How to Pick the Right Calculator for High School Math
For most high school students, the answer is “TI-84 Plus CE” — it’s allowed on every standardized test and works for every math class through Calc BC. Here’s when other choices make sense.
Quick answer
Get a TI-84 Plus CE unless you have a specific reason not to. It’s allowed on the SAT, ACT, AP Calculus, AP Stats, and every state test. It works through college calculus. It holds resale value.
TI-84 Plus CE — the default
Pros: allowed everywhere, great battery life, learns fast, huge teacher familiarity. Cons: pricey ($120-150), slow compared to Desmos for graphing.
TI-Nspire CX II
Pros: more powerful (CAS version does algebra), faster, color screen, more like a real computer. Cons: $160+, learning curve, not allowed on ACT (Nspire CAS is banned).
Casio fx-9750GIII
Pros: cheaper ($55-65), allowed on every test. Cons: less common in classrooms, fewer YouTube tutorials, holds less resale value.
Desmos
Free. Browser-based. Built into the Digital SAT. Best graphing experience by far. Limitation: not allowed on the ACT or AP Calculus (you need a physical calculator there). Use Desmos for the SAT and homework; use a physical TI-84 for ACT and AP.
What’s allowed where
- Digital SAT: Desmos built into Bluebook + your own scientific or graphing calculator.
- ACT: Any calculator EXCEPT CAS-capable (no TI-Nspire CAS, no TI-89 Titanium).
- AP Calculus AB/BC: Approved graphing calculator (TI-84 Plus CE is the standard).
- AP Statistics: Same approved list.
Common mistakes
- Buying a TI-Nspire CAS without checking ACT rules.
- Relying only on Desmos and getting caught on the ACT without a physical calculator.
- Buying an old TI-84 without USB charging.