More students are choosing to study engineering, mathematics, and science. With this growing trend, there is more need for non programmable, hand-held calculators to help solve complex problems more quickly.
Since the need of each student differs, it is expected that their decision will differ.
In A Hurry? Here Are Our Top Picks...
While it is not always easy to identify the best non programmable calculators on the market, we have five models here that can be trusted. Rest assured that several factors have been taken into consideration while compiling the list.
The options are affordable, portable, efficient, and durable. The icing on the cake is the memory feature that they all process through, which you can keep track of previous calculations with in case you need to recall them.
Our Top Choices for the Best Non Programmable Calculator
1. HaoErzidd Basic Calculator for Office & Kids & Home & Students
It has all basic functions expected of a calculator with each function clearly labeled on the buttons. It is perfect for business offices where tabulating figures is a daily task. It is also recommended for students who will need it from time to time in their academics. It is stylish, available in three colors (purple, gray, and blue), and sleek to give you a portable and lightweight feel.
Even though it looks small, it actually features a ten-digit display. It is both battery powered as well as solar powered, ensuring that this calculator remains functional wherever you go. The user manual explains how to use the unit in simple steps and clearly labels each button to fit its corresponding function.
We appreciate the size (compact), the ultra-thin body (portable), and the design (available in three distinct and attractive colors). You will not just love these features but also appreciate how much this small calculator can help you achieve.
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With a wider LCD display at a high resolution, there is more room to display answers to advanced mathematical problems.
It even goes further by generating a QR code for the problem and immediately generating a graph that represents the answer. It is dual powered by batteries and solar, guaranteeing steady use wherever you go.
The design is sleek and ergonomic, giving your hands a firm grip and comfortable feel. It is lightweight, which can be a blessing as well as a disadvantage. It is a blessing in that it is easy to transport, and it is also sometimes a disadvantage, because you can easily forget it somewhere thinking it’s in your bag.
The buttons are clear to identify and touch, the answers are easy to read, and the unit comes with a user’s manual for beginners on what each key stands for.
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With a four-line display, this non programmable calculator from Texas Instruments is designed to handle more than one calculation at a single time, with all multiple calculations results showing on the screen. It is dual powered by battery and solar power.
If you’re a trigonometry student, you’ll likely need a calculator that can calculate fractional problems as well as angle units. With this unit, they can do all of this and much more. It actively combines the ability to solve statistical analysis with the ability to solve differential calculus and differentiation.
This calculator is ideal for high school students who are occasionally solving problems in biology, science, geometry, or mathematics.
Physically, it is a lightweight unit with an ergonomic design for your convenience. To protect your calculator, simply make use of the protective slide cover so it does not get damaged in the case of a fall or drop.
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If you have been following Casio’s scientific calculators in recent years, you’ll notice the new Natural Textbook Display that shows your mathematical expressions and symbols exactly the way they look in your textbooks.
This FX- 115ESPLUS is no different. With its advanced math functions, students learning physics, math, statistics, calculus, and engineering now have an excellent pocket helper.
Results are processed as fast as possible, the buttons are clearly labeled, and they are easy to use. It is solar powered, but it also has a battery included as a backup plan for more ease of use. A protective case is added for the added safety of the calculator in case it falls off a table or there is a spill.
The results are easily readable, because the LCD display features black ink. If you are unsure about what each button does, be sure to consult the user’s manual that comes with the package.
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Texas Instruments Ti-36x Pro Scientific Calculator, 16-Digit LCD
- Advanced scientific calculator is ideal for engineers, students and professionals.
- MultiView display allows you to view multiple calculations at the same time.
- MathPrint feature shows math expressions, symbols and stacked fractions as they appear in textbooks.
- Input data, scroll through entries and make edits like using a graphing calculator.
- Toggle key converts fractions and square roots into decimals and back.
This final non programmable calculator features a sleek design with a lightweight and ergonomic feel. Based on what it does, it is a perfect fit for junior high and high school students who are keen on science and engineering.
It allows you to perform and view multiple calculations at the same time, with the results mirroring your textbooks in terms of symbols and expressions. You can easily convert decimal numbers to fractions back and forth. Its four-line display makes for a clear display of symbols and numbers.
It is well equipped to handle more advanced mathematical problems like trigonometry, Calculus, statistics, and simple graphs. It also comes with an instruction book that explains how to use the calculator and what each button does.
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Buying Guide: Important Features That Matters
If you are shopping for a non programmable calculator, you face the challenge of buying one of good quality. To be sure that you have one of good quality, you must be sure of certain features. When you open an internet page advertising these types of calculators, don’t be pressured to buy the first product you see at the top of the page. Take time to go through the list and consider what your needs are. Here are some features you should be looking for:
Type: There are various types of calculators, but you’ll want the non programmable type. After confirming that it is the type you want, think about the size you need.
If your need warrants you to carry a calculator around more often, the handheld type will do. As an engineering contractor, a pocket-sized calculator is all you need. If you are a student and you only need a calculator at home, any size will do as long as other features are complete.
Function: A good calculator must be able to perform simple mathematical operations like addition, subtraction, division, and multiplications. In addition to these basic functions, they can also do simple currency exchange, percentage tabulations, taxation, and they must be able to recall history.
Since these are the basic functions you desire in a non programmable calculator, make sure they can perform these functions before paying for one. Don’t settle for less by accident -- some manufacturers promise various features that may not exist, so you should test them well before you pay.
Speed: If the calculator processes simple calculations fast, you will get things done quicker. The speed also comes into play when you have to enter a long series of numbers. The rate at which the speed is measured is lines per second, and this must range between one and a half lines per second to eight lines per second.
To also make sure that calculations are done fast, there are dedicated keys on the calculator that help to get a total figure without having to punch more keys. Such buttons include the square root key, the backspace key, the plus/minus key, and so on. These special keys are there to increase the speed of operation. Check for these special keys before buying any available model.
Display: Calculator displays come in three positions, these are “fixed,” “angled,” and “adjustable” positions. Many users find the first two easier to read, while others prefer the ones with adjustable display positions. You get to decide which suits you better.
You also need to consider the number of digits it allows on display. The greater the number of digits displayed, the better your calculator will be. Some modern calculators can display twelve digits. Take note of this feature when searching for the best non programmable calculator.
Price: Since the design and manufacturers of various non programmable calculators differ, it is expected that the price will vary. The complexity of some models may also make them a bit pricier than other models. However, most non programmable calculators are affordable, and with a careful and relaxed search, you will find just the right one that fits your budget.
Final Verdict
Many engineering students prefer non programmable calculators, because they tend to last longer than other types of calculators. You can use it for the duration of your academic programs. No wonder it is important to buy one of the best available. They are not just useful for academic performance but are also helpful for research and development.
If you are planning to take professional mathematics exams, you also need the non programmable type of calculator. While investing in a good calculator may not be easy, you should be sure to stay within your budget and requirements when making your choice.
