10 Best Calculators 2025 in the United States

The HP Prime Graphing Calculator is a powerful tool designed for students and anyone needing advanced math capabilities. It features a bright 3.5-inch multi-touch color display, which makes viewing graphs and equations more interactive and easier to understand thanks to pinch-to-zoom and touch controls. This calculator stands out with its Computer Algebra System (CAS), allowing you to work symbolically with equations—something very useful for higher-level math like calculus and algebra. It's approved for major exams like the SAT, AP, and IB, making it suitable for high school and college use.

Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, it avoids the hassle of constantly replacing batteries, and its durable brushed metal design with a slide-on cover helps protect it during everyday use. The calculator also supports wireless connectivity and app integration, so teachers can interact with students during class and you can access calculator features on your phone or computer.

With 256 MB of memory, it can store many programs and data, which is great for creating customized calculations or saving exam setups. However, its advanced features and touchscreen might have a learning curve for beginners or those used to simpler calculators. It is also a bit heavier and larger compared to basic models, which might affect portability. The HP Prime is a feature-rich graphing calculator suited for students taking advanced math courses or exams, offering great display quality, strong functionality, and modern connectivity options, though it may take some time to get familiar with all its capabilities.

The HP Prime Graphing Calculator II is a high-performing and sleek device suitable for advanced mathematics and scientific computations. It is IB Diploma Programme exam approved, making it a reliable choice for students. The brushed metal design not only looks stylish but also comes with a slide-on cover for protection when not in use. The calculator features a large 3.5-inch multi-touch display, providing a user-friendly interface that's easy to navigate with its familiar HP alphanumeric keypad, which can be especially beneficial during complex calculations or exam settings. Additionally, the lithium-ion rechargeable battery ensures long-lasting use and is convenient as it eliminates the need for frequent battery replacements.

The calculator also boasts 256 MB of flash memory, which is ample for storing various functions and data. Another notable feature is its inclusion in the unique STEM ecosystem, compatible with the HP Prime Wireless Kit and HP Connectivity Kit, enhancing its versatility and connectivity options. On the downside, the product might be on the heavier side at 8 ounces and could feel bulky to some users. Given its range of advanced features, it may also come with a steeper learning curve for those not familiar with graphing calculators.

It’s a great tool for students and professionals who require extensive mathematical functionality and appreciate modern design, though it might be a bit overpowered for basic office use or casual needs.

The Sharp EL2196BL Standard Function Calculator is a reliable choice for users needing a printing calculator for everyday or moderate use. Its standout feature is the large 12-digit blue fluorescent display, which ensures numbers are easy to read. The calculator also includes useful functions such as tax keys, mark-up, rate, and grand total keys, which are ideal for business and office settings.

Additionally, it offers fast and reliable printing at 3.7 lines per second using replaceable Victor ink ribbons, providing clear and efficient printouts in black and red ink. The machine operates on AC power, which means you don’t have to worry about batteries running out during critical operations.

However, the calculator is on the heavier side, weighing around 4.2 pounds, and its dimensions make it somewhat bulky for smaller workspaces. Users looking for a portable or battery-operated option might find this model less suitable. The Sharp EL2196BL’s robust features, ease of use, and durability make it a good fit for professional environments where heavy-duty calculation and printing are required.