimals into fractions.
One of the prominent functions of this calculator is that you can review and edit the previous entries you inserted.
With its nine constant memories, the CASIO FX 300 ES Plus 2nd Edition calculator can store the constantly used formulas and avoid the hassle of entering them again.
The calculator is powered by solar and a battery backup.
Pros
- Durable.
- Cheap.
- User-friendly interface.
- Two-way power backup.
Cons
- Non-graphing
5- Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro Engineering – A Highly-Recommended Calculator for Electrical Engineering Students
Ti-36X Pro is loaded with enormous functions at such an economical price. The TI-36X Pro has multiple features to compute simpler to complex-level calculations of engineering.
The TI-36X Pro is the most preferred option among students from India and other Asian countries. The multiple-view function on this calculator can evaluate, compare, and display the results and inputs simultaneously.
For better engagement, the Math Print View previews the inserted symbols as printed in the textbooks.
Key Features
The TI-36X Pro can simplify and convert fractions into decimals and integers. The calculator can solve various equations up to three variables (polynomials, numeric equations, and system of linear equations).
The TI-36X Pro is a reliable calculator for engineering students dealing with integrals, derivatives, statistical analysis, etc.
The TI-36X Pro can calculate angle units like radians, pie, and degrees. It can also compute trigonometric equations.
The Matrix Entry Window on this calculator allows you to insert matrices in proper notation and easily solve them.
Pros
- Value for the money.
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Great for solving complex engineering equations.
Cons
- The buttons on this calculator are a little hard to press.
6- HP35S – Best HP Calculator for Science Students
The HP35S calculator comes with versatile features to solve engineering problems. This calculator allows the users to switch between RPN (Reverse Polish Notation mode) and Algebraic entry system logic mode.
The HP35s is packed with 30KB of physical memory to store up to 800 entries. This calculator is powered by a single lithium metal battery, which I believe is sufficient to last till you graduate from the engineering university.
Moreover, the HP35S is pre-loaded with 100 built-in functions. Its sleek design makes it handy to use, unlike its predecessors.
Key Features
The HP35S has a dimension of 3.23 x 0.71 x 6.22 inches. It has a built-in conversion feature to convert different units like pounds to kilograms, Celsius to Fahrenheit, meters to centimetres, etc.
Like other scientific calculators for engineering, multiple functions have been assigned to a single key. For instance, a single key can perform trigonometric functions along with its inverse and square roots, etc.
This calculator has an ample two-line display for previewing equations and their results on the same screen.
It also works amazingly for common and natural logarithms and evaluation of their inverse.
Moreover, HP35S can easily solve statistical functions for up to two variables and three vector elements.
HP has made navigation easier in this calculator by inserting dedicated keys for moving the cursor around the screen.
The alpha-numeric display on HP35S allows you to enter algebraic values and their variables for solving engineering equations.
The screen on the HP35S calculator comes with a contrast option that allows the user to fix the lighting according to day or night.
Pros
- Two-line display with adjustable contrast.
- Multiple functions.
- Comes with a detailed how-to-use guide.
Cons
- Single battery source only.
- Does not include advanced functions like derivatives and integrals.
- Does not work that well with complex numbers.
7- Sharp EL W516 XBSL 556 – Advanced Scientific Calculator for Engineers
Sharp is well-known for producing high-quality scientific calculators. The Sharp EL W516 XBSL 556 is a must-have calculator for science students. This calculator brings a lot of features to your study table for an affordable price.
Sharp EL W516 XBSL 556 is loaded with over 556 functions. It is highly recommended for engineering students due to its maximum storage capacity, built-in problem solver, and seven modes )including normal, drill, complex, stat, list, matrix, and equation functions).
Weighing around 3.6 pounds, you can carry this calculator anywhere around your engineering university.
Key Features
Sharp EL W516 XBSL 556 has 556 pre-installed functions to solve the toughest engineering equations.
The Math Print View on this calculator allows you to enter the formulas and equations in proper math format.
This device operates on twin power i-e solar and battery. It has almost nine memory locations that exempt the need to rewrite the equations.
Another important feature of the Sharp EL W516 XBSL 556 calculator is its huge LCD. It has a four-line display, a total of 16 characters can be displayed on the screen at a time.
You can solve quadratic equations, cubic equations, and three-variable linear equations on this calculator.
Pros
- A hard protective case inside the package prevents it from any physical loss.
- Big LCD to display up to 16 characters.
- Delivers fast calculations in less time.
- Comes at a user-friendly price.
Cons
- Spongy keyboard.
Verdict – Which One to Go With
I asked electrical engineering students from different universities in India and asked about the calculators they use the most. Most students voted for the TI NSPIRE CX II and TI-36X Pro, along with Casio FX 115 ES. Most students replied that these calculators have all the essential features one would need throughout his/her engineering career.
If we keep Texas Instruments (TI) on one side, then Casio is the most popular calculator brand in Asian countries like India and Pakistan. Therefore, science students from Asian countries prefer going with Casio rather than Texas Instruments.
The CASIO FX 300 ES Plus 2nd Edition is the cheapest option on our list. Although you will have to sacrifice for advanced features found on premium tier calculators, the FX 300 ES Plus 2nd Edition would still be enough for doing calculations if you are an undergraduate engineering student.
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Sheema Ahmed is a passionate writer and educator, specializing in crafting content tailored for individuals preparing for challenging exams such as CSS, SAT, and ACT. Born with a fervour for education, Sheema’s journey began at Hazara University, where she graduated with distinction, solidifying her commitment to academic excellence.