Statistics is a subject that involves the analysis of collected data. It includes techniques used to collect data, review it, analyze it, and draw inferences from it.
The type of statistics and the formula used in solving problems differs according to the situation involved. As a field, statistics is not limited to math. It covers other fields like government, business, humanities, physical and social sciences, and psychology. Statistics is an unavoidable field of study.
As the processes involved in a statistical analysis get more technical and require many variables, the use of a calculator becomes increasingly unavoidable. A calculator can be likened to a personal assistant -- it helps you solve problems and arrive at solutions much faster.
For the statistics students, the calculator is a much-needed companion. Due to this, the best calculators for statistics will be reviewed in this article.
Getting Your Calculator
For statistics students, the calculator has proven to be an indispensable machine in their studies. The regular scientific calculator will not suffice, as it was not designed to carry out statistical functions like drawing graphs. Some students have had to resort to online statistics calculators, which are very functional but highly impractical for exam situations.
This review was compiled to help students in such situations find the perfect calculator.
Before we examine the calculators, let's consider some of the factors you should look out for in a calculator. Calculators come in various makes, designs, functions, and features -- to pick the one best suited for you, look out for the following factors:
Price
All statistical calculators are not priced the same. Their prices range from average to expensive and are dependent on certain factors. Some of them are the brand, features, and functionality. It is common knowledge that certain brands are priced higher than others and tend to include more features and functions. The more technical calculations a calculator can solve, the higher its price will be.
Ease of Use
Calculators are designed according to the level of expertise of the students. Certain calculators can be used by both entry-level students and college students alike, while others are designed for a single use. When buying a calculator, it is best to go for the best suited to your present level of expertise.
Durability
How durable do you want your prospective calculator to be? Its durability is dependent on the materials used in its production. The battery and the features also contribute to durability.
Portability
Is your prospective calculator easy to carry around to your different classes or anywhere else you need it to be? Portability refers to how easy it is to transport and use a calculator. When in use, is the calculator easy to handle or would you need to bring in reinforcements to use it? Some calculators are quite small and fit perfectly into the palm when in use.
Statistical Calculator Guide
You should take the factors listed above into account while reading this guide in order to choose the best calculator for you. Here are some great options to consider:
1. The TI-30X IIS Instruments-Fundamental-Scientific-Calculator-Statistics
The TI-30XIIS is a solar and battery powered calculator with a two-line display. This means that you can enter your work on one line and see the answer on another line, while your work remains visible. In the event of a mistake in computing, you can easily go back and make the necessary corrections to your problems.
This calculator combines the functions of statistics and of an advanced scientific calculator. It performs advanced scientific functions, and its settings can be customized to fit your calculations. It is suitable for both high school mathematics and science.
This calculator is also suitable for general mathematics, pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, statistics, and general science. It is approved for use in examinations.
Specifications
Key Features
Pros
Cons
RENUS 2 Packs, 2-Line Engineering Scientific Calculator Function Calculator for Student and Teacher 4 AAA Batteries Included
- RENUS Professional grade scientific calculator,Easily handles 1 and 2 variable statistical calculations, three angle modes(degrees,radians, and grads), and scientific/engineering notation modes,Perfect for High School and College math.
- Calculation records can be read ,it will reduce double-counting and improve working efficiency.
- 2-line,12-digit widescreen HD display support superscripts function,Facilitate our calculations
- AAA battery replaces button batteries,If you need to replace the batterys, just open the battery cover on the back without any tools.(batteries include)
- Ergonomically designed hard sliding cover can protects the calculator and also provide a comfortable grip
This is an advanced scientific calculator with a two-line display, a large screen, 240 functions, and a replay function. It is suitable for students and professionals in mathematics, science, algebra, trigonometry, statistics, and engineering. It comes in three modes: COMP (Basic Arithmetic Calculations), SD (Standard Deviation), and REG (Regression).
It has proven to be a reliable assistant for students and can increase their efficiency and accuracy. It keeps records of calculations, which helps reduce errors and improve the efficiency of students. Its twelve-digit wide screen supports the superscripts function and makes calculating easier.
It uses AAA batteries, which are quite solid, durable, and easily replaced. It has a hard sliding cover that serves as a cover for the calculator and provides a comfortable grip. It is programmed to automatically shut off after five minutes of inactivity.
Specifications
Key Features
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Cons
This is an improved version of an older LED calculator, the TI-55. The TI-55 is a programmable calculator that was first manufactured in 1977. Its production was later discontinued due to a fault in its keyboard. The keyboard was unable to respond to touch, and at other times it overcompensated for that lapse by bouncing around when touched, giving different values.
The TI-55 II with LCD was introduced in 1981. It is a programmable calculator with a diagonal display and an attractive appearance. It is a thorough scientific calculator with many statistical functions marked in red on the keyboard. It can perform numerical conversions and integrals. This calculator has eighty functions, forty-five keys, and an LCD screen. It uses 2xLR44 batteries.
If the calculator stops working, you should try replacing the 2xLR44 batteries. If that does not work, you should go for a more modern model of the calculator.
Specifications
Pros
Cons
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus - Teacher Pack - Set of 10
- 10 calculators
- Includes usb cables and batteries
This is a graphing calculator suitable for pre-algebra, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, statistics, biology, business, and finance. It is a TI-84 Plus -- EZ spot calculators are specifically designed for school purchase. It uses four AAA batteries to power it.
This graphing calculator comes with more than a dozen preloaded apps. It is highly functional with interactive media. It encourages the exploration of geometry, inequality graphing, and real-world data collection and analysis. This calculator is suitable for students from middle school through college.
The TI-84 Plus EZ spot calculator is approved for the SAT, PSAT, NMSQT, ACT, AP, IB, and Praxis exams.
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The TI-36 Pro is an advanced four-line display scientific calculator. It is highly functional and can perform high-level math and science problems. It is perfect for students of computer science and engineering for whom graphing calculators are prohibited.
It is also suitable for algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, biology, chemistry, physics, college mathematics, sciences, and engineering. The calculator is suitable for students of every level.
This calculator is solar powered and combines statistical analysis, boolean logic operations, and unit conversions. Its ability to perform fractional equations and calculate angle units makes it an appealing choice to many students. It's English to metric conversions are also quite helpful.
Specifications
Key Features
Pros
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Conclusion
Above are some of the best calculators for statistics. They come at varying prices. If you do happen to be on a tight budget, there’s no need to worry. Some, like the TI-36X Pro, offer great functionality at a good price.
While it is good to go for statistical calculators, it is also advisable to go for the one recommended by your teacher. This is advisable because some teachers tailor their classes to the type of calculator being used. If you use a calculator of a different make, it might not be easy to follow the class. Follow one of the links above to find the best calculator for you.
