Electrical engineering involves a lot of complex equations and calculations. Doing them manually requires time and energy too. To make the calculations easier, one needs a device that can evaluate the problems in the shortest span of time.
It has become inevitable for engineering students to have an electronic calculator featured with most engineering functions. In this article, we will describe the top 5 best calculators that will fulfill the needs of those majoring in engineering.
Contents
Why choose an electronic calculator for the evaluation of engineering problems?
Unlike a basic calculator, an electronic calculator can outperform all the calculations of simpler to complex levels within the minimum possible time. There are certain specifications that an engineering student must check out before investing money in a device.
Things to Consider Before Buying Engineering Calculators
A scientific calculator that can tackle fractions, roots, logarithms, derivatives, integrals, polynomial solvers, statistical tools, matrix and vector calculations
- Ample memory or storage
- Simple key layout
- Rechargeable batteries
- Portability
- Durability
- Multiple-line Display or at least dual-line display
- Approved by standardized organizations
List of the Best Calculators for Electrical Engineering Students
1- TI NSPIRE CX II – Overall Best Engineering Calculator
It is one of the most powerful and vividly recommended tools for advanced-level calculations. Being a modified version the gadget contains advanced functions of statistics, math, algebra, and physics that are among the few areas of engineering.
The device is equipped with CAS functionality that can handle problems of complex nature easily. It also has the 3D graphing capability that allows its users to comprehend an equation graphically as well as numerically.
Key features
It comes with a high-resolution colour screen of 320 x 240 pixels which its predecessors lack.
The backlit display feature ensures that the user finds it convenient to use in dim light, especially during night hours.
Its rechargeable batteries keep its user away from the hassle of changing them every off and then.
The device is pre-loaded with a number of software including an vernier data quest application, six different styles of graphs with 15 different colors to differentiate one from another, lists, dynamic coefficient values and spreadsheets, interactive geometry, etc.
The computer algebra system or CAS allows you to insert and evaluate the equation in proper math notation.
The user can make notes, tick, or mark the points on graphs for better understanding.
The device is programmable so one can write code for a visual illustration of key concepts of STEM, math, and science.
The device is sleek and light-weighted. Its softer keypad makes it easier for the user to navigate through it.
Pros
- It is rechargeable.
- It is handy to use.
- It has a speedy processor.
Cons
- A bit expensive
2- Casio fx 115 es – Best Value Calculator
Casio is a well-known brand in the world of electronics. It always comes up with devices with upgraded systems and software. Likewise in the field of engineering, it offers a wide range of devices and FX 115 ES is one among them.
The unit is recommended by college and university teachers. It is an amazing device 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, calculus, and various other areas related to engineering. It has a huge display that helps users to view and review the data and the output on the same screen.
The natural textbook display in this calculator allows you to concentrate on your work by inserting the data in proper math notation.
Key features
It comes with a large display of 14
It has a two-way power source i-e solar and battery.
In order to prevent it from any damage, it has a protective slide case inside the box.
It is able to solve fractions, statistics, complex number calculations, basic arithmetic, linear regression, standard deviation, computer science, polar-rectangular conversions, matrix and vector calculations, numeric integration, and differentiation.
The device is also equipped with 40 scientific constants and 40 metric conversions.
The gadget is heat resistant.
Pros
- It is price friendly.
- It is easy to operate.
- It allows the user to review and modify the values, while in process.
Cons
- The device ends up with domain error or syntax error and has a limited capacity to solve complex numbers.
3- Casio FX-991EX Engineering/Scientific Calculator
It is one of the non-graphing scientific calculators on Casio’s products list. The article has all the amazing features including a high-resolution screen that displays comprehensive calculations on the same screen.
By using its online visualization tool one can generate its own QR code for a problem. The unit’s two-way power source ensures its long-term usage.
Key features
The product has a more speedy processor than its predecessors.
The QR code generation helps its users to immediately retrieve the solution to already solved problems.
An online visualization tool helps you to display and share the data collected with the entire class.
In order to perform for longer times, it has a two-way battery source. (solar and battery)
It has a sleek design which makes it much lighter.
The device has astounding performance working with vector inequalities, differentials, integrals, matrix calculation, trigonometry, calculus, algebra, maths, physics, and many others.
For middle and high school students it has enormous tools to evaluate problems like prime factorization, ratio, mean, median, and mode.
It is approved by the standard organization for various tests in which the graphing model is non-acceptable.
Pros
- The provision of QR functionality at such a nominal price is a prominent feature Casio offers.
- The high-resolution LCD displays the data in a more visible way.
- Its super speedy processor returns the output in less span of time.
Cons
- The device loses all its history after the power is turned off.
4- CASIO FX 300 ES plus 2 2nd Edition – Cheap Engineering Calculator for Students
If you are looking for a device that you can use in your standardized tests as well as for solving engineering problems, this one is the best device to go for. This calculator comes in the dimensions 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. It is pre-loaded with 262 general and advanced scientific built-in functions.
It can compute the problems of Algebra 1 and 2, calculus, integrals, derivatives, exponents, trigonometry, geometry, physics, statistics, and more.
Key features
It has a natural textbook display that previews fractions, integrals, and derivatives similar to those printed in books.
Instead of typical tiring menus, this one comes with a customer-oriented interface.
It previews a separate table for values of f(x) and g(x).
The device is the best tool for finding 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.
It can return a remainder while doing integer division.
One of its prominent functions is that you can review and edit the previous entries you inserted.
With its nine constants memories, you can store the constantly used formulas and avoid the hassle of entering them again.
The calculator is powered by solar as well as a battery backup to prevent any loss of data.
Pros
- It is durable.
- It is the cheapest device with commendable features.
- It has a user-friendly interface.
- It is powered by two-way batteries.
Cons
- Not many advanced function to expect
5- Texas Instruments TI-36X Pro Engineering – Reliable Option
Ti-36X Pro is loaded with enormous functions at such an economical price. This is an ideal calculator having multiple features to compute simpler to complex level calculations.
The unit is capable of solving problems of Algebra 1 and 2, Maths, chemistry, physics, calculus, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics.
It is also recommended for engineering classes as it can also handle integrals and derivatives. The multiple-view function is able to evaluate, compare, and display the results and inputs simultaneously.
To engage the students its math print view previews the inserted symbols as printed in the textbooks.
Key features
It can simplify and convert fractions into decimals and integers.
The unit is able to solve various equations up to three variables (polynomials, numeric equations, and system of linear equations).
The device proves to be an excellent problem solver for integrals, derivatives, statistical analysis, etc.
It can calculate angle units like radians, pie, and degrees.
It can also compute trigonometric equations. The matrix entry window helps you to insert matrices in proper notation and solve them in an easy way.
Pros
- It is price-friendly.
- It comes with a detailed how-to-use guide.
- It is handy to use.
Cons
- The buttons are a little bit hard to press.
6- HP35s Scientific Calculator
This calculator comes up with versatile features to solve engineering problems. The user can switch between RPN (Reverse Polish Notation mode) and Algebraic entry system logic mode.
The unit has enough memory of 30KB and independent memory to store up to 800 entries. It is powered by a single lithium metal battery. It is pre-loaded with 100 built-in functions. Its sleek design makes it handy to use, unlike its predecessors.
Key features
The unit comes in dimensions 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 centimeters, etc.
Like other scientific calculators, 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.
The unit has an ample two-line display that previews equations and their results on the same screen.
It also works amazingly for common and natural logarithms and evaluation of their inverse.
The unit is capable of solving statistical functions for up to two variables and three vector elements.
The device has navigation keys to easily move the cursor while inserting the entries.
Its alpha-numeric display allows you to enter algebraic values along with their variables.
The adjustable contrast option allows the user to fix the lighting of the screen as per the requirement of day and night light.
Pros
- It has a two-line display with adjustable contrast.
- It is equipped with multiple functions at a much cheaper price.
- It comes with a detailed how-to-use guide.
Cons
- The unit is powered by a battery source only.
- It does not include advanced functions like derivatives and integrals.
- It does not well work with complex numbers.
7- Sharp EL W516 XBSL 556 Advanced Scientific Calculator
Sharp is eminent for its electronic products. Whether you are a professional or a student of engineering, Sharp EL W556 XBSLS is a must-have to deal with engineering problems efficiently.
What makes it a favorite among the users is its remarkable features packed into a single device.
It is loaded with over 556 functions. It is recommended due to its maximum storage capacity, built-in problem solver, and seven different modes including normal, drill, complex, stat, list, matrix, and equation functions. Being weighed 3.6 pounds it is handy and easy to use anywhere.
Features
Its 556 pre-installed functions help you to solve problems in an easy way.
The math print view allows you to enter the formulas and equations in proper math format.
It operates on twin power i-e solar and battery.
It has almost nine memory locations that exempt the need to rewrite the equations over and over again.
Another important characteristic is its huge LCD. It has a four-line display which means a total of 16 characters can be displayed at a time.
It also enables one to compute problems relating to science, math, trigonometry, physics, chemistry Algebra 1 and 2, and calculus.
You can solve quadratic equations, cubic equations, and three-variable linear equations while using the different problem solvers it offers.
Pros
- A hard protective case inside the package prevents it from any physical loss.
- With its big LCD one needs not scroll the entries while solving an equation.
- It delivers fast calculations in less time.
- It comes at a user-friendly price.
Cons
- The keypad has a wobbly touch.
Conclusion
To conclude, all the above-mentioned products are best rated and approved by testing agencies. Each product is unique in its nature. Reading this article will help you choose the one that fulfils your need.
FAQs
Do I need a graphing or scientific calculator for engineering?
In order to solve engineering problems, you need not spend bucks on expensive models having advanced graphing technology. A scientific calculator will be sufficient to evaluate them as per your needs.
Which brand of calculator is mostly recommended for engineering students?
As a lot of brands exist in the market. However, Casio, Texas Instruments, and HP are the most famous among students. CX 911 and Ti-36x pro are the best units to go for.
Which calculators are approved for exams?
One must check the exam portal before buying a calculator. Different testing agencies have different sets of rules. However, scientific calculators that are non-programmable can be taken in the exam hall.
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.