Calculators: Basic, scientific, graphing and financial

Study Zone Institute January 11, 2024 Technology

Calculators have become a part of everyday life, to the point that every single cellular phone from its early days came with a preinstalled calculator app. Just as with every other indispensable tool, there are different types, used in different use cases.

From basic arithmetic to intricate scientific or financial calculations, calculators are as varied as the uses that they facilitate.

In this article, we’ll explore four fundamental types of calculators—basic, scientific, graphing, and financial—and delve into their distinct features and common uses in different professional, educational, and everyday settings. Here are four types of calculators and their common uses.

4 Types of calculators

Basic calculators

Basic calculators are simple, pocket-sized devices used for basic arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and sometimes square root calculations.

They’re commonly used in everyday situations for quick calculations.

Scientific calculators

Scientific calculators are more advanced than basic ones and are designed for students, engineers, scientists, and professionals who need to perform complex mathematical, engineering, or scientific calculations.

They can handle trigonometric functions, logarithms, exponentials, statistical functions, and more.

For parents looking for an edge.

Your child shouldn’t miss out. LiteracyPlanet is designed to improve English literacy skills for each individual student. So this program is for your child too!

LiteracyPlanet is perfect for 5-15 years olds who are:

Homeschooled students, or
Students attending mainstream school needing extension work

Start your free trial

Graphing calculators

Graphing calculators are typically used in high school and university-level math and science courses.

They can graph functions, solve equations, perform statistical analysis, and often have more memory and processing power than basic or scientific ones.

They are commonly used in subjects like algebra, calculus, physics, and chemistry.

Financial calculators

Financial calculators are designed specifically for finance professionals, students, and individuals dealing with complex financial calculations.

They can calculate things like interest rates, loan payments, cash flows, bond prices, and various financial equations.

These are commonly used in banking, accounting, investment analysis, and other financial fields.

Each type of calculator serves specific purposes and caters to different user needs, ranging from basic arithmetic to complex scientific or financial calculations.